![]() ![]() Still, they had more freedom than other women of their era. Viking girls got hitched as young as 12 and had to mind the household while their husbands sailed off on adventures. These “thralls,” as they were known, were then sold in giant slave markets across Europe and the Middle East. They would capture and enslave women and young men while pillaging Anglo-Saxon, Celtic and Slavic settlements. Many Vikings got rich off human trafficking. Distinguished raiders and prominent women were often laid to rest in ships, surrounded by weapons, valuable goods and sometimes even sacrificed slaves. In the Norse religion, valiant warriors entered festive and glorious realms after death, and it was thought that the vessels that served them well in life would help them reach their final destinations. There’s no denying Vikings loved their boats-so much that it was a great honor to be interred in one. The sodium nitrate found in urine would allow the material to smolder rather than burn, so Vikings could take fire with them on the go. ![]() They would collect a fungus called touchwood from tree bark and boil it for several days in urine before pounding it into something akin to felt. Vikings used a unique liquid to start fires.Ĭlean freaks though they were, the Vikings had no qualms about harnessing the power of one human waste product. Vikings also bathed at least once a week-much more frequently than other Europeans of their day-and enjoyed dips in natural hot springs. Excavations of Viking sites have turned up tweezers, razors, combs and ear cleaners made from animal bones and antlers. Vikings were known for their excellent hygiene.īetween rowing boats and decapitating enemies, Viking men must have stunk to high Valhalla, right? Quite the opposite. Long before the Vikings’ time, Norse and Germanic priests did indeed wear horned helmets for ceremonial purposes. ![]() Painters seem to have fabricated the trend during the 19th century, perhaps inspired by descriptions of northern Europeans by ancient Greek and Roman chroniclers. Sure, the pugnacious Norsemen probably sported headgear, but that whole horn-festooned helmet look? Depictions dating from the Viking age don’t show it, and the only authentic Viking helmet ever discovered is decidedly horn-free. Forget almost every Viking warrior costume you’ve ever seen. ![]()
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