Dan Carlin's Hardcore History 69 - Twilight of the Æsir

Today's Show is sponsored by sega's Today's Show is sponsored by sega's Company of Heroes 3 available February Company of Heroes 3 available February Company of Heroes 3 available February 2023 this Story begins well probably like this Story begins well probably like most stories before this Story begins most stories before this Story begins most stories before this Story begins I mean what historical account doesn't I mean what historical account doesn't I mean what historical account doesn't have its precursors or its backstories have its precursors or its backstories have its precursors or its backstories or its prologues or its prologues or its prologues in this case we had an entire show and in this case we had an entire show and in this case we had an entire show and an extra show devoted to this very story an extra show devoted to this very story an extra show devoted to this very story we called it Thor's angels and you'll we called it Thor's angels and you'll we called it Thor's angels and you'll hear me say that a couple of times in hear me say that a couple of times in hear me say that a couple of times in this discussion upcoming this discussion upcoming this discussion upcoming this is the last chapter in that story this is the last chapter in that story this is the last chapter in that story involving a people history often calls involving a people history often calls involving a people history often calls Vikings but Vikings are not a people Vikings but Vikings are not a people Vikings but Vikings are not a people and how connected the people in this era and how connected the people in this era and how connected the people in this era are to today's modern day Danes are to today's modern day Danes are to today's modern day Danes Norwegians and swedes is iffy and the idea of ethnicity and cultural and the idea of ethnicity and cultural aspects and everything else is aspects and everything else is aspects and everything else is fraught with all sorts of baggage I mean fraught with all sorts of baggage I mean fraught with all sorts of baggage I mean this story about who these people were this story about who these people were this story about who these people were about to talk about really were is about to talk about really were is about to talk about really were is buried beneath layer upon layer and buried beneath layer upon layer and buried beneath layer upon layer and Century upon Century of romanticizing Century upon Century of romanticizing Century upon Century of romanticizing and demonizing and fetishizing and and demonizing and fetishizing and and demonizing and fetishizing and nationalizing of a people that once upon nationalizing of a people that once upon nationalizing of a people that once upon a time were just real Folk and

a time were just real Folk and a time were just real Folk and converting them into converting them into converting them into hollywood-ized Barbarian tropes hollywood-ized Barbarian tropes hollywood-ized Barbarian tropes but once upon a time but once upon a time but once upon a time there were people all over Northern there were people all over Northern there were people all over Northern Western and Central Europe who had a Western and Central Europe who had a Western and Central Europe who had a linguistic affiliation a cultural linguistic affiliation a cultural linguistic affiliation a cultural affinity and believed in the same sorts affinity and believed in the same sorts affinity and believed in the same sorts of values and deities that these Viking of values and deities that these Viking of values and deities that these Viking era Scandinavians believed in era Scandinavians believed in era Scandinavians believed in by the time the Early Middle Ages rolls by the time the Early Middle Ages rolls by the time the Early Middle Ages rolls around these people in modern day around these people in modern day around these people in modern day Scandinavian maybe just north of Germany Scandinavian maybe just north of Germany Scandinavian maybe just north of Germany are the only people left to do and there's a certain historical irony and there's a certain historical irony that the peoples who will put the Lion's that the peoples who will put the Lion's that the peoples who will put the Lion's Share of sweat into Share of sweat into Share of sweat into extinguishing these old gods extinguishing these old gods extinguishing these old gods these ancient deities these ancient deities these ancient deities are people who not that long before this are people who not that long before this are people who not that long before this time period believed in themselves this is as the old radio announcer Paul this is as the old radio announcer Paul Harvey would have said that when it Harvey would have said that when it Harvey would have said that when it comes to the Thor's Angels Tale comes to the Thor's Angels Tale comes to the Thor's Angels Tale this is the rest of the story December 7 December 7 th th th 1941 it's history a date which will live 1941 it's history a date which will live 1941 it's history a date which will live in infamy in infamy in infamy it's one small step for man was diabetes

it's one small step for man was diabetes it's one small step for man was diabetes the events from this time and place I take pride in from this time and place I take pride in the words I welcome this kind of examination I welcome this kind of examination because people have got to know whether because people have got to know whether because people have got to know whether or not their president the Deep question or not their president the Deep question or not their president the Deep question if we dig deep in our history in our if we dig deep in our history in our if we dig deep in our history in our Doctrine and remember that we are not Doctrine and remember that we are not Doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men descended from fearful men descended from fearful men [Music] [Music] [Music] okay okay okay it's hardcore history one of my favorite quotes in all history one of my favorite quotes in all history and I'm careful about famous quotes now and I'm careful about famous quotes now and I'm careful about famous quotes now because so many of the ones in my quote because so many of the ones in my quote because so many of the ones in my quote books have been debunked over the years books have been debunked over the years books have been debunked over the years this one's pretty well attested too I this one's pretty well attested too I this one's pretty well attested too I wouldn't swear by it but it's pretty wouldn't swear by it but it's pretty wouldn't swear by it but it's pretty well attested too it involves something well attested too it involves something well attested too it involves something said by Joseph Stalin said by Joseph Stalin said by Joseph Stalin autocratic leader of the former Soviet autocratic leader of the former Soviet autocratic leader of the former Soviet Union a communist state right a state by Union a communist state right a state by Union a communist state right a state by the way that is officially an atheistic the way that is officially an atheistic the way that is officially an atheistic State and Stalin himself was probably an State and Stalin himself was probably an State and Stalin himself was probably an atheist and the reason it matters is atheist and the reason it matters is atheist and the reason it matters is because the quote has something to do

because the quote has something to do because the quote has something to do with that with that with that the circumstances are that he's supposed the circumstances are that he's supposed the circumstances are that he's supposed to be talking to a French politician in to be talking to a French politician in to be talking to a French politician in the middle 1930s the middle 1930s the middle 1930s who in an attempt to solve a problem who in an attempt to solve a problem who in an attempt to solve a problem they're dealing with suggests they might they're dealing with suggests they might they're dealing with suggests they might be able to solicit the help of the be able to solicit the help of the be able to solicit the help of the Vatican right the Pope Vatican right the Pope Vatican right the Pope and Stalin's response is so cynical and Stalin's response is so cynical and Stalin's response is so cynical Terra Firma rubber meets the road type Terra Firma rubber meets the road type Terra Firma rubber meets the road type of an answer that it just of an answer that it just of an answer that it just sums up the situation perfectly and he's sums up the situation perfectly and he's sums up the situation perfectly and he's supposed to have said and he wouldn't supposed to have said and he wouldn't supposed to have said and he wouldn't have said it in English which is why you have said it in English which is why you have said it in English which is why you sometimes see different wording he's sometimes see different wording he's sometimes see different wording he's supposed to have said the pope how many supposed to have said the pope how many supposed to have said the pope how many divisions does he have divisions does he have divisions does he have you know meaning armor and soldiers and you know meaning armor and soldiers and you know meaning armor and soldiers and guns and those kinds of things guns and those kinds of things guns and those kinds of things Stalin doesn't want to talk about Stalin doesn't want to talk about Stalin doesn't want to talk about spiritual help he wants to know you know spiritual help he wants to know you know spiritual help he wants to know you know how many soldiers the pope is going to how many soldiers the pope is going to how many soldiers the pope is going to provide and of course the pope can't provide and of course the pope can't provide and of course the pope can't provide any provide any provide any the number of Divisions that the pope the number of Divisions that the pope the number of Divisions that the pope has is zero has is zero has is zero this sums up a problem that has existed this sums up a problem that has existed this sums up a problem that has existed for the popes and the center of Catholic for the popes and the center of Catholic for the popes and the center of Catholic Authority in Italy Authority in Italy Authority in Italy since the fall of the Western Roman since the fall of the Western Roman since the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the way that they managed to Empire and the way that they managed to Empire and the way that they managed to solve this problem goes a long way to solve this problem goes a long way to solve this problem goes a long way to explaining why Europe turned out the way explaining why Europe turned out the way explaining why Europe turned out the way it did it did it did now full disclosure we've already now full disclosure we've already now full disclosure we've already discussed this process in an earlier discussed this process in an earlier discussed this process in an earlier show called Thor's angels we even did an show called Thor's angels we even did an show called Thor's angels we even did an extra show a Thor's Angels extra extra show a Thor's Angels extra extra show a Thor's Angels extra utilizing some of the Cutting Room floor

utilizing some of the Cutting Room floor utilizing some of the Cutting Room floor stuff that we had to cut out stuff that we had to cut out stuff that we had to cut out but that show is about what happened to but that show is about what happened to but that show is about what happened to a religion that started off as a a religion that started off as a a religion that started off as a minority offshoot religion from Judaism minority offshoot religion from Judaism minority offshoot religion from Judaism goes to a much persecuted religion a goes to a much persecuted religion a goes to a much persecuted religion a minority religion in the Roman Empire to minority religion in the Roman Empire to minority religion in the Roman Empire to eventually getting a Roman Emperor eventually getting a Roman Emperor eventually getting a Roman Emperor converting to Christianity and then a converting to Christianity and then a converting to Christianity and then a later Roman Emperor converting the whole later Roman Emperor converting the whole later Roman Emperor converting the whole empire to officially Christian and you empire to officially Christian and you empire to officially Christian and you have the pope and Christianity in a have the pope and Christianity in a have the pope and Christianity in a pretty good position until the Roman pretty good position until the Roman pretty good position until the Roman Empire in the West disintegrates Empire in the West disintegrates Empire in the West disintegrates which means Roman protection in Italy which means Roman protection in Italy which means Roman protection in Italy goes away at a time when the entire goes away at a time when the entire goes away at a time when the entire Western European area Italy included is Western European area Italy included is Western European area Italy included is becoming a very dangerous neighborhood a becoming a very dangerous neighborhood a becoming a very dangerous neighborhood a time when the pope really could have time when the pope really could have time when the pope really could have benefited from having a few divisions benefited from having a few divisions benefited from having a few divisions the way that successive popes solve this the way that successive popes solve this the way that successive popes solve this problem of living in a bad neighborhood problem of living in a bad neighborhood problem of living in a bad neighborhood with no military protection is to form a with no military protection is to form a with no military protection is to form a partnership with some entity that can partnership with some entity that can partnership with some entity that can provide it provide it provide it that entity turned out to be a people that entity turned out to be a people that entity turned out to be a people another one of those people the Romans another one of those people the Romans another one of those people the Romans would have called barbarians the people would have called barbarians the people would have called barbarians the people known as the Franks known as the Franks known as the Franks located in the modern day area of sort located in the modern day area of sort located in the modern day area of sort of France just change the soft sea in of France just change the soft sea in of France just change the soft sea in France to a hard sea and you see the France to a hard sea and you see the France to a hard sea and you see the connection right Frank connection right Frank connection right Frank look at the German name for France even look at the German name for France even look at the German name for France even today Frank Reich right Empire of the

today Frank Reich right Empire of the today Frank Reich right Empire of the Franks Franks Franks the Franks were sort of the odds-on the Franks were sort of the odds-on the Franks were sort of the odds-on favorite to be the up and coming people favorite to be the up and coming people favorite to be the up and coming people in Europe and so when the church and the in Europe and so when the church and the in Europe and so when the church and the Frankish leaders over Generations create Frankish leaders over Generations create Frankish leaders over Generations create this relationship it becomes a symbiotic this relationship it becomes a symbiotic this relationship it becomes a symbiotic one one that protects and allows the one one that protects and allows the one one that protects and allows the church to develop and expand its church to develop and expand its church to develop and expand its Authority and the number of its Authority and the number of its Authority and the number of its followers followers followers while at the same time blessing the while at the same time blessing the while at the same time blessing the Franks with a sort of legitimacy that Franks with a sort of legitimacy that Franks with a sort of legitimacy that they wouldn't have had otherwise they wouldn't have had otherwise they wouldn't have had otherwise but this relationship changed both but this relationship changed both but this relationship changed both entities and changed Christianity also the show we did earlier Thor's Angels the show we did earlier Thor's Angels got a little bit farther in the story got a little bit farther in the story got a little bit farther in the story than the era of Charlemagne but than the era of Charlemagne but than the era of Charlemagne but Charlemagne seems to be a good person to Charlemagne seems to be a good person to Charlemagne seems to be a good person to sort of pivot back towards as a pivot sort of pivot back towards as a pivot sort of pivot back towards as a pivot point for the rest of the tale point for the rest of the tale point for the rest of the tale for those who don't know Charles the for those who don't know Charles the for those who don't know Charles the great Carl daragrosa has a lot of names great Carl daragrosa has a lot of names great Carl daragrosa has a lot of names Charlemagne's how he's known to history Charlemagne's how he's known to history Charlemagne's how he's known to history is probably you could make a very good is probably you could make a very good is probably you could make a very good argument the most important geopolitical argument the most important geopolitical argument the most important geopolitical figure in European history after the figure in European history after the figure in European history after the fall of the Western Roman Empire he's fall of the Western Roman Empire he's fall of the Western Roman Empire he's absolutely astoundingly absolutely astoundingly absolutely astoundingly um influential and important um influential and important um influential and important and like so many people like him in and like so many people like him in and like so many people like him in history he's overshadowed his direct history he's overshadowed his direct history he's overshadowed his direct ancestors which if he didn't live you'd ancestors which if he didn't live you'd ancestors which if he didn't live you'd have known about I mean the same way have known about I mean the same way have known about I mean the same way you'd know Alexander the Great's you'd know Alexander the Great's you'd know Alexander the Great's father's name if Alexander the Great father's name if Alexander the Great father's name if Alexander the Great hadn't been so great I mean Charlemagne

