40+ Amazing Facts About What Hygiene Was Like For The Vikings

Published on 10/22/2023
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Some became elite bodyguards

The Vikings had some unique possibilities because of their reputation as tough, competent combatants across the world. As a result, several of them ended up serving as bodyguards for prominent individuals, including national leaders. The Varangian Guard is the most famous example of this. Until the fourteenth century, an elite group of knowledgeable and valiant Vikings guarded the Byzantine emperors for many hundred years. What an interesting fate it would be if we could read the journal of one such bodyguard!
Some Became Elite Bodyguards

Some Became Elite Bodyguards

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They probably settled in America before Columbus

As we’ve already said, Vikings sailed far and wide, plundering and trading their way around the globe. They probably arrived in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus, and this is backed by evidence. Since 2010, several Viking sites have been found using satellite images, one of which being L’Anse aux Meadows in Canada. One of particular significance was uncovered in Newfoundland, where excavations turned up an iron hearth and grass walls. Both are powerful proof of Viking activity.

They Probably Settled In America Before Columbus

They Probably Settled In America Before Columbus

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