The Vikings are here. The Museum of Nature and Science in Denver has a special exhibit on the The Vikings.
Let’s learn about the Vikings
Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck went to this exhibit. We learned and saw so much. We actually went twice. It really is good. Who are the Vikings? The people that lived across Scandinavia were not a unified group. There were warriors, explorers and merchants, but most were farmers. The word Viking was used for an activity. Someone was out on a “viking.” That could be a commercial trip or a raid. Much jewelry was on display.
Jewelry
Different styles seemed to be from different regions. Also many items were brought back from raids or commercial trips. These items are from afar.
From many places
The cross has Irish origins, the cowrie shells are from the Red Sea while the red and white beads are from the Black Sea area. The ladle was used during church ceremonies. As we mentioned most people were farmers and this pig, or boar, was a great source of meat.
Boar living on a farm
These people seemed to care about personal appearance, as these grooming items were found.
Grooming items
Many items were found in graves.
Buried with important items
A male was buried with these favorite items. The Scandinavia area has very cold winters. Early ice skates were functional, but much different than those we use today.
Early ice skates
Here is what was found in the tomb of a warrior in Birka.
Preparing for battle
Some people were buried with amulets.
Amulets
Amulets guaranteed the gods’ protection. Runes were iconic symbols from the Viking age.
Rune tells a story
This one tells a story.
The story
The Vikings expanded their world. Some wooden figures were brought back.
Brought home
There was much silver.
Silver
Some from raids and some was payment for traded goods. Much silver was melted for jewelry. Some was kept for local purchases. Many merchants had scales so pieces of silver were broken off bracelets or other jewelry for payment. This is a reconstruction of a small Viking boat.
Smaller Viking boat
After leaving this exhibit, this reproduction of another Viking ship caught our attention.
Viking ship
This exhibit will be at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science from March 10 through August 13, 2017. We hope you see it here or when it comes to your city.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 
Such an informative post. I have always thought of the Vikings as very tough. It would be a display I would love to see. In Canada our schools do cover Viking history. When the Vikings did expand their territory they landed in what is now my country of Canada! 🙂
Hope this display comes to a museum near you. We really enjoyed it. Even went back a second time. There was so much information and exhibits. We learn a little about the Vikings in school, but not enough. We were taught that Leif Ericsson landed in Canada, but the Vikings did not establish a permanent settlement. There is so much that we do not know, but this display was really well done. Thanks for reading and commenting.
We saw a similar exhibition about the Vikings in Falmouth. It was so interesting.
We really enjoyed this exhibit. Twice! Glad you saw one also. Thanks for reading and commenting.