hadn't been so great I mean Charlemagne hadn't been so great I mean Charlemagne his dad Pippin his grandfather Charles his dad Pippin his grandfather Charles his dad Pippin his grandfather Charles Martel nicknamed The Hammer the three of Martel nicknamed The Hammer the three of Martel nicknamed The Hammer the three of them gave the Franks about 90 years of them gave the Franks about 90 years of them gave the Franks about 90 years of really energetic strong really energetic strong really energetic strong leadership that catapulted that people leadership that catapulted that people leadership that catapulted that people to really the heights of European power to really the heights of European power to really the heights of European power and dominance and dominance and dominance Charlemagne will be when he starts out a Charlemagne will be when he starts out a Charlemagne will be when he starts out a king of the Franks and by the time he king of the Franks and by the time he king of the Franks and by the time he ends he's the Emperor of a renovated ends he's the Emperor of a renovated ends he's the Emperor of a renovated Roman Empire is the way it would have Roman Empire is the way it would have Roman Empire is the way it would have been seen been seen been seen and the church with him and the church with him and the church with him all the way all the way all the way but somewhere along the way but somewhere along the way but somewhere along the way the sword arm of the church this the sword arm of the church this the sword arm of the church this protection provided to the pope by this protection provided to the pope by this protection provided to the pope by this Frankish people turned from defensive in Frankish people turned from defensive in Frankish people turned from defensive in character to offensive in character and character to offensive in character and character to offensive in character and it's hard to know how much the church it's hard to know how much the church it's hard to know how much the church wanted this or didn't want it there were wanted this or didn't want it there were wanted this or didn't want it there were some complaints at the time by how this some complaints at the time by how this some complaints at the time by how this you know situation was actually playing you know situation was actually playing you know situation was actually playing out on the ground but by the time you out on the ground but by the time you out on the ground but by the time you get to Charlemagne the way it's playing get to Charlemagne the way it's playing get to Charlemagne the way it's playing out on the ground is genocidal out on the ground is genocidal out on the ground is genocidal and has a direct bearing on what happens and has a direct bearing on what happens and has a direct bearing on what happens afterwards Charlemagne was famously afterwards Charlemagne was famously afterwards Charlemagne was famously involved in a multi-generational war involved in a multi-generational war involved in a multi-generational war against a people to his East who are against a people to his East who are against a people to his East who are called the Saxons called the Saxons called the Saxons Now using ancient sources to describe Now using ancient sources to describe Now using ancient sources to describe people's ethnicities cultures or

people's ethnicities cultures or people's ethnicities cultures or political affiliations of tribal peoples political affiliations of tribal peoples political affiliations of tribal peoples is difficult because they're not always is difficult because they're not always is difficult because they're not always consistent and people change the Saxons consistent and people change the Saxons consistent and people change the Saxons though were a people that before this though were a people that before this though were a people that before this period were part of the Great period were part of the Great period were part of the Great immigration of peoples from you know immigration of peoples from you know immigration of peoples from you know Western Europe around the north of Western Europe around the north of Western Europe around the north of Germany and Denmark and those places to Germany and Denmark and those places to Germany and Denmark and those places to England and they create a fusion of England and they create a fusion of England and they create a fusion of peoples that history calls Anglo-Saxons peoples that history calls Anglo-Saxons peoples that history calls Anglo-Saxons and these Anglo-Saxons will convert to and these Anglo-Saxons will convert to and these Anglo-Saxons will convert to Christianity eventually and then send Christianity eventually and then send Christianity eventually and then send missionaries from England back to Saxony missionaries from England back to Saxony missionaries from England back to Saxony where the Saxons are to try to convert where the Saxons are to try to convert where the Saxons are to try to convert that pagan people as you might imagine that pagan people as you might imagine that pagan people as you might imagine sometimes the Saxons were amenable to sometimes the Saxons were amenable to sometimes the Saxons were amenable to this and sometimes they weren't this and sometimes they weren't this and sometimes they weren't Charlemagne isn't about giving them Charlemagne isn't about giving them Charlemagne isn't about giving them choices in the matter though his Wars against the Saxons will go on his Wars against the Saxons will go on for like 30 years for like 30 years for like 30 years and get progressively nastier and get progressively nastier and get progressively nastier Saxony is a tough place to fight by the Saxony is a tough place to fight by the Saxony is a tough place to fight by the way in his book Charlemagne father of a way in his book Charlemagne father of a way in his book Charlemagne father of a continent historian Alessandro Barbaro continent historian Alessandro Barbaro continent historian Alessandro Barbaro sets up the conflict this way quote sets up the conflict this way quote sets up the conflict this way quote it was a ferocious war in a country with it was a ferocious war in a country with it was a ferocious war in a country with little or no civilization with neither little or no civilization with neither little or no civilization with neither roads nor cities and entirely covered roads nor cities and entirely covered roads nor cities and entirely covered with forests and Marshland the Saxon with forests and Marshland the Saxon with forests and Marshland the Saxon sacrificed prisoners of War to their sacrificed prisoners of War to their sacrificed prisoners of War to their gods as Germans had always done before

gods as Germans had always done before gods as Germans had always done before converting to Christianity and the converting to Christianity and the converting to Christianity and the Franks did not hesitate to put to death Franks did not hesitate to put to death Franks did not hesitate to put to death anyone who refused to be baptized end anyone who refused to be baptized end anyone who refused to be baptized end quote that was not normally policy in that was not normally policy in converting the Heathen but Charlemagne's converting the Heathen but Charlemagne's converting the Heathen but Charlemagne's geopolitical goals and his religious geopolitical goals and his religious geopolitical goals and his religious ones dovetailed and it's hard to know ones dovetailed and it's hard to know ones dovetailed and it's hard to know where one ended and the other began where one ended and the other began where one ended and the other began he will famously have 4 500 and you know he will famously have 4 500 and you know he will famously have 4 500 and you know you never know about these numbers 4 500 you never know about these numbers 4 500 you never know about these numbers 4 500 Saxons beheaded in a single afternoon at Saxons beheaded in a single afternoon at Saxons beheaded in a single afternoon at the edge of a river the edge of a river the edge of a river in a town called verdenne because they in a town called verdenne because they in a town called verdenne because they were allegedly the leaders of one of the were allegedly the leaders of one of the were allegedly the leaders of one of the many Saxon rebellions against him many Saxon rebellions against him many Saxon rebellions against him every time he would take his army away every time he would take his army away every time he would take his army away from Saxony after chastising the Saxons from Saxony after chastising the Saxons from Saxony after chastising the Saxons and go fight one of his other Wars they and go fight one of his other Wars they and go fight one of his other Wars they would rise up and rebel would rise up and rebel would rise up and rebel and they would often destroy monasteries and they would often destroy monasteries and they would often destroy monasteries and kill monks and raid and all kinds of and kill monks and raid and all kinds of and kill monks and raid and all kinds of things things things the victory conditions that Charlemagne the victory conditions that Charlemagne the victory conditions that Charlemagne set up in this war were that the Saxons set up in this war were that the Saxons set up in this war were that the Saxons had to give up their traditional had to give up their traditional had to give up their traditional religion religion religion they were going to convert to they were going to convert to they were going to convert to Christianity or else they were going to Christianity or else they were going to Christianity or else they were going to die die die now Defenders of Charlemagne will point now Defenders of Charlemagne will point now Defenders of Charlemagne will point out that the legitimate reason for this out that the legitimate reason for this out that the legitimate reason for this was he planned to conquer Saxony and was he planned to conquer Saxony and was he planned to conquer Saxony and incorporate it into his kingdom and his incorporate it into his kingdom and his incorporate it into his kingdom and his kingdom was Christian and they weren't

kingdom was Christian and they weren't kingdom was Christian and they weren't going to have any pagans in his kingdom going to have any pagans in his kingdom going to have any pagans in his kingdom the problem was is that the way he went the problem was is that the way he went the problem was is that the way he went about it was so Draconian and about it was so Draconian and about it was so Draconian and totalitarian that he got many complaints totalitarian that he got many complaints totalitarian that he got many complaints from missionaries whose job it was to go from missionaries whose job it was to go from missionaries whose job it was to go convert these people sort of through convert these people sort of through convert these people sort of through good argument and through preaching the good argument and through preaching the good argument and through preaching the gospels and showing the way to the light gospels and showing the way to the light gospels and showing the way to the light and the saving of Souls Charlemagne at some points will have Charlemagne at some points will have rules in place that say Saxons who won't rules in place that say Saxons who won't rules in place that say Saxons who won't be baptized are to be killed Saxons who be baptized are to be killed Saxons who be baptized are to be killed Saxons who don't follow the meal restrictions don't follow the meal restrictions don't follow the meal restrictions during Lent are to face the death during Lent are to face the death during Lent are to face the death penalty I mean it's that heavy duty the missionaries that have been going the missionaries that have been going preaching to people like this often were preaching to people like this often were preaching to people like this often were putting their own lives at risk as you putting their own lives at risk as you putting their own lives at risk as you might imagine if somebody came into your might imagine if somebody came into your might imagine if somebody came into your community and started assailing your community and started assailing your community and started assailing your religion might not be the safest thing religion might not be the safest thing religion might not be the safest thing to do and some of these missionaries who to do and some of these missionaries who to do and some of these missionaries who are very brave people would go to places are very brave people would go to places are very brave people would go to places like I mean Saint Boniface famously will like I mean Saint Boniface famously will like I mean Saint Boniface famously will try to convert the frisians and will be try to convert the frisians and will be try to convert the frisians and will be martyred that's the term that is used martyred that's the term that is used martyred that's the term that is used right martyred means that one way or right martyred means that one way or right martyred means that one way or another they killed him a lot of these another they killed him a lot of these another they killed him a lot of these missionaries will be killed and be missionaries will be killed and be missionaries will be killed and be martyred trying to convert the Germanic martyred trying to convert the Germanic martyred trying to convert the Germanic type Heathen the Barbarian Heathen my type Heathen the Barbarian Heathen my type Heathen the Barbarian Heathen my favorite amongst these is a saint called favorite amongst these is a saint called favorite amongst these is a saint called lebwin and lebwin like so many of these lebwin and lebwin like so many of these lebwin and lebwin like so many of these other people tried to convert the people other people tried to convert the people other people tried to convert the people in what's now Northern Germany or the in what's now Northern Germany or the in what's now Northern Germany or the Netherlands is from Anglo-Saxon England

Netherlands is from Anglo-Saxon England Netherlands is from Anglo-Saxon England and labwin is not going to be martyred and labwin is not going to be martyred and labwin is not going to be martyred he's going to be one of these ones who he's going to be one of these ones who he's going to be one of these ones who survives he goes to preach to the Saxons survives he goes to preach to the Saxons survives he goes to preach to the Saxons and these guys would come in by the way and these guys would come in by the way and these guys would come in by the way and they would do things like burn or and they would do things like burn or and they would do things like burn or chop down their sacred trees that they chop down their sacred trees that they chop down their sacred trees that they believed you know like held up the believed you know like held up the believed you know like held up the universe or were the pathways from the universe or were the pathways from the universe or were the pathways from the gods to to man I mean sacred sites gods to to man I mean sacred sites gods to to man I mean sacred sites they'll come in here and chop them down they'll come in here and chop them down they'll come in here and chop them down I mean how what kind of guts do you have I mean how what kind of guts do you have I mean how what kind of guts do you have to have to be an unarmed cleric who to have to be an unarmed cleric who to have to be an unarmed cleric who comes in and does that amongst a warrior comes in and does that amongst a warrior comes in and does that amongst a warrior people that don't even leave home people that don't even leave home people that don't even leave home without weapons without weapons without weapons but the story of Saint leban involves but the story of Saint leban involves but the story of Saint leban involves one of the greatest speeches ever given one of the greatest speeches ever given one of the greatest speeches ever given by a figure in the Middle Ages if it by a figure in the Middle Ages if it by a figure in the Middle Ages if it really happened and if it really really happened and if it really really happened and if it really happened this guy is absolutely one of happened this guy is absolutely one of happened this guy is absolutely one of the more gutsy people you will ever see the more gutsy people you will ever see the more gutsy people you will ever see the version I have comes from a book the version I have comes from a book the version I have comes from a book called The Anglo-Saxon missionaries in called The Anglo-Saxon missionaries in called The Anglo-Saxon missionaries in Germany uh translated and edited by a Germany uh translated and edited by a Germany uh translated and edited by a guy called CH Talbot he claims that this guy called CH Talbot he claims that this guy called CH Talbot he claims that this version of the story of lebwin is from version of the story of lebwin is from version of the story of lebwin is from an unknown author and that a later an unknown author and that a later an unknown author and that a later version that is attributed is simply version that is attributed is simply version that is attributed is simply taken from this version taken from this version taken from this version but he describes this saint who wasn't a but he describes this saint who wasn't a but he describes this saint who wasn't a saint at the time just a missionary saint at the time just a missionary saint at the time just a missionary named Lebanon who goes to the Saxons named Lebanon who goes to the Saxons named Lebanon who goes to the Saxons during one of their big assemblies that during one of their big assemblies that during one of their big assemblies that they have it to call them Democratic they have it to call them Democratic they have it to call them Democratic would be false but they didn't have a would be false but they didn't have a would be false but they didn't have a king who ruled over every little thing king who ruled over every little thing king who ruled over every little thing they would get together and have they would get together and have they would get together and have assemblies and hash this stuff out but assemblies and hash this stuff out but assemblies and hash this stuff out but what that meant is that there's a lot of what that meant is that there's a lot of what that meant is that there's a lot of armed Barbarians in a single place at a armed Barbarians in a single place at a armed Barbarians in a single place at a single time and this story has lebwin

