1. The Plan… Today: The Vikings – Brief introduction & then you have another project

2. The Vikings Easter Sunday 855 CE a Viking force attacked and plundered Paris – known as Sea Raiders – this attack was far from the sea, and struck at the very heart of Charlemagne’s old empire. France was far from being the Viking’s only target, they were everywhere…

3. Conquers on a wide scale Viking war parties devastated numerous regions in Europe: – Low Countries (modern Netherlands and Belgium) – Ireland – England – Areas around Mediterranean Sea: Spain & Italy – Sailed down the great rivers of Russia all the way to Constantinople

4. Why they came… The Vikings came to Europe with one goal in mind… – Looking for “plunder and glory” Travelled by long ships which allowed them to strike without warning and disappear quickly without any opposition from those who they attacked – The raiding forces ranged from the crew of a single ship to large fleets of a hundred ships or more. Charlemagne’s era of peace was a forgotten lifestyle in Europe… Before you begin, a quick video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AVnKI7UZds