How Did The Vikings Influence American Culture

Vikings: (700 - 1750) Vikings were Norsemen, native to Scandinavia, who participated in the raids along the Atlantic European coast. By 982, the Vikings had colonies in Iceland and Greenland; 19 years later they established one on Newfoundland. Both times, they were the first. They took advantage of Europe’s political fragmentation, but eventually converted to Christianity. They settled in the lands they’d raided, assimilating with natives, introducing new ship and farming technology, and their elements of language and vocabulary that can be found in their extensive celebratory literature.

Normans: (911 - 1750) The Normans formed alongside Viking settlers. They spread across Europe through conquests, at one point encompassing England, Sicily,

In the first century AD, they’d sailed to India, and by the sixth century they’d colonized Madagascar. Their language has been adapted extensively and there are around 1000 dialects.

Huns: (370 - 455) The Huns were Mongolian nomadic horsemen, who were early threats to China. By the late fourth century they’d appeared in Southeastern Europe, where they contributed to the fall of Rome. They eventually conquered the North Black Sea area, and by the 400’s they’d gained control of the western Germanic people. They eventually fell to rebellions in

Spanish conquistadors abused the natives in an attempt to convert them to Catholicism. Elements of their culture can still be seen in Latin American cultures today.

Mongols: (1200 - 1750) The Mongolian Empire was the largest land based empire in history. They originated as nomads from the Mongolian steppe, and were excellent horsemen. Their superior skill set and military technology gave them an advantage in conquests, which is how they gained control of territory. The nomads continued to hold control in their religious and cultural tolerance, and their terror-based authority. At their height, the Mongols encompassed most of Asia, from the Pacific coast of Asia to the Black Sea. The Mongolian Empire saw the re-emergence of the Silk Road, and trade prospered.

Toltecs: (700 - 1200) After the fall of Teotihuacan, the Toltecs emerged as a new political power; they were strongly military based and were prominent in the Valley of Mexico by 900. In the 11th century a southward expansion took place and the Toltec gained control of Mayan areas. At their height, they controlled as far as Mexico and