single time and this story has lebwin single time and this story has lebwin just sort of appearing amongst them just sort of appearing amongst them just sort of appearing amongst them it's hard not to see how many of these it's hard not to see how many of these it's hard not to see how many of these figures would have made great figures would have made great figures would have made great superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and you know for reasons of not Universe and you know for reasons of not Universe and you know for reasons of not wanting to be accused of blasphemy I wanting to be accused of blasphemy I wanting to be accused of blasphemy I understand why the Marvel Universe did understand why the Marvel Universe did understand why the Marvel Universe did not include the monotheistic religions not include the monotheistic religions not include the monotheistic religions like Islam and Christianity in their like Islam and Christianity in their like Islam and Christianity in their universe but they have the Norse gods universe but they have the Norse gods universe but they have the Norse gods they have the Greek gods and yet who they have the Greek gods and yet who they have the Greek gods and yet who wiped out all those Gods well wiped out all those Gods well wiped out all those Gods well in Europe it was Christianity that in Europe it was Christianity that in Europe it was Christianity that killed pantheism right and if you read killed pantheism right and if you read killed pantheism right and if you read the account of Leb when he sounds like the account of Leb when he sounds like the account of Leb when he sounds like he can make himself invisible he can make himself invisible he can make himself invisible they don't explicitly say that but he they don't explicitly say that but he they don't explicitly say that but he appears out of nowhere and when they appears out of nowhere and when they appears out of nowhere and when they want to kill him he can manage to want to kill him he can manage to want to kill him he can manage to disappear and when he first appears to disappear and when he first appears to disappear and when he first appears to these people in their assembly he's these people in their assembly he's these people in their assembly he's wearing his religious vestments which wearing his religious vestments which wearing his religious vestments which might have looked like a superhero might have looked like a superhero might have looked like a superhero outfit to these outfit to these outfit to these Barbarian types he's got the gospels in Barbarian types he's got the gospels in Barbarian types he's got the gospels in in the crook of his arm which is like a in the crook of his arm which is like a in the crook of his arm which is like a book of magic and he's got a cross with book of magic and he's got a cross with book of magic and he's got a cross with him which is almost like a religious him which is almost like a religious him which is almost like a religious weapon if you're looking at it from a weapon if you're looking at it from a weapon if you're looking at it from a people who believe heavily in things people who believe heavily in things people who believe heavily in things like magic like magic like magic and according to the unknown author who and according to the unknown author who and according to the unknown author who Chronicles lebwin's life this is how it Chronicles lebwin's life this is how it Chronicles lebwin's life this is how it goes quote goes quote goes quote suddenly lebwin appeared in the middle suddenly lebwin appeared in the middle suddenly lebwin appeared in the middle of the circle clothed in his Priestly of the circle clothed in his Priestly of the circle clothed in his Priestly garments bearing a cross in his hands garments bearing a cross in his hands garments bearing a cross in his hands and a copy of the gospels in the crook and a copy of the gospels in the crook and a copy of the gospels in the crook of his arm raising his voice he cried of his arm raising his voice he cried of his arm raising his voice he cried listen to me listen I am the Messenger listen to me listen I am the Messenger listen to me listen I am the Messenger of almighty God and to use Saxons I

of almighty God and to use Saxons I of almighty God and to use Saxons I bring his command the author says bring his command the author says bring his command the author says astonished at his words and in his astonished at his words and in his astonished at his words and in his unusual appearance a hush fell upon the unusual appearance a hush fell upon the unusual appearance a hush fell upon the assembly the man of God Then followed up assembly the man of God Then followed up assembly the man of God Then followed up his announcement with these words his announcement with these words his announcement with these words the god of heaven and ruler of the world the god of heaven and ruler of the world the god of heaven and ruler of the world and his son Jesus Christ commands me to and his son Jesus Christ commands me to and his son Jesus Christ commands me to tell you that if you are willing to be tell you that if you are willing to be tell you that if you are willing to be and to do what his servants tell you he and to do what his servants tell you he and to do what his servants tell you he will confer benefits upon you such as will confer benefits upon you such as will confer benefits upon you such as you have never heard of before you have never heard of before you have never heard of before then he added as you have never had a then he added as you have never had a then he added as you have never had a king over you before this time so no king over you before this time so no king over you before this time so no King will prevail against you and King will prevail against you and King will prevail against you and subject you to his domination but if you subject you to his domination but if you subject you to his domination but if you are unwilling to accept God's commands a are unwilling to accept God's commands a are unwilling to accept God's commands a king has been prepared nearby who will king has been prepared nearby who will king has been prepared nearby who will invade your lands spoil and lay them invade your lands spoil and lay them invade your lands spoil and lay them waste and sap away your strength in war waste and sap away your strength in war waste and sap away your strength in war he will lead you into Exile deprive you he will lead you into Exile deprive you he will lead you into Exile deprive you of your inheritance slay you with the of your inheritance slay you with the of your inheritance slay you with the sword and hand over your possessions to sword and hand over your possessions to sword and hand over your possessions to whom he has a mind and afterwards you whom he has a mind and afterwards you whom he has a mind and afterwards you will be slaves both to him and to his will be slaves both to him and to his will be slaves both to him and to his successors successors successors end quote end quote end quote now I can't figure out now I can't figure out now I can't figure out if that is if that is if that is a warning a warning a warning or a prophecy or a prophecy or a prophecy or a threat or a threat or a threat but that King he's talking about is but that King he's talking about is but that King he's talking about is Charlemagne Charlemagne Charlemagne when he does just what LeBron says he

when he does just what LeBron says he when he does just what LeBron says he will and when the Saxons are eventually and when the Saxons are eventually crushed crushed crushed some of the leaders who fostered the some of the leaders who fostered the some of the leaders who fostered the rebellions rebellions rebellions flee to one of the last places they can flee to one of the last places they can flee to one of the last places they can still practice their traditional still practice their traditional still practice their traditional religious beliefs which are being pushed religious beliefs which are being pushed religious beliefs which are being pushed farther and farther to the peripheries farther and farther to the peripheries farther and farther to the peripheries of the known world of the known world of the known world they flee to Denmark Denmark during this time period is like Denmark during this time period is like the rest of Scandinavia it is not any the rest of Scandinavia it is not any the rest of Scandinavia it is not any kind of a unified Kingdom or state of kind of a unified Kingdom or state of kind of a unified Kingdom or state of any kind there are lots of what are any kind there are lots of what are any kind there are lots of what are called Petty Kings sometimes these sorts called Petty Kings sometimes these sorts called Petty Kings sometimes these sorts of entities are referred to as chiefdoms of entities are referred to as chiefdoms of entities are referred to as chiefdoms I mean Norway for example I believe I mean Norway for example I believe I mean Norway for example I believe during this period has something like 15 during this period has something like 15 during this period has something like 15 different Petty Kings who are more like different Petty Kings who are more like different Petty Kings who are more like Warlords in a lot of these cases Warlords in a lot of these cases Warlords in a lot of these cases University of Oslo historian and Viking University of Oslo historian and Viking University of Oslo historian and Viking expert John Vidar sigurdson estimates expert John Vidar sigurdson estimates expert John Vidar sigurdson estimates the Scandinavian population around this the Scandinavian population around this the Scandinavian population around this time period to be about 650 000 people time period to be about 650 000 people time period to be about 650 000 people half of which would fall into the realm half of which would fall into the realm half of which would fall into the realm of what would be controlled by Danish of what would be controlled by Danish of what would be controlled by Danish rulers rulers rulers he says those numbers will rise to about he says those numbers will rise to about he says those numbers will rise to about a million these are just estimates he a million these are just estimates he a million these are just estimates he cautions in the year 1050 so sort of cautions in the year 1050 so sort of cautions in the year 1050 so sort of brackets the Viking age brackets the Viking age brackets the Viking age but the petty King who's ruling the part but the petty King who's ruling the part but the petty King who's ruling the part of Denmark over by Jutland that

of Denmark over by Jutland that of Denmark over by Jutland that butts up against Saxon territory is butts up against Saxon territory is butts up against Saxon territory is about to have Charlemagne for his next about to have Charlemagne for his next about to have Charlemagne for his next door neighbor when Charlemagne's door neighbor when Charlemagne's door neighbor when Charlemagne's Conquering the Saxons so his involvement Conquering the Saxons so his involvement Conquering the Saxons so his involvement in this War uh between Charlemagne and in this War uh between Charlemagne and in this War uh between Charlemagne and the Saxons may be a little like a proxy the Saxons may be a little like a proxy the Saxons may be a little like a proxy war situation where he's hoping to help war situation where he's hoping to help war situation where he's hoping to help the Saxons defeat Charlemagne so that he the Saxons defeat Charlemagne so that he the Saxons defeat Charlemagne so that he doesn't have to directly fight him doesn't have to directly fight him doesn't have to directly fight him one of the main leaders in the Saxon one of the main leaders in the Saxon one of the main leaders in the Saxon Rebellion is a hero in Germanic history Rebellion is a hero in Germanic history Rebellion is a hero in Germanic history called vedukent who may be married to called vedukent who may be married to called vedukent who may be married to one of the daughters of one of these one of the daughters of one of these one of the daughters of one of these Danish Petty Kings and when Vita Kent is Danish Petty Kings and when Vita Kent is Danish Petty Kings and when Vita Kent is fleeing Charlemagne he flees to Denmark fleeing Charlemagne he flees to Denmark fleeing Charlemagne he flees to Denmark and is given sort of sanctuary by one of and is given sort of sanctuary by one of and is given sort of sanctuary by one of these Danish Petty Kings these Danish Petty Kings these Danish Petty Kings this is where the story gets interesting this is where the story gets interesting this is where the story gets interesting though and a hundred years ago in his though and a hundred years ago in his though and a hundred years ago in his book The Art of War in the Middle Ages book The Art of War in the Middle Ages book The Art of War in the Middle Ages Sir Charles Oman describes the situation Sir Charles Oman describes the situation Sir Charles Oman describes the situation um as it might have been seen from the um as it might have been seen from the um as it might have been seen from the Danish point of view and remember by Danish point of view and remember by Danish point of view and remember by about this time your history books are about this time your history books are about this time your history books are going to start labeling this entire era going to start labeling this entire era going to start labeling this entire era in this region as the Viking age and in this region as the Viking age and in this region as the Viking age and people like the Danes are one of the key people like the Danes are one of the key people like the Danes are one of the key peoples who make up these so-called peoples who make up these so-called peoples who make up these so-called Vikings who we always think of as Vikings who we always think of as Vikings who we always think of as aggressive Pirates Who are on the attack aggressive Pirates Who are on the attack aggressive Pirates Who are on the attack all the time but a people that more all the time but a people that more all the time but a people that more modern day historians are starting to modern day historians are starting to modern day historians are starting to see that from their point of view they see that from their point of view they see that from their point of view they may have felt like they were the ones may have felt like they were the ones may have felt like they were the ones threatened and interestingly enough a

threatened and interestingly enough a threatened and interestingly enough a hundred years ago Sir Charles oman's hundred years ago Sir Charles oman's hundred years ago Sir Charles oman's already saying stuff like that when he already saying stuff like that when he already saying stuff like that when he writes quote perhaps the first seeds of writes quote perhaps the first seeds of writes quote perhaps the first seeds of trouble were sown when Vida Kint the trouble were sown when Vida Kint the trouble were sown when Vida Kint the Saxon fled before the swords of the Saxon fled before the swords of the Saxon fled before the swords of the Franks and took refuge in Jutland we Franks and took refuge in Jutland we Franks and took refuge in Jutland we need not doubt that he told his Danish need not doubt that he told his Danish need not doubt that he told his Danish hosts terrible tales of the Relentless hosts terrible tales of the Relentless hosts terrible tales of the Relentless might the systematic and irresistible might the systematic and irresistible might the systematic and irresistible advance of the Iron King of the Franks advance of the Iron King of the Franks advance of the Iron King of the Franks he means Charlemagne the danger was now he means Charlemagne the danger was now he means Charlemagne the danger was now at their doors the fate of Saxony might at their doors the fate of Saxony might at their doors the fate of Saxony might soon be that of Denmark the kings of the soon be that of Denmark the kings of the soon be that of Denmark the kings of the Southern Danes gave shelter to vedicant Southern Danes gave shelter to vedicant Southern Danes gave shelter to vedicant but they sent Fair words to Charles and but they sent Fair words to Charles and but they sent Fair words to Charles and did their best to turn away his wrath did their best to turn away his wrath did their best to turn away his wrath yet when vedicant yielded and was yet when vedicant yielded and was yet when vedicant yielded and was baptized in 785 they must have felt like baptized in 785 they must have felt like baptized in 785 they must have felt like their own turn to face the oncoming their own turn to face the oncoming their own turn to face the oncoming storm had now arrived storm had now arrived storm had now arrived end quote end quote end quote the Danish Kings during this era will the Danish Kings during this era will the Danish Kings during this era will fortify and perhaps expand an already fortify and perhaps expand an already fortify and perhaps expand an already existing fortification which separated existing fortification which separated existing fortification which separated sort of the territory of the Danes from sort of the territory of the Danes from sort of the territory of the Danes from the territory of the Saxons or soon to the territory of the Saxons or soon to the territory of the Saxons or soon to be the territory of the carolingians be the territory of the carolingians be the territory of the carolingians it was called the Dane work or the it was called the Dane work or the it was called the Dane work or the danavirica or the denavirga danavirica or the denavirga danavirica or the denavirga and you can still go see The Remains by and you can still go see The Remains by and you can still go see The Remains by the way of that long I think it's the way of that long I think it's the way of that long I think it's something like it's miles and miles of something like it's miles and miles of something like it's miles and miles of wall across the entire sort of wall across the entire sort of wall across the entire sort of narrow area of jetland I believe the

