1. Who were the Vikings?
A. Merchants of Central Asia
B. Nomads from Mongolia
C. Seafarers from Scandinavia
D. Farmers of Mesopotamia
Answer: C. Seafarers from Scandinavia
Explanation: The Vikings originated from Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) and were known for their seafaring, trading, and raiding activities during the Viking Age (c. 793\u20131066 CE).
2. What is the term “Viking” derived from?
A. A Norse god
B. An Old Norse word for “trade”
C. An Old Norse word for “pirate raid”
D. A Scandinavian village name
Answer: C. An Old Norse word for “pirate raid”
Explanation: The term “Viking” is derived from the Old Norse word “v\u00edkingr,” which refers to a pirate or raider, reflecting their reputation for raiding coastal settlements.
3. What was the primary purpose of Viking longships?
A. Agricultural activities
B. Maritime trade and raids
C. Building fortifications
D. Religious ceremonies
Answer: B. Maritime trade and raids
Explanation: Viking longships were designed for speed, flexibility, and navigating both open seas and rivers, making them ideal for trade, exploration, and raiding.
4. Which year marks the start of the Viking Age?
A. 793 CE
B. 500 CE
C. 1066 CE
D. 1200 CE
Answer: A. 793 CE
Explanation: The Viking Age is generally considered to have started with the raid on the monastery of Lindisfarne in 793 CE.
5. What region is considered the homeland of the Vikings?
A. Central Europe
B. Scandinavia
C. Eastern Asia
D. Mediterranean
Answer: B. Scandinavia
Explanation: Scandinavia, encompassing modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, was the homeland of the Vikings.
6. Which of the following was NOT a Viking settlement?
A. Dublin
B. York
C. Paris
D. Reykjavik
Answer: C. Paris
Explanation: While Vikings raided Paris, they did not establish it as a settlement. Dublin, York, and Reykjavik were notable Viking settlements.
7. What was the primary religion of the Vikings before Christianization?
A. Zoroastrianism
B. Norse paganism
C. Buddhism
D. Islam
Answer: B. Norse paganism
Explanation: The Vikings practiced Norse paganism, worshiping gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja, until they gradually converted to Christianity.
8. What was the “Thing” in Viking society?
A. A type of ship
B. A weapon used in battles
C. An assembly or governing council
D. A religious artifact
Answer: C. An assembly or governing council
Explanation: The “Thing” was an assembly where free men gathered to make laws, settle disputes, and govern their communities.
9. Who was Leif Erikson?
A. A Viking trader
B. The first Viking king of England
C. An explorer who reached North America
D. A Norse god
Answer: C. An explorer who reached North America
Explanation: Leif Erikson was a Viking explorer who is believed to have reached North America (Vinland) around 1000 CE, centuries before Columbus.
10. Which material was commonly used for Viking helmets?
A. Steel
B. Leather and iron
C. Bronze
D. Gold
Answer: B. Leather and iron
Explanation: Viking helmets were typically made of leather reinforced with iron. The popular image of horned helmets is a myth.
11. What is the “Danelaw”?
A. A Viking weapon
B. A territory under Viking rule in England
C. A Viking trading port
D. A Norse religious practice
Answer: B. A territory under Viking rule in England
Explanation: The Danelaw refers to parts of England under Viking control, governed by their laws and customs.
12. What was a “Jarl” in Viking society?
A. A Viking ship
B. A Norse warrior
C. A nobleman or chieftain
D. A type of Norse god
Answer: C. A nobleman or chieftain
Explanation: A Jarl was a nobleman or chieftain in Viking society, often leading warriors and overseeing territories.
13. Which Viking warrior is known for her legendary exploits?
A. Lagertha
B. Gudrid Thorbjarnard\u00f3ttir
C. Freyja
D. Helga
Answer: A. Lagertha
Explanation: Lagertha is a legendary Viking shieldmaiden celebrated in Norse sagas for her bravery and combat skills.
14. What role did Odin play in Viking mythology?
A. God of the sea
B. God of war and wisdom
C. God of harvest
D. God of love
Answer: B. God of war and wisdom
Explanation: Odin was a central figure in Norse mythology, associated with war, wisdom, poetry, and death.
15. Where did the Vikings establish a settlement in North America?
A. Newfoundland
B. Greenland
C. Iceland
D. Maine
Answer: A. Newfoundland
Explanation: The Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, established a settlement at L\u2019Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada.
16. What is a “saga” in the context of Viking culture?
A. A religious ritual
B. A longship design
C. A story or historical account
D. A type of weapon
Answer: C. A story or historical account
Explanation: Sagas are prose narratives from the Viking Age that recount heroic tales, historical events, and family histories.
17. What led to the decline of the Viking Age?
A. Climate change
B. Increased resistance from other regions
C. Christianization of Scandinavia
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: A combination of factors, including climate change, stronger defenses in Europe, and the spread of Christianity, contributed to the end of the Viking Age.
18. What was the “Varangian Guard”?
A. A Norse shipbuilding technique
B. Elite Viking warriors serving the Byzantine Empire
C. A religious sect of Vikings
D. A Viking trading network
Answer: B. Elite Viking warriors serving the Byzantine Empire
Explanation: The Varangian Guard consisted of Viking mercenaries who served as the personal bodyguards of Byzantine emperors.
19. Which Viking leader founded the Duchy of Normandy?
A. Rollo
B. Ragnar Lothbrok
C. Harald Hardrada
D. Erik the Red
Answer: A. Rollo
Explanation: Rollo, a Viking leader, was granted land in northern France, which became Normandy, in exchange for his loyalty to the French king.
20. Which written script did the Vikings use?
A. Cyrillic
B. Latin
C. Runes
D. Greek
Answer: C. Runes
Explanation: The Vikings used runes, an alphabet derived from the older Germanic runic script, for inscriptions and communication.