narrow area of jetland I believe the narrow area of jetland I believe the last time it was used was in the 1860s last time it was used was in the 1860s last time it was used was in the 1860s against the prussians who will fight the against the prussians who will fight the against the prussians who will fight the franco-prussian war something like a franco-prussian war something like a franco-prussian war something like a decade later I mean you're getting decade later I mean you're getting decade later I mean you're getting pretty modern pretty modern pretty modern and in more modern histories this point and in more modern histories this point and in more modern histories this point of view of the Scandinavian peoples of view of the Scandinavian peoples of view of the Scandinavian peoples during the Viking age is much better during the Viking age is much better during the Viking age is much better examined for example historian Neil examined for example historian Neil examined for example historian Neil price in his book The Children of Ash price in his book The Children of Ash price in his book The Children of Ash and Elm suggest that these Danish and Elm suggest that these Danish and Elm suggest that these Danish peoples these Scandinavians in the peoples these Scandinavians in the peoples these Scandinavians in the Viking era felt threatened the entire Viking era felt threatened the entire Viking era felt threatened the entire time and may have thought of themselves time and may have thought of themselves time and may have thought of themselves the ones who were on the defensive sort the ones who were on the defensive sort the ones who were on the defensive sort of The Last Stand of the Norse gods if of The Last Stand of the Norse gods if of The Last Stand of the Norse gods if you will and he writes quote you will and he writes quote you will and he writes quote notwithstanding the traditional focus on notwithstanding the traditional focus on notwithstanding the traditional focus on Viking aggression for much of the period Viking aggression for much of the period Viking aggression for much of the period the peoples of Southern Scandinavia were the peoples of Southern Scandinavia were the peoples of Southern Scandinavia were under near constant threat from the under near constant threat from the under near constant threat from the belligerence of their Christian belligerence of their Christian belligerence of their Christian neighbors the Frankish Empire was being neighbors the Frankish Empire was being neighbors the Frankish Empire was being carved out at the point of a sword by carved out at the point of a sword by carved out at the point of a sword by Charlemagne's expansionist wars in the Charlemagne's expansionist wars in the Charlemagne's expansionist wars in the late 8th century and the north would late 8th century and the north would late 8th century and the north would have been feeling these social pressures have been feeling these social pressures have been feeling these social pressures at the time of the first raids the great at the time of the first raids the great at the time of the first raids the great man he means Charleston died in 814 man he means Charleston died in 814 man he means Charleston died in 814 decades after the seaborne attacks had decades after the seaborne attacks had decades after the seaborne attacks had begun the 9th century division of the begun the 9th century division of the begun the 9th century division of the carolingian Empire following years of carolingian Empire following years of carolingian Empire following years of Civil War did nothing to alleviate Civil War did nothing to alleviate Civil War did nothing to alleviate tensions along the Danish Frontier tensions along the Danish Frontier tensions along the Danish Frontier and there is little to suggest the and there is little to suggest the and there is little to suggest the slowly expanding Viking polities ever

slowly expanding Viking polities ever slowly expanding Viking polities ever felt entirely safe from Southern assault felt entirely safe from Southern assault felt entirely safe from Southern assault even into the New Millennium even into the New Millennium even into the New Millennium Scandinavian military Endeavors almost Scandinavian military Endeavors almost Scandinavian military Endeavors almost always included an element of proactive always included an element of proactive always included an element of proactive defense alongside their more immediately defense alongside their more immediately defense alongside their more immediately mercenary ambitions end quote mercenary ambitions end quote mercenary ambitions end quote now I don't know about you but I have to now I don't know about you but I have to now I don't know about you but I have to really try to get my brain into the really try to get my brain into the really try to get my brain into the right headspace to see these Viking right headspace to see these Viking right headspace to see these Viking Warrior Raiders Warrior Raiders Warrior Raiders whose nickname given to them by the whose nickname given to them by the whose nickname given to them by the English is the slaughter wolves to see English is the slaughter wolves to see English is the slaughter wolves to see the slaughter wolves as the aggrieved the slaughter wolves as the aggrieved the slaughter wolves as the aggrieved injured party here right lashing out in injured party here right lashing out in injured party here right lashing out in an understandable way defensively an understandable way defensively an understandable way defensively but there's a lot of advantages to that but there's a lot of advantages to that but there's a lot of advantages to that root cause and it's been around a long root cause and it's been around a long root cause and it's been around a long time we quoted Charles Oman but there's time we quoted Charles Oman but there's time we quoted Charles Oman but there's others others others one of the advantages is it answers a one of the advantages is it answers a one of the advantages is it answers a key question in this whole affair key question in this whole affair key question in this whole affair the question of why now the question of why now the question of why now why do you have the Viking age kick off why do you have the Viking age kick off why do you have the Viking age kick off when it does and not a hundred years when it does and not a hundred years when it does and not a hundred years earlier we're not 100 years later earlier we're not 100 years later earlier we're not 100 years later if it's a response to certain actions on if it's a response to certain actions on if it's a response to certain actions on the part of a well-armed militant the part of a well-armed militant the part of a well-armed militant Christianity continually moving North Christianity continually moving North Christianity continually moving North well then the reason it happens when it well then the reason it happens when it well then the reason it happens when it does is due to Charlemagne's activity does is due to Charlemagne's activity does is due to Charlemagne's activity right we should mention because it's key to we should mention because it's key to zooming out and understanding the the zooming out and understanding the the zooming out and understanding the the State of Affairs that Viking activity

State of Affairs that Viking activity State of Affairs that Viking activity was not something brand new was not something brand new was not something brand new and that piracy was always going on in and that piracy was always going on in and that piracy was always going on in the pre-modern world piracy is pretty the pre-modern world piracy is pretty the pre-modern world piracy is pretty much omnipresent much omnipresent much omnipresent the difference between the Viking era the difference between the Viking era the difference between the Viking era and the one that preceded it is the and the one that preceded it is the and the one that preceded it is the intensity level piracy in the pre-modern world is best piracy in the pre-modern world is best thought of like a campfire maybe and thought of like a campfire maybe and thought of like a campfire maybe and when there's a lot of root causes and when there's a lot of root causes and when there's a lot of root causes and fuel thrown on the campfire the Flames fuel thrown on the campfire the Flames fuel thrown on the campfire the Flames burn brightly and with a lot of heat burn brightly and with a lot of heat burn brightly and with a lot of heat but without those things it can die down but without those things it can die down but without those things it can die down to just glowing ash-covered Embers to just glowing ash-covered Embers to just glowing ash-covered Embers but those Embers always have the but those Embers always have the but those Embers always have the potential with more fuel thrown on them potential with more fuel thrown on them potential with more fuel thrown on them to blaze up again right or maybe think to blaze up again right or maybe think to blaze up again right or maybe think about piracy like a stock market and about piracy like a stock market and about piracy like a stock market and sometimes you're trading at low level sometimes you're trading at low level sometimes you're trading at low level ranges and then something occurs you ranges and then something occurs you ranges and then something occurs you know the root causes pile on other root know the root causes pile on other root know the root causes pile on other root causes and you get a spike in the stock causes and you get a spike in the stock causes and you get a spike in the stock market maybe even an extended sort of market maybe even an extended sort of market maybe even an extended sort of bull market and maybe you could look at bull market and maybe you could look at bull market and maybe you could look at the Viking age as a three or so Century the Viking age as a three or so Century the Viking age as a three or so Century unprecedented bull market in piracy unprecedented bull market in piracy unprecedented bull market in piracy another key root cause that's often another key root cause that's often another key root cause that's often cited for this era's explosion in piracy cited for this era's explosion in piracy cited for this era's explosion in piracy is we'll call it the equivalent of is we'll call it the equivalent of is we'll call it the equivalent of having a place to fence your stolen having a place to fence your stolen having a place to fence your stolen goods right I mean if you steal goods right I mean if you steal goods right I mean if you steal something how do you convert that into

something how do you convert that into something how do you convert that into cash for example or how does cash get cash for example or how does cash get cash for example or how does cash get converted into something tangible that's converted into something tangible that's converted into something tangible that's usable because during this era you see usable because during this era you see usable because during this era you see the growth the growth the growth in these emporiums these trading centers in these emporiums these trading centers in these emporiums these trading centers these nodes of economic activity in the these nodes of economic activity in the these nodes of economic activity in the Scandinavian world that pop up Scandinavian world that pop up Scandinavian world that pop up places like burka in modern day Sweden places like burka in modern day Sweden places like burka in modern day Sweden which I've been to but there's several which I've been to but there's several which I've been to but there's several other sites like this other sites like this other sites like this that become places that get tied into that become places that get tied into that become places that get tied into what passes for a global trading Network what passes for a global trading Network what passes for a global trading Network at the time right something that ties at the time right something that ties at the time right something that ties you into the trading web that includes you into the trading web that includes you into the trading web that includes Europe and Asia and Northern Africa and Europe and Asia and Northern Africa and Europe and Asia and Northern Africa and the Middle East the Middle East the Middle East places where you can take stolen goods places where you can take stolen goods places where you can take stolen goods and fence them places where you can and fence them places where you can and fence them places where you can convert cash or pretty metals that don't convert cash or pretty metals that don't convert cash or pretty metals that don't have any other purpose into usable Goods have any other purpose into usable Goods have any other purpose into usable Goods and Burke is a good example of one of and Burke is a good example of one of and Burke is a good example of one of these places where there's a ton of these places where there's a ton of these places where there's a ton of legitimate Commerce going on here if you legitimate Commerce going on here if you legitimate Commerce going on here if you have a farm in you know what's now have a farm in you know what's now have a farm in you know what's now modern day Sweden and you want your your modern day Sweden and you want your your modern day Sweden and you want your your excess food to make you some money or excess food to make you some money or excess food to make you some money or get Bartered for something else you get Bartered for something else you get Bartered for something else you bring it to one of these trade emporiums bring it to one of these trade emporiums bring it to one of these trade emporiums and you can do it there and you can do it there and you can do it there maybe you've got wood that you've maybe you've got wood that you've maybe you've got wood that you've chopped or maybe you have traded with chopped or maybe you have traded with chopped or maybe you have traded with another people's like the people the another people's like the people the another people's like the people the indigenous peoples in the north indigenous peoples in the north indigenous peoples in the north for skins and furs and you want to trade

for skins and furs and you want to trade for skins and furs and you want to trade those those those or maybe you've just gotten back from a or maybe you've just gotten back from a or maybe you've just gotten back from a raid someplace else and you have slaves raid someplace else and you have slaves raid someplace else and you have slaves or you have silver or something like or you have silver or something like or you have silver or something like that that you want to convert into more that that you want to convert into more that that you want to convert into more tangible usable Goods that fit your tangible usable Goods that fit your tangible usable Goods that fit your needs well these places crop up and needs well these places crop up and needs well these places crop up and create the economic dynamism that makes create the economic dynamism that makes create the economic dynamism that makes this period a little bit of a Gold Rush this period a little bit of a Gold Rush this period a little bit of a Gold Rush era and that incentivizes people to do era and that incentivizes people to do era and that incentivizes people to do things that they might not have been as things that they might not have been as things that they might not have been as incentivized to do before perhaps it's also possible that all this wealth it's also possible that all this wealth coming into Scandinavia through piracy coming into Scandinavia through piracy coming into Scandinavia through piracy is creating a level of inflation I mean is creating a level of inflation I mean is creating a level of inflation I mean they're finding they're finding they're finding uh tons and tons of coins from the uh tons and tons of coins from the uh tons and tons of coins from the Islamic States in Viking era Scandinavia Islamic States in Viking era Scandinavia Islamic States in Viking era Scandinavia and always have it may be the largest and always have it may be the largest and always have it may be the largest repository of certain kinds of Islamic repository of certain kinds of Islamic repository of certain kinds of Islamic coins anywhere coins anywhere coins anywhere but that might mean that the cost of but that might mean that the cost of but that might mean that the cost of everything's going up I mean Scandinavia everything's going up I mean Scandinavia everything's going up I mean Scandinavia is a society where gift giving is the is a society where gift giving is the is a society where gift giving is the road to power right gift giving is how road to power right gift giving is how road to power right gift giving is how you create friends and relationships and you create friends and relationships and you create friends and relationships and friends and relationships are the sort friends and relationships are the sort friends and relationships are the sort of supporters that Propel Scandinavian of supporters that Propel Scandinavian of supporters that Propel Scandinavian leaders into rulership roles leaders into rulership roles leaders into rulership roles according to historian John biggarde according to historian John biggarde according to historian John biggarde Sigerson he says that violence was the Sigerson he says that violence was the Sigerson he says that violence was the Vikings most important export but that Vikings most important export but that Vikings most important export but that at home quote at home quote at home quote they were not particularly bloodthirsty they were not particularly bloodthirsty they were not particularly bloodthirsty in most cases local power games were

in most cases local power games were in most cases local power games were acted out peacefully as the players acted out peacefully as the players acted out peacefully as the players competed to display their wealth in the competed to display their wealth in the competed to display their wealth in the form of great feasts and Gifts form of great feasts and Gifts form of great feasts and Gifts consumption was a Vikings most important consumption was a Vikings most important consumption was a Vikings most important virtue the brutality we usually virtue the brutality we usually virtue the brutality we usually associate with the Vikings was displayed associate with the Vikings was displayed associate with the Vikings was displayed abroad end quote abroad end quote abroad end quote in addition to these trading centers in addition to these trading centers in addition to these trading centers cropping up you get a lot of people cropping up you get a lot of people cropping up you get a lot of people pushing the root cause about the pushing the root cause about the pushing the root cause about the engineering and technological and engineering and technological and engineering and technological and navigational developments that create a navigational developments that create a navigational developments that create a singularity of its own these incredible singularity of its own these incredible singularity of its own these incredible Viking ships which will continue to be Viking ships which will continue to be Viking ships which will continue to be enlarged and improved upon during this enlarged and improved upon during this enlarged and improved upon during this entire Viking era entire Viking era entire Viking era if you go look at pictures of either if you go look at pictures of either if you go look at pictures of either Recreations artist conceptions or even Recreations artist conceptions or even Recreations artist conceptions or even the skeletons of these ships that the skeletons of these ships that the skeletons of these ships that they've found it's absolutely terrifying they've found it's absolutely terrifying they've found it's absolutely terrifying to think of going into the Open Sea in to think of going into the Open Sea in to think of going into the Open Sea in these things for days on end but not only could you Brave the Open but not only could you Brave the Open Sea in these incredible engineering Sea in these incredible engineering Sea in these incredible engineering Marvels but they could be used in the Marvels but they could be used in the Marvels but they could be used in the river systems as well and during the river systems as well and during the river systems as well and during the pre-modern era you know when you're pre-modern era you know when you're pre-modern era you know when you're talking about before railroads and talking about before railroads and talking about before railroads and highways and and all these kinds of highways and and all these kinds of highways and and all these kinds of things traveling the river system of a things traveling the river system of a things traveling the river system of a place like Europe or Asia or any of place like Europe or Asia or any of place like Europe or Asia or any of those areas is the quickest way to get those areas is the quickest way to get those areas is the quickest way to get around it's like a giant subway system around it's like a giant subway system around it's like a giant subway system and so the use of this Naval technology

and so the use of this Naval technology and so the use of this Naval technology is a way to penetrate deeply through the is a way to penetrate deeply through the is a way to penetrate deeply through the river systems into all these areas opens river systems into all these areas opens river systems into all these areas opens the door to the kinds of the door to the kinds of the door to the kinds of rating that might have been difficult if rating that might have been difficult if rating that might have been difficult if not impossible before this era also add not impossible before this era also add not impossible before this era also add this this this idea to it too and that's the in the idea to it too and that's the in the idea to it too and that's the in the north they didn't previously as I north they didn't previously as I north they didn't previously as I understand it use much in the way of understand it use much in the way of understand it use much in the way of sales it was strictly rowing that got sales it was strictly rowing that got sales it was strictly rowing that got you from place to place but during this you from place to place but during this you from place to place but during this era sales are adopted and you get the era sales are adopted and you get the era sales are adopted and you get the better ships with the sales and the better ships with the sales and the better ships with the sales and the nodes of trade operation and I mean it nodes of trade operation and I mean it nodes of trade operation and I mean it starts to come together in a way that starts to come together in a way that starts to come together in a way that you can see what Neil price is talking you can see what Neil price is talking you can see what Neil price is talking about when he talks about a singularity about when he talks about a singularity about when he talks about a singularity and by the way there are more things and by the way there are more things and by the way there are more things that might go into the singularity we that might go into the singularity we that might go into the singularity we only scratch the surface I mean Neil only scratch the surface I mean Neil only scratch the surface I mean Neil price brings up new evidence that price brings up new evidence that price brings up new evidence that suggests there might have been suggests there might have been suggests there might have been volcanically induced climate change volcanically induced climate change volcanically induced climate change working on the Scandinavians during this working on the Scandinavians during this working on the Scandinavians during this era right reducing crop yields and era right reducing crop yields and era right reducing crop yields and things like that and putting more things like that and putting more things like that and putting more pressure on these societies to get what pressure on these societies to get what pressure on these societies to get what they needed to survive from farther they needed to survive from farther they needed to survive from farther afield afield afield so there's never any so there's never any so there's never any shortage of possible root causes shortage of possible root causes shortage of possible root causes I tend to myself always default towards I tend to myself always default towards I tend to myself always default towards this idea of collective human behavior this idea of collective human behavior this idea of collective human behavior and I've talked about this many times and I've talked about this many times and I've talked about this many times and it's the idea that as individuals we and it's the idea that as individuals we and it's the idea that as individuals we are unpredictable as all get out but are unpredictable as all get out but are unpredictable as all get out but when you get us in larger groups we sort when you get us in larger groups we sort when you get us in larger groups we sort of devolve toward the mean and then our

of devolve toward the mean and then our of devolve toward the mean and then our activities become a little bit more activities become a little bit more activities become a little bit more um um um understandable and predictable in understandable and predictable in understandable and predictable in advance and can you imagine being in advance and can you imagine being in advance and can you imagine being in let's just say some small Norwegian let's just say some small Norwegian let's just say some small Norwegian fishing Village during this era fishing Village during this era fishing Village during this era with no centralized Kingdom where you with no centralized Kingdom where you with no centralized Kingdom where you have hundreds of different you know have hundreds of different you know have hundreds of different you know Chieftain ships and somebody in your Chieftain ships and somebody in your Chieftain ships and somebody in your neighborhood your neck of the woods is neighborhood your neck of the woods is neighborhood your neck of the woods is out there in the nice weather one day out there in the nice weather one day out there in the nice weather one day flashing around a whole bunch of flashing around a whole bunch of flashing around a whole bunch of conspicuous wealth conspicuous wealth conspicuous wealth better clothes wife running around with better clothes wife running around with better clothes wife running around with some very expensive looking brooches to some very expensive looking brooches to some very expensive looking brooches to pin their cloaks with they paying for pin their cloaks with they paying for pin their cloaks with they paying for everybody's drinks at the tavern with everybody's drinks at the tavern with everybody's drinks at the tavern with some hack silver and maybe a new slave some hack silver and maybe a new slave some hack silver and maybe a new slave or two by their side you're gonna sit or two by their side you're gonna sit or two by their side you're gonna sit there and say hey Olaf or Leif there and say hey Olaf or Leif there and say hey Olaf or Leif or Eric or Harold where'd you get all or Eric or Harold where'd you get all or Eric or Harold where'd you get all that good stuff and if they say oh well that good stuff and if they say oh well that good stuff and if they say oh well me and the lads joined up with my cousin me and the lads joined up with my cousin me and the lads joined up with my cousin and their people over at the farming and their people over at the farming and their people over at the farming Community next door and we got 40 or 60 Community next door and we got 40 or 60 Community next door and we got 40 or 60 guys together a rich person paid for a guys together a rich person paid for a guys together a rich person paid for a big ship and we went over across the big ship and we went over across the big ship and we went over across the water and took all this stuff from a water and took all this stuff from a water and took all this stuff from a mostly undefended Monastery mostly undefended Monastery mostly undefended Monastery um you'd want to get some too wouldn't um you'd want to get some too wouldn't um you'd want to get some too wouldn't you I mean wouldn't it be just the most you I mean wouldn't it be just the most you I mean wouldn't it be just the most normal thing in the world to say wait normal thing in the world to say wait normal thing in the world to say wait there's practically free practically there's practically free practically there's practically free practically undefended stuff somewhere nearby

undefended stuff somewhere nearby undefended stuff somewhere nearby well Count Me In I want to get some well Count Me In I want to get some well Count Me In I want to get some stuff too stuff too stuff too and the undefended nature and the undefended nature and the undefended nature nature another root cause that explains nature another root cause that explains nature another root cause that explains why these happened it should be pointed out that these it should be pointed out that these Pagan Heathen as the Christian Pagan Heathen as the Christian Pagan Heathen as the Christian or Islamic for that matter or Islamic for that matter or Islamic for that matter um religious groups would see them that um religious groups would see them that um religious groups would see them that these people were immune to special these people were immune to special these people were immune to special protections that kept other people from protections that kept other people from protections that kept other people from stealing the same sort of stuff they stealing the same sort of stuff they stealing the same sort of stuff they wanted I mean think about these wanted I mean think about these wanted I mean think about these monasteries which will become the early monasteries which will become the early monasteries which will become the early Targets in places like Scotland Ireland Targets in places like Scotland Ireland Targets in places like Scotland Ireland and England and England and England oftentimes they're located on Islands oftentimes they're located on Islands oftentimes they're located on Islands just offshore they are all at once sites just offshore they are all at once sites just offshore they are all at once sites for Monkish contemplation and the for Monkish contemplation and the for Monkish contemplation and the reading of the Sacred Scriptures and all reading of the Sacred Scriptures and all reading of the Sacred Scriptures and all that but many of them are also quite that but many of them are also quite that but many of them are also quite wealthy places that are like minor wealthy places that are like minor wealthy places that are like minor Industries lots of farming and wine Industries lots of farming and wine Industries lots of farming and wine making and all kinds of other stuff making and all kinds of other stuff making and all kinds of other stuff happening happening happening they are extremely tempting targets but they are extremely tempting targets but they are extremely tempting targets but the reason that they're not attacked by the reason that they're not attacked by the reason that they're not attacked by people in their own neighborhood is people in their own neighborhood is people in their own neighborhood is because they have a sort of a magical because they have a sort of a magical because they have a sort of a magical force field protecting them force field protecting them force field protecting them and the force field is that they form and the force field is that they form and the force field is that they form the infrastructure of the Christian the infrastructure of the Christian the infrastructure of the Christian religion religion religion and if you are a Christian Living nearby and if you are a Christian Living nearby and if you are a Christian Living nearby one of the worst things you could do in one of the worst things you could do in one of the worst things you could do in your worldview to imperil your mortal

your worldview to imperil your mortal your worldview to imperil your mortal Soul would be to go steal stuff from the Soul would be to go steal stuff from the Soul would be to go steal stuff from the house of God and kill his servants house of God and kill his servants house of God and kill his servants that's bad Christian Karma anywhere you that's bad Christian Karma anywhere you that's bad Christian Karma anywhere you look at it look at it look at it now I'm not saying it didn't happen in now I'm not saying it didn't happen in now I'm not saying it didn't happen in Ireland for example they did burn Ireland for example they did burn Ireland for example they did burn religious monasteries sometimes and it religious monasteries sometimes and it religious monasteries sometimes and it was a classic thing to do if you were a was a classic thing to do if you were a was a classic thing to do if you were a pagan people the first thing the Saxons pagan people the first thing the Saxons pagan people the first thing the Saxons used to do when they would have an used to do when they would have an used to do when they would have an uprising against Charlemagne you know uprising against Charlemagne you know uprising against Charlemagne you know he'd leave go on some other Expedition he'd leave go on some other Expedition he'd leave go on some other Expedition they'd have a giant Revolt first thing they'd have a giant Revolt first thing they'd have a giant Revolt first thing they do is burn the monasteries and kill they do is burn the monasteries and kill they do is burn the monasteries and kill the monks so it was pretty classic the monks so it was pretty classic the monks so it was pretty classic but because these places didn't need a but because these places didn't need a but because these places didn't need a lot of defenses against Christian people lot of defenses against Christian people lot of defenses against Christian people they had a sort of Spiritual armor A they had a sort of Spiritual armor A they had a sort of Spiritual armor A Spiritual armor that did not work Spiritual armor that did not work Spiritual armor that did not work against pagans and so a bunch of places against pagans and so a bunch of places against pagans and so a bunch of places that should not have been as easy marks that should not have been as easy marks that should not have been as easy marks as they were were as they were were as they were were and there's nothing that a potential and there's nothing that a potential and there's nothing that a potential pirate likes more than an easy score pirate likes more than an easy score pirate likes more than an easy score now the first famous raids in your now the first famous raids in your now the first famous raids in your history books are going to happen in the history books are going to happen in the history books are going to happen in the 780s and 790s in England and and 780s and 790s in England and and 780s and 790s in England and and Scotland in those areas Scotland in those areas Scotland in those areas bio archeology keeps um pushing the bio archeology keeps um pushing the bio archeology keeps um pushing the Viking age earlier and earlier and Viking age earlier and earlier and Viking age earlier and earlier and they're finding more and more sites all they're finding more and more sites all they're finding more and more sites all the time that suggests that the famous the time that suggests that the famous the time that suggests that the famous you know starting gun sounding for the you know starting gun sounding for the you know starting gun sounding for the Viking era you know which is famously Viking era you know which is famously Viking era you know which is famously like 793 at lindisfarne and the

like 793 at lindisfarne and the like 793 at lindisfarne and the monastery up in northeastern Britain monastery up in northeastern Britain monastery up in northeastern Britain that this is probably that this is probably that this is probably a bit of an illusion created from our a bit of an illusion created from our a bit of an illusion created from our lack of knowing about other earlier lack of knowing about other earlier lack of knowing about other earlier raids they've found for example a famous raids they've found for example a famous raids they've found for example a famous now very quickly famous Viking burial now very quickly famous Viking burial now very quickly famous Viking burial um in what's now the Baltic area that um in what's now the Baltic area that um in what's now the Baltic area that predates the famous lindisfarne raid of predates the famous lindisfarne raid of predates the famous lindisfarne raid of 793 by decades and so it's pretty 793 by decades and so it's pretty 793 by decades and so it's pretty possible that this low level of piracy possible that this low level of piracy possible that this low level of piracy was going on all the time especially in was going on all the time especially in was going on all the time especially in Scandinavia and in the 780s and 790s it Scandinavia and in the 780s and 790s it Scandinavia and in the 780s and 790s it moves out of that confined area moves out of that confined area moves out of that confined area in the late 780s the Anglo-Saxon in the late 780s the Anglo-Saxon in the late 780s the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle I think lists it at 787 but I Chronicle I think lists it at 787 but I Chronicle I think lists it at 787 but I think most historians think it was 789 think most historians think it was 789 think most historians think it was 789 you get a famous incident where a bunch you get a famous incident where a bunch you get a famous incident where a bunch of Vikings show up in Southern England of Vikings show up in Southern England of Vikings show up in Southern England are met by the local Authority he's are met by the local Authority he's are met by the local Authority he's called a Reeve think about a sheriff or called a Reeve think about a sheriff or called a Reeve think about a sheriff or a trade official who goes there a trade official who goes there a trade official who goes there presumably to tell the Vikings who he presumably to tell the Vikings who he presumably to tell the Vikings who he thinks are Traders right Merchants to thinks are Traders right Merchants to thinks are Traders right Merchants to tell them where to go so that they can tell them where to go so that they can tell them where to go so that they can pay their tax before they get their pay their tax before they get their pay their tax before they get their trading started and famously those trading started and famously those trading started and famously those Traders kill the Reeve right they murder Traders kill the Reeve right they murder Traders kill the Reeve right they murder the king's official and this is often the king's official and this is often the king's official and this is often looked at as the first sign of trouble looked at as the first sign of trouble looked at as the first sign of trouble in 793 which is four years later you get in 793 which is four years later you get in 793 which is four years later you get the attack at lindisfarne the attack at lindisfarne the attack at lindisfarne in northeastern Britain and it's a in northeastern Britain and it's a in northeastern Britain and it's a famous raid monks are killed stuff is

famous raid monks are killed stuff is famous raid monks are killed stuff is stolen the altar is famously splattered stolen the altar is famously splattered stolen the altar is famously splattered with blood and the gods instruments you with blood and the gods instruments you with blood and the gods instruments you know thrown into the dung Heap according know thrown into the dung Heap according know thrown into the dung Heap according to a primary source to a primary source to a primary source there is a bit of Romanticism sometimes there is a bit of Romanticism sometimes there is a bit of Romanticism sometimes connected to what a viking raid is like connected to what a viking raid is like connected to what a viking raid is like there was a famous Brady Bunch episode there was a famous Brady Bunch episode there was a famous Brady Bunch episode if you're old enough to remember where if you're old enough to remember where if you're old enough to remember where one of the young members of the family one of the young members of the family one of the young members of the family was starting to romanticize Billy the was starting to romanticize Billy the was starting to romanticize Billy the Kid right the old Western outlaw and the Kid right the old Western outlaw and the Kid right the old Western outlaw and the way the story wraps up is the the father way the story wraps up is the the father way the story wraps up is the the father in the family finds someone whose father in the family finds someone whose father in the family finds someone whose father was actually killed by Billy the Kid an was actually killed by Billy the Kid an was actually killed by Billy the Kid an old-timer who tells the young boy listen old-timer who tells the young boy listen old-timer who tells the young boy listen this person you're romanticizing is not this person you're romanticizing is not this person you're romanticizing is not worth your romanticizing right they were worth your romanticizing right they were worth your romanticizing right they were bad people and this was an exciting fun bad people and this was an exciting fun bad people and this was an exciting fun stuff this was murder well there's a stuff this was murder well there's a stuff this was murder well there's a similar sort of Point made by historian similar sort of Point made by historian similar sort of Point made by historian Neil price in the children of Ash and Neil price in the children of Ash and Neil price in the children of Ash and Elm where he wants us to keep our eyes Elm where he wants us to keep our eyes Elm where he wants us to keep our eyes on the prize when it comes to these on the prize when it comes to these on the prize when it comes to these Viking raids and not see them as a bunch Viking raids and not see them as a bunch Viking raids and not see them as a bunch of dates and locations on a map or a of dates and locations on a map or a of dates and locations on a map or a timeline and he writes quote timeline and he writes quote timeline and he writes quote before venturing there however there is before venturing there however there is before venturing there however there is something else almost a moral imperative something else almost a moral imperative something else almost a moral imperative the cartographic Viking age the raids as the cartographic Viking age the raids as the cartographic Viking age the raids as mapped is a useful but comfortably mapped is a useful but comfortably mapped is a useful but comfortably distant way to approach these events a distant way to approach these events a distant way to approach these events a violent reality check is needed a violent reality check is needed a violent reality check is needed a corrective and necessary acknowledgment corrective and necessary acknowledgment corrective and necessary acknowledgment of what the Maze of dates and place of what the Maze of dates and place of what the Maze of dates and place names and labeled arrows really meant he

names and labeled arrows really meant he names and labeled arrows really meant he continues quote continues quote continues quote at their most immediate on the spot on at their most immediate on the spot on at their most immediate on the spot on the day for many the raids were the most the day for many the raids were the most the day for many the raids were the most bitter of endings behind every notation bitter of endings behind every notation bitter of endings behind every notation on our Maps lay an urgent present of on our Maps lay an urgent present of on our Maps lay an urgent present of panic and Terror of slashing blades and panic and Terror of slashing blades and panic and Terror of slashing blades and sharp points of sudden pain and open sharp points of sudden pain and open sharp points of sudden pain and open wounds of bodies by the wayside and wounds of bodies by the wayside and wounds of bodies by the wayside and orphaned children of women raped in all orphaned children of women raped in all orphaned children of women raped in all manner of people enslaved of entire manner of people enslaved of entire manner of people enslaved of entire family lines ending in Blood of Screams family lines ending in Blood of Screams family lines ending in Blood of Screams and then silence where there should be and then silence where there should be and then silence where there should be Lively noise of burning buildings and Lively noise of burning buildings and Lively noise of burning buildings and ruin of economic loss ruin of economic loss ruin of economic loss of religious convictions overturned in a of religious convictions overturned in a of religious convictions overturned in a moment and replaced with humiliation and moment and replaced with humiliation and moment and replaced with humiliation and rage of Roads choked with refugees as rage of Roads choked with refugees as rage of Roads choked with refugees as Columns of smoke Rose behind them of Columns of smoke Rose behind them of Columns of smoke Rose behind them of utter ruthless brutality expressed in utter ruthless brutality expressed in utter ruthless brutality expressed in all its forms end quote all its forms end quote all its forms end quote now if you are made homeless or turned now if you are made homeless or turned now if you are made homeless or turned into a refugee or even killed during one into a refugee or even killed during one into a refugee or even killed during one of these Viking raids at least most of of these Viking raids at least most of of these Viking raids at least most of your trouble is behind you the worst your trouble is behind you the worst your trouble is behind you the worst dissolver Maybe dissolver Maybe dissolver Maybe imagine being taken prisoner and held in imagine being taken prisoner and held in imagine being taken prisoner and held in slavery by these kinds of people imagine slavery by these kinds of people imagine slavery by these kinds of people imagine being in their total power you know tied being in their total power you know tied being in their total power you know tied up not being able to do anything up not being able to do anything up not being able to do anything a bunch of armed Viking Raiders a bunch of armed Viking Raiders a bunch of armed Viking Raiders I mean Tom Holland in his book The Forge I mean Tom Holland in his book The Forge I mean Tom Holland in his book The Forge of Christendom which is a great book by

of Christendom which is a great book by of Christendom which is a great book by the way he quotes a Norman poet from the way he quotes a Norman poet from the way he quotes a Norman poet from after this period who talks about you after this period who talks about you after this period who talks about you know some of this activity and take this know some of this activity and take this know some of this activity and take this for what it's worth although there's not for what it's worth although there's not for what it's worth although there's not much that's much that's much that's unsupportable here I mean they talk unsupportable here I mean they talk unsupportable here I mean they talk about uh heterosexual gang rape on about uh heterosexual gang rape on about uh heterosexual gang rape on slaves but that's something that's slaves but that's something that's slaves but that's something that's attested to by eyewitnesses in other attested to by eyewitnesses in other attested to by eyewitnesses in other sources with the Vikings but also sources with the Vikings but also sources with the Vikings but also homosexual gang rape and um urinating on homosexual gang rape and um urinating on homosexual gang rape and um urinating on these recently captured people I mean these recently captured people I mean these recently captured people I mean it's all part of degrading them it's all part of degrading them it's all part of degrading them mistreating them and maybe just you know mistreating them and maybe just you know mistreating them and maybe just you know trying to figure out a way to entertain trying to figure out a way to entertain trying to figure out a way to entertain a bunch of board Vikings a bunch of board Vikings a bunch of board Vikings it's horrific it's part of the human it's horrific it's part of the human it's horrific it's part of the human condition though especially in the condition though especially in the condition though especially in the pre-modern era and it's interesting to pre-modern era and it's interesting to pre-modern era and it's interesting to kind of figure out why that's the case kind of figure out why that's the case kind of figure out why that's the case because it shines a light on why it's so because it shines a light on why it's so because it shines a light on why it's so hard to stop things like these Viking hard to stop things like these Viking hard to stop things like these Viking assaults assaults assaults we mentioned earlier that piracy was we mentioned earlier that piracy was we mentioned earlier that piracy was basically omnipresent in the pre-modern basically omnipresent in the pre-modern basically omnipresent in the pre-modern world but piracy is sort of just a sub world but piracy is sort of just a sub world but piracy is sort of just a sub category of raiding and raiding has been category of raiding and raiding has been category of raiding and raiding has been around around around well at least since Neanderthal man I well at least since Neanderthal man I well at least since Neanderthal man I think I'm safe in saying I mean if you think I'm safe in saying I mean if you think I'm safe in saying I mean if you want to study the roots of warfare want to study the roots of warfare want to study the roots of warfare you're going to find that the earliest you're going to find that the earliest you're going to find that the earliest you know historical accounts you can you know historical accounts you can you know historical accounts you can find find find and read about our from the middle of and read about our from the middle of and read about our from the middle of the story I mean you need to go into the story I mean you need to go into the story I mean you need to go into things like archeology and anthropology things like archeology and anthropology things like archeology and anthropology and stuff like that to try to figure out and stuff like that to try to figure out and stuff like that to try to figure out you know where things like rating starts you know where things like rating starts you know where things like rating starts and rating is probably a subcategory of and rating is probably a subcategory of and rating is probably a subcategory of War so piracy is a subcategory of rating

War so piracy is a subcategory of rating War so piracy is a subcategory of rating ratings is a subcategory of war and you ratings is a subcategory of war and you ratings is a subcategory of war and you need to go back in time to like need to go back in time to like need to go back in time to like you know what anthropologists do when you know what anthropologists do when you know what anthropologists do when they study conflict between simeons that they study conflict between simeons that they study conflict between simeons that come together right I mean you know come together right I mean you know come together right I mean you know talking apes right that's how the roots talking apes right that's how the roots talking apes right that's how the roots of War go and there's almost a Newtonian of War go and there's almost a Newtonian of War go and there's almost a Newtonian reliability in the idea that if you have reliability in the idea that if you have reliability in the idea that if you have tons of stuff people want right tons of tons of stuff people want right tons of tons of stuff people want right tons of wealth whatever counts for wealth you wealth whatever counts for wealth you wealth whatever counts for wealth you know at whatever time period and you know at whatever time period and you know at whatever time period and you don't protect it somebody's going to don't protect it somebody's going to don't protect it somebody's going to take it take it take it right not every society is a rating right not every society is a rating right not every society is a rating Society but all that has to happen in Society but all that has to happen in Society but all that has to happen in your geographical neighborhood in your your geographical neighborhood in your your geographical neighborhood in your historical period is that somebody in historical period is that somebody in historical period is that somebody in your region needs to be a rating society your region needs to be a rating society your region needs to be a rating society and that's going to change everything I and that's going to change everything I and that's going to change everything I truly believe that raiding is one of truly believe that raiding is one of truly believe that raiding is one of those Prime movers in human history those Prime movers in human history those Prime movers in human history because of all the sort of the because of all the sort of the because of all the sort of the downstream effects it has right the the downstream effects it has right the the downstream effects it has right the the Newtonian pinging for every action Newtonian pinging for every action Newtonian pinging for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction there's an equal and opposite reaction there's an equal and opposite reaction and if you live next to a community of and if you live next to a community of and if you live next to a community of people that raid you have to defend people that raid you have to defend people that raid you have to defend yourself yourself yourself right that's the equal and opposite right that's the equal and opposite right that's the equal and opposite reaction and you can choose defense you reaction and you can choose defense you reaction and you can choose defense you could choose offense or you could choose could choose offense or you could choose could choose offense or you could choose both but not choosing anything is an both but not choosing anything is an both but not choosing anything is an option that will get your people wiped option that will get your people wiped option that will get your people wiped out taken into slavery absorbed and out taken into slavery absorbed and out taken into slavery absorbed and eventually have them disappear some eventually have them disappear some eventually have them disappear some societies do it defensively right some societies do it defensively right some societies do it defensively right some Native American societies will build Native American societies will build Native American societies will build these uh tall these uh tall these uh tall sorts of uh abodes or in rock Cliffs sorts of uh abodes or in rock Cliffs sorts of uh abodes or in rock Cliffs where they can pull up ladders if the where they can pull up ladders if the where they can pull up ladders if the dangerous rating peoples nearby them

dangerous rating peoples nearby them dangerous rating peoples nearby them show up right so we're just gonna flee show up right so we're just gonna flee show up right so we're just gonna flee and Escape them in a you know Native and Escape them in a you know Native and Escape them in a you know Native American version of a castle and my American version of a castle and my American version of a castle and my goodness one of the most obvious goodness one of the most obvious goodness one of the most obvious examples of a defensive Downstream examples of a defensive Downstream examples of a defensive Downstream adaptation to dealing with people who adaptation to dealing with people who adaptation to dealing with people who want to take your stuff who live near want to take your stuff who live near want to take your stuff who live near you you you our walls I mean walls can serve a lot our walls I mean walls can serve a lot our walls I mean walls can serve a lot of purposes obviously but the Occam's of purposes obviously but the Occam's of purposes obviously but the Occam's raise a reason that you have them and raise a reason that you have them and raise a reason that you have them and that you have them from the very that you have them from the very that you have them from the very beginning of human cities I mean Jericho beginning of human cities I mean Jericho beginning of human cities I mean Jericho is one of the oldest cities in world is one of the oldest cities in world is one of the oldest cities in world history what is it famous for walls history what is it famous for walls history what is it famous for walls so walls is another one of those so walls is another one of those so walls is another one of those Downstream sorts of Downstream sorts of Downstream sorts of Newtonian impacts and you see Walls by Newtonian impacts and you see Walls by Newtonian impacts and you see Walls by the way if you go look at drawings and the way if you go look at drawings and the way if you go look at drawings and paintings of cities you have walls until paintings of cities you have walls until paintings of cities you have walls until cannons started reliably knocking them cannons started reliably knocking them cannons started reliably knocking them down down down so that's one of the adaptations that so that's one of the adaptations that so that's one of the adaptations that human beings do when they live near human beings do when they live near human beings do when they live near people who raid people who raid people who raid but most societies include an offensive but most societies include an offensive but most societies include an offensive component if the other guy has Warriors component if the other guy has Warriors component if the other guy has Warriors right the other Society has people who right the other Society has people who right the other Society has people who train with weapons and have experience train with weapons and have experience train with weapons and have experience using these weapons and encourage you using these weapons and encourage you using these weapons and encourage you know activity on the part of the people know activity on the part of the people know activity on the part of the people who have experience in training using who have experience in training using who have experience in training using weapons then you're going to have to weapons then you're going to have to weapons then you're going to have to have people like that have people like that have people like that if you want to live in a Garden of Eden if you want to live in a Garden of Eden if you want to live in a Garden of Eden you can't have a raiding Society there you can't have a raiding Society there you can't have a raiding Society there because they're going to force everyone because they're going to force everyone because they're going to force everyone else to adapt and that's going to turn else to adapt and that's going to turn else to adapt and that's going to turn everything into the sort of you know

everything into the sort of you know everything into the sort of you know militaristic counterbalancing Force militaristic counterbalancing Force militaristic counterbalancing Force thing we live with today and the people thing we live with today and the people thing we live with today and the people have always had well if you look at the have always had well if you look at the have always had well if you look at the Societies in this Viking era let's call Societies in this Viking era let's call Societies in this Viking era let's call them the Haves and the have-nots there them the Haves and the have-nots there them the Haves and the have-nots there are some very rich societies and it's a are some very rich societies and it's a are some very rich societies and it's a hell of a Temptation if you want to just hell of a Temptation if you want to just hell of a Temptation if you want to just go take their stuff especially if it go take their stuff especially if it go take their stuff especially if it seems like an easy thing to do I mean seems like an easy thing to do I mean seems like an easy thing to do I mean think about the Temptations that any you think about the Temptations that any you think about the Temptations that any you know group of Viking type Pirates would know group of Viking type Pirates would know group of Viking type Pirates would have in the modern world today have in the modern world today have in the modern world today we of course have piracy in the modern we of course have piracy in the modern we of course have piracy in the modern world international Naval patrols go out world international Naval patrols go out world international Naval patrols go out there and take on these little you know there and take on these little you know there and take on these little you know fast boats with guys armed with AK-47s fast boats with guys armed with AK-47s fast boats with guys armed with AK-47s and whatnot but it's not like the kind and whatnot but it's not like the kind and whatnot but it's not like the kind of piracy that you could run into in the of piracy that you could run into in the of piracy that you could run into in the Viking era where they're going to bring Viking era where they're going to bring Viking era where they're going to bring a lot of people on Shore and take stuff a lot of people on Shore and take stuff a lot of people on Shore and take stuff on Shore I mean try to imagine and it's on Shore I mean try to imagine and it's on Shore I mean try to imagine and it's impossible to imagine because of all the impossible to imagine because of all the impossible to imagine because of all the aspects that make the modern world the aspects that make the modern world the aspects that make the modern world the modern world but those aspects didn't modern world but those aspects didn't modern world but those aspects didn't exist 100 years ago so human history up exist 100 years ago so human history up exist 100 years ago so human history up until about 100 years ago until about 100 years ago until about 100 years ago was totally open to somebody doing oh I was totally open to somebody doing oh I was totally open to somebody doing oh I don't know some sort of a raid on a don't know some sort of a raid on a don't know some sort of a raid on a fabulously Rich area that was just fabulously Rich area that was just fabulously Rich area that was just beckoning people to come and take stuff beckoning people to come and take stuff beckoning people to come and take stuff how about the area I'm from Southern how about the area I'm from Southern how about the area I'm from Southern California California California place like Laguna Beach or or some of place like Laguna Beach or or some of place like Laguna Beach or or some of these communities Manhattan Beach some these communities Manhattan Beach some these communities Manhattan Beach some of these wonderful Malibu Coastal of these wonderful Malibu Coastal of these wonderful Malibu Coastal communities just imagine we'll talk a communities just imagine we'll talk a communities just imagine we'll talk a really small force of maybe five Viking really small force of maybe five Viking really small force of maybe five Viking ships roll into Emerald Bay or El Morro

ships roll into Emerald Bay or El Morro ships roll into Emerald Bay or El Morro Bay and Laguna Bay and Laguna Bay and Laguna by the time the first Morning Light you by the time the first Morning Light you by the time the first Morning Light you know comes up over the horizon the five know comes up over the horizon the five know comes up over the horizon the five ships are there in the cove and guys are ships are there in the cove and guys are ships are there in the cove and guys are jumping out of those ships jumping out of those ships jumping out of those ships I suppose if we're going to make a I suppose if we're going to make a I suppose if we're going to make a modern analogy we'll give them you know modern analogy we'll give them you know modern analogy we'll give them you know AK-47s and rocket launchers AK-47s and rocket launchers AK-47s and rocket launchers and they're going to come and they're and they're going to come and they're and they're going to come and they're going to rush through that Community going to rush through that Community going to rush through that Community stealing everything they can get their stealing everything they can get their stealing everything they can get their hands on by the time the residents wake hands on by the time the residents wake hands on by the time the residents wake up you've got screams and smoke and up you've got screams and smoke and up you've got screams and smoke and armed men and before you know it there's armed men and before you know it there's armed men and before you know it there's five guys in your room taking your stuff five guys in your room taking your stuff five guys in your room taking your stuff uh stealing your wife into slavery and uh stealing your wife into slavery and uh stealing your wife into slavery and killing you killing you killing you 200 Vikings in Laguna Beach would create 200 Vikings in Laguna Beach would create 200 Vikings in Laguna Beach would create absolute Havoc absolute Havoc absolute Havoc and if they're gone before the sun sets and if they're gone before the sun sets and if they're gone before the sun sets again we don't have very long to respond again we don't have very long to respond again we don't have very long to respond do you do you do you now in the Modern Age you don't need now in the Modern Age you don't need now in the Modern Age you don't need very long to respond which is why the very long to respond which is why the very long to respond which is why the last hundred or so years is a bit last hundred or so years is a bit last hundred or so years is a bit different in Laguna Beach they would have known in Laguna Beach they would have known about five Viking ships approaching the about five Viking ships approaching the about five Viking ships approaching the coast long before they got anywhere near coast long before they got anywhere near coast long before they got anywhere near the coast right satellites would have the coast right satellites would have the coast right satellites would have found them aerial reconnaissance would found them aerial reconnaissance would found them aerial reconnaissance would have seen him somebody on a boat have seen him somebody on a boat have seen him somebody on a boat somewhere fishing would have you know somewhere fishing would have you know somewhere fishing would have you know called in something on their cell phone called in something on their cell phone called in something on their cell phone and then you would have scrambled air and then you would have scrambled air and then you would have scrambled air assets when you aircraft helicopters assets when you aircraft helicopters assets when you aircraft helicopters you'd be on them before they got you'd be on them before they got you'd be on them before they got anywhere near Emerald Bay right anywhere near Emerald Bay right anywhere near Emerald Bay right and then of course you have you know and then of course you have you know and then of course you have you know Naval units you got them in Long Beach Naval units you got them in Long Beach Naval units you got them in Long Beach you got them in San Diego they're going you got them in San Diego they're going you got them in San Diego they're going to converge on that area within hour two to converge on that area within hour two to converge on that area within hour two hours and it's a suicide mission for any

hours and it's a suicide mission for any hours and it's a suicide mission for any Vikings Vikings Vikings but you take away those modern but you take away those modern but you take away those modern surveillance and response elements those surveillance and response elements those surveillance and response elements those military elements and all of a sudden military elements and all of a sudden military elements and all of a sudden you have a wildly attractive Target you have a wildly attractive Target you have a wildly attractive Target that's super rich and that people could that's super rich and that people could that's super rich and that people could get in and out of before the people that get in and out of before the people that get in and out of before the people that would punish you for doing something would punish you for doing something would punish you for doing something like that could even arrive on the scene like that could even arrive on the scene like that could even arrive on the scene military history enhanced stuff Brooke military history enhanced stuff Brooke military history enhanced stuff Brooke calls this one of the great and it's calls this one of the great and it's calls this one of the great and it's obvious isn't it one of the great obvious isn't it one of the great obvious isn't it one of the great advantages that the Vikings have because advantages that the Vikings have because advantages that the Vikings have because by the time they strike and get out of by the time they strike and get out of by the time they strike and get out of there I mean it would take you quite a there I mean it would take you quite a there I mean it would take you quite a while to get a thousand local people while to get a thousand local people while to get a thousand local people together to fight Vikings and some of together to fight Vikings and some of together to fight Vikings and some of the real nasty reputational aspects of the real nasty reputational aspects of the real nasty reputational aspects of the Viking Warrior are because they were the Viking Warrior are because they were the Viking Warrior are because they were often fighting people that were nowhere often fighting people that were nowhere often fighting people that were nowhere near their equals I mean if I told you near their equals I mean if I told you near their equals I mean if I told you we need 200 people to combat the 200 we need 200 people to combat the 200 we need 200 people to combat the 200 Vikings that just you know landed in Vikings that just you know landed in Vikings that just you know landed in Emerald Bay what kind of 200 people are Emerald Bay what kind of 200 people are Emerald Bay what kind of 200 people are you going to come up with in a lot of you going to come up with in a lot of you going to come up with in a lot of these communities it might be peasants these communities it might be peasants these communities it might be peasants people who sometimes fooled around with people who sometimes fooled around with people who sometimes fooled around with weapons but if you need to have people weapons but if you need to have people weapons but if you need to have people fast you get the locals but the locals fast you get the locals but the locals fast you get the locals but the locals can't deal with this they can't deal can't deal with this they can't deal can't deal with this they can't deal with a bunch of people who have a with a bunch of people who have a with a bunch of people who have a religious belief for example that religious belief for example that religious belief for example that creates fearsome Warriors right a creates fearsome Warriors right a creates fearsome Warriors right a societal element that well let me put societal element that well let me put societal element that well let me put you this way one of my professors once you this way one of my professors once you this way one of my professors once said if you want to start to understand said if you want to start to understand said if you want to start to understand you know just begin to understand any you know just begin to understand any you know just begin to understand any given people throughout history look at given people throughout history look at given people throughout history look at what the gods they worship want from what the gods they worship want from what the gods they worship want from them look at their idea of what the

them look at their idea of what the them look at their idea of what the Hereafter is and who gets the good seats Hereafter is and who gets the good seats Hereafter is and who gets the good seats in the Hereafter and who doesn't and in the Hereafter and who doesn't and in the Hereafter and who doesn't and that will give you an idea of what that that will give you an idea of what that that will give you an idea of what that Society creates in terms of individuals Society creates in terms of individuals Society creates in terms of individuals the god that these Pagan and Heathen the god that these Pagan and Heathen the god that these Pagan and Heathen version of the Vikings believe in are version of the Vikings believe in are version of the Vikings believe in are gods that do this kind of thing too gods that do this kind of thing too gods that do this kind of thing too these are not turn the other cheek Gods these are not turn the other cheek Gods these are not turn the other cheek Gods these are gods that suggest that they these are gods that suggest that they these are gods that suggest that they have their have their have their minions watching you when you're minions watching you when you're minions watching you when you're fighting and the better you fight the fighting and the better you fight the fighting and the better you fight the better your chances you're going to be better your chances you're going to be better your chances you're going to be at the important table in Valhalla with at the important table in Valhalla with at the important table in Valhalla with Odin Odin Odin the way you handle your weapons matters the way you handle your weapons matters the way you handle your weapons matters whether you flee or not matters and the whether you flee or not matters and the whether you flee or not matters and the more you gloriously seek out death and more you gloriously seek out death and more you gloriously seek out death and don't fear it the better your chances if don't fear it the better your chances if don't fear it the better your chances if you know having a place to sit When the you know having a place to sit When the you know having a place to sit When the Music Stops at either Valhalla or some Music Stops at either Valhalla or some Music Stops at either Valhalla or some of the other places you can go in the of the other places you can go in the of the other places you can go in the Viking and Germanic you know after world Viking and Germanic you know after world Viking and Germanic you know after world you pick those up against a bunch of you pick those up against a bunch of you pick those up against a bunch of local peasants are quickly raised to local peasants are quickly raised to local peasants are quickly raised to deal with them a bunch of Laguna Beach deal with them a bunch of Laguna Beach deal with them a bunch of Laguna Beach peasants if you can imagine peasants if you can imagine peasants if you can imagine um who believe in a heaven and a hell um who believe in a heaven and a hell um who believe in a heaven and a hell and if they're good they go to heaven and if they're good they go to heaven and if they're good they go to heaven and if they're bad they go to hell and and if they're bad they go to hell and and if they're bad they go to hell and they're not completely sure about all I they're not completely sure about all I they're not completely sure about all I mean it's it's a recipe for facing a mean it's it's a recipe for facing a mean it's it's a recipe for facing a bunch of people who are more likely to bunch of people who are more likely to bunch of people who are more likely to run away before you run away and as run away before you run away and as run away before you run away and as we've said before in a pre-modern battle we've said before in a pre-modern battle we've said before in a pre-modern battle but really in any battle the real but really in any battle the real but really in any battle the real killing starts happening once one side killing starts happening once one side killing starts happening once one side begins to flee or route begins to flee or route begins to flee or route I did some morale contest until then and I did some morale contest until then and I did some morale contest until then and these Vikings live in a system where the

these Vikings live in a system where the these Vikings live in a system where the societal carrots and sticks encourage societal carrots and sticks encourage societal carrots and sticks encourage fearlessness fearlessness fearlessness right you want to create a real super right you want to create a real super right you want to create a real super soldier forget about doing what they did soldier forget about doing what they did soldier forget about doing what they did with the Captain America comic book with the Captain America comic book with the Captain America comic book character right make him bigger make him character right make him bigger make him character right make him bigger make him stronger make him faster just make them stronger make him faster just make them stronger make him faster just make them braver braver braver and that will create the super soldier and that will create the super soldier and that will create the super soldier in this era and most of the time the in this era and most of the time the in this era and most of the time the armies and troops and soldiers and armies and troops and soldiers and armies and troops and soldiers and forces that were arrayed against them forces that were arrayed against them forces that were arrayed against them when Viking Pirates and Raiders showed when Viking Pirates and Raiders showed when Viking Pirates and Raiders showed up were far inferior to them in these up were far inferior to them in these up were far inferior to them in these categories which is partly how you get categories which is partly how you get categories which is partly how you get such a fearsome reputation such a fearsome reputation such a fearsome reputation and let's recall in these early raids and let's recall in these early raids and let's recall in these early raids that famously kick off this whole era a that famously kick off this whole era a that famously kick off this whole era a lot of the opponents that are trying to lot of the opponents that are trying to lot of the opponents that are trying to stand up to these fearsome and fearless stand up to these fearsome and fearless stand up to these fearsome and fearless Viking warriors are monks and I mean Viking warriors are monks and I mean Viking warriors are monks and I mean we're not talking Shaolin priests in we're not talking Shaolin priests in we're not talking Shaolin priests in China doing Kung Fu or anything we're China doing Kung Fu or anything we're China doing Kung Fu or anything we're talking about you know the the guys who talking about you know the the guys who talking about you know the the guys who have their heads shaved with the rim of have their heads shaved with the rim of have their heads shaved with the rim of hair around the edges that uh in the hair around the edges that uh in the hair around the edges that uh in the famous artwork the stereotypical artwork famous artwork the stereotypical artwork famous artwork the stereotypical artwork but it's not that far from the truth are but it's not that far from the truth are but it's not that far from the truth are being shown trying to Parry the Viking being shown trying to Parry the Viking being shown trying to Parry the Viking war axes with crosses so you get an idea war axes with crosses so you get an idea war axes with crosses so you get an idea that it's perhaps not the stiffest that it's perhaps not the stiffest that it's perhaps not the stiffest competition these Viking Raiders have to competition these Viking Raiders have to competition these Viking Raiders have to face early on face early on face early on but it's worth pointing out that the but it's worth pointing out that the but it's worth pointing out that the ideas of fearlessness and fearsomeness ideas of fearlessness and fearsomeness ideas of fearlessness and fearsomeness are kind of neutral in terms of what

are kind of neutral in terms of what are kind of neutral in terms of what they imply I mean you can be fearsome they imply I mean you can be fearsome they imply I mean you can be fearsome and fearless defending your own family and fearless defending your own family and fearless defending your own family right uh it doesn't mean anything by right uh it doesn't mean anything by right uh it doesn't mean anything by itself it doesn't imply aggressiveness itself it doesn't imply aggressiveness itself it doesn't imply aggressiveness but there are the other elements in this but there are the other elements in this but there are the other elements in this culture that are so fascinating and that culture that are so fascinating and that culture that are so fascinating and that in some ways although this may be true in some ways although this may be true in some ways although this may be true for many different cultures out there for many different cultures out there for many different cultures out there but but remind me of my own culture in but but remind me of my own culture in but but remind me of my own culture in in the United States or the traditional in the United States or the traditional in the United States or the traditional one that we celebrate anyway in both one that we celebrate anyway in both one that we celebrate anyway in both good and bad I mean you can see one of these elements I mean you can see one of these elements going on in Viking society that reminds going on in Viking society that reminds going on in Viking society that reminds me of the old American Trope of Go West me of the old American Trope of Go West me of the old American Trope of Go West Young Man write that line and that would Young Man write that line and that would Young Man write that line and that would apply equally well to Young Viking males apply equally well to Young Viking males apply equally well to Young Viking males too right go make your fortune Venture too right go make your fortune Venture too right go make your fortune Venture forward risk and get reward right uh uh forward risk and get reward right uh uh forward risk and get reward right uh uh you're gonna go out there if you're a you're gonna go out there if you're a you're gonna go out there if you're a young Viking male done with your young Viking male done with your young Viking male done with your apprenticeship and you're going to take apprenticeship and you're going to take apprenticeship and you're going to take this wonderful Adventure on this ship this wonderful Adventure on this ship this wonderful Adventure on this ship and it's a little like forging off on a and it's a little like forging off on a and it's a little like forging off on a giant Grand male bonding Expedition with giant Grand male bonding Expedition with giant Grand male bonding Expedition with some threat posed and some challenges some threat posed and some challenges some threat posed and some challenges faced and some Daring Do established and faced and some Daring Do established and faced and some Daring Do established and some you know treasure looted and you some you know treasure looted and you some you know treasure looted and you come home and you can afford the wife come home and you can afford the wife come home and you can afford the wife now and you can put a down payment on a now and you can put a down payment on a now and you can put a down payment on a farm and you get your life started right farm and you get your life started right farm and you get your life started right you've made your bones you've made your bones you've made your bones there's a little bit of an element of there's a little bit of an element of there's a little bit of an element of that in this whole Viking sort of that in this whole Viking sort of that in this whole Viking sort of culture that encourages people to go out culture that encourages people to go out culture that encourages people to go out and do something like this and then the and do something like this and then the and do something like this and then the fearsomeness and the fearlessness well fearsomeness and the fearlessness well fearsomeness and the fearlessness well has a different sort of cast about it has a different sort of cast about it has a different sort of cast about it doesn't it if you're a monk having to

doesn't it if you're a monk having to doesn't it if you're a monk having to try to fend off a viking ax with your try to fend off a viking ax with your try to fend off a viking ax with your crucifix crucifix crucifix um they're fearlessness and fearsomeness um they're fearlessness and fearsomeness um they're fearlessness and fearsomeness is a little less is a little less is a little less neutral right it's not a quality you neutral right it's not a quality you neutral right it's not a quality you want to celebrate want to celebrate want to celebrate it's something that comes with as the it's something that comes with as the it's something that comes with as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle said Dreadful Anglo-Saxon Chronicle said Dreadful Anglo-Saxon Chronicle said Dreadful forewarnings forewarnings forewarnings you know immense sheets of Light you know immense sheets of Light you know immense sheets of Light whirlwinds Dragons and Vikings the first years of these Viking raids the first years of these Viking raids are all about hitting the easy targets are all about hitting the easy targets are all about hitting the easy targets these monasteries so so from about 793 these monasteries so so from about 793 these monasteries so so from about 793 all through up until the early 800s all through up until the early 800s all through up until the early 800s England Scotland Ireland the islands England Scotland Ireland the islands England Scotland Ireland the islands around those islands are getting hit a around those islands are getting hit a around those islands are getting hit a lot lot lot and we probably only know about the and we probably only know about the and we probably only know about the major raids it's likely there were lots major raids it's likely there were lots major raids it's likely there were lots of little attacks I mean even if one of little attacks I mean even if one of little attacks I mean even if one Viking ship with 30 Vikings in it pulls Viking ship with 30 Vikings in it pulls Viking ship with 30 Vikings in it pulls up near the shore somewhere that's quite up near the shore somewhere that's quite up near the shore somewhere that's quite a bit to have to deal with especially if a bit to have to deal with especially if a bit to have to deal with especially if they're back in their ships in 20 they're back in their ships in 20 they're back in their ships in 20 minutes right that's these are minutes right that's these are minutes right that's these are devastating and very difficult to defend devastating and very difficult to defend devastating and very difficult to defend against raids and part of the irony of against raids and part of the irony of against raids and part of the irony of the whole thing if you look at it from a the whole thing if you look at it from a the whole thing if you look at it from a really wide really wide really wide um historical lens is that the people um historical lens is that the people um historical lens is that the people during this early time period that are during this early time period that are during this early time period that are getting hit the hardest right the the getting hit the hardest right the the getting hit the hardest right the the Anglo-Saxons in England and the Irish Anglo-Saxons in England and the Irish Anglo-Saxons in England and the Irish for example were in their days centuries for example were in their days centuries for example were in their days centuries before this time period some of the before this time period some of the before this time period some of the great pirate Raiders of their time

great pirate Raiders of their time great pirate Raiders of their time I mean the Irish rated so often into I mean the Irish rated so often into I mean the Irish rated so often into what's now Scotland that the Roman name what's now Scotland that the Roman name what's now Scotland that the Roman name for some of these Irish scody or skodai for some of these Irish scody or skodai for some of these Irish scody or skodai eventually evolved into the name for the eventually evolved into the name for the eventually evolved into the name for the entire region entire region entire region and of course the only reason you have and of course the only reason you have and of course the only reason you have Angles and Saxons that gave the name Angles and Saxons that gave the name Angles and Saxons that gave the name England right England to England is England right England to England is England right England to England is because hundreds of years before they because hundreds of years before they because hundreds of years before they came over in a very similar sort of wave came over in a very similar sort of wave came over in a very similar sort of wave of of of valhalla-ish valhalla-ish valhalla-ish pantheists arriving on the shores of pantheists arriving on the shores of pantheists arriving on the shores of this island and terrorizing the locals this island and terrorizing the locals this island and terrorizing the locals in a very similar way in a very similar way in a very similar way as handsdale Brooke had written about as handsdale Brooke had written about as handsdale Brooke had written about this time period and he casted in sort this time period and he casted in sort this time period and he casted in sort of Cycles but this is what we talked of Cycles but this is what we talked of Cycles but this is what we talked about in Thor's Angels 2 and he had said about in Thor's Angels 2 and he had said about in Thor's Angels 2 and he had said quote we now see a repetition of the quote we now see a repetition of the quote we now see a repetition of the conditions that developed in the Roman conditions that developed in the Roman conditions that developed in the Roman Empire after the limeys were penetrated Empire after the limeys were penetrated Empire after the limeys were penetrated end quote in other words the Saxon end quote in other words the Saxon end quote in other words the Saxon attacks against Roman Britain attacks against Roman Britain attacks against Roman Britain you know in the 300s and 400s are now you know in the 300s and 400s are now you know in the 300s and 400s are now being repeated by people from even being repeated by people from even being repeated by people from even farther north than the Saxons in the farther north than the Saxons in the farther north than the Saxons in the realm of the now christianized Saxons the era of very easy targets is going to the era of very easy targets is going to end in the not too distant future for end in the not too distant future for end in the not too distant future for the reasons we mentioned earlier about the reasons we mentioned earlier about the reasons we mentioned earlier about for every action there's an equal and for every action there's an equal and for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction there's Downstream opposite reaction there's Downstream opposite reaction there's Downstream effects from all this and if you are a

effects from all this and if you are a effects from all this and if you are a monastery like for example Iona right on monastery like for example Iona right on monastery like for example Iona right on a Scottish Island and you get hit every a Scottish Island and you get hit every a Scottish Island and you get hit every couple of years for years I mean in one couple of years for years I mean in one couple of years for years I mean in one of the attacks between 60 and 70 monks of the attacks between 60 and 70 monks of the attacks between 60 and 70 monks are slaughtered by the Vikings your are slaughtered by the Vikings your are slaughtered by the Vikings your Downstream effect is you're going to Downstream effect is you're going to Downstream effect is you're going to move a lot of your operations away from move a lot of your operations away from move a lot of your operations away from that site and recent evidence suggests that site and recent evidence suggests that site and recent evidence suggests that the site was never abandoned like that the site was never abandoned like that the site was never abandoned like we used to think but you still saw a lot we used to think but you still saw a lot we used to think but you still saw a lot of people say the best way for us to of people say the best way for us to of people say the best way for us to respond to this is to leave respond to this is to leave respond to this is to leave by about the early 800s you can see the by about the early 800s you can see the by about the early 800s you can see the targets that the Vikings have been targets that the Vikings have been targets that the Vikings have been hitting hardening hitting hardening hitting hardening which necessitates a higher level of which necessitates a higher level of which necessitates a higher level of coordination and larger attacks from the coordination and larger attacks from the coordination and larger attacks from the Vikings to deal with the fact that their Vikings to deal with the fact that their Vikings to deal with the fact that their targets are now expecting them and this targets are now expecting them and this targets are now expecting them and this is why partly the 800s are going to be is why partly the 800s are going to be is why partly the 800s are going to be this period where the scale and the this period where the scale and the this period where the scale and the intensity and the amplitude of these intensity and the amplitude of these intensity and the amplitude of these attacks explodes in size and this is attacks explodes in size and this is attacks explodes in size and this is when the you know the stock market that when the you know the stock market that when the you know the stock market that measures piracy shoots up to all-time measures piracy shoots up to all-time measures piracy shoots up to all-time highs and the point where piracy on a highs and the point where piracy on a highs and the point where piracy on a mass level can actually be civilizationally threatening civilizationally threatening now we should point out that some of now we should point out that some of now we should point out that some of these areas that had sort of been too these areas that had sort of been too these areas that had sort of been too strong for the Vikings to want to mess

strong for the Vikings to want to mess strong for the Vikings to want to mess with right they're looking for easy with right they're looking for easy with right they're looking for easy targets they're not looking for targets they're not looking for targets they're not looking for Charlemagne's defenses in you know the Charlemagne's defenses in you know the Charlemagne's defenses in you know the Frankish Empire but when Charlemagne Frankish Empire but when Charlemagne Frankish Empire but when Charlemagne dies as we've mentioned and his son dies as we've mentioned and his son dies as we've mentioned and his son takes over then his son has the famous takes over then his son has the famous takes over then his son has the famous problems with his sons and and the problems with his sons and and the problems with his sons and and the carolingian Empire starts uh sort of carolingian Empire starts uh sort of carolingian Empire starts uh sort of devolving into Civil War and devolving into Civil War and devolving into Civil War and disintegration and all this they have disintegration and all this they have disintegration and all this they have bigger fish to fry than Coastal defenses bigger fish to fry than Coastal defenses bigger fish to fry than Coastal defenses right they're fighting huge Wars for the right they're fighting huge Wars for the right they're fighting huge Wars for the future of the Empire which leaves things future of the Empire which leaves things future of the Empire which leaves things to sort of fray at the edges and that's to sort of fray at the edges and that's to sort of fray at the edges and that's just the kind of sort of a situation just the kind of sort of a situation just the kind of sort of a situation that the Scandinavian Raiders always that the Scandinavian Raiders always that the Scandinavian Raiders always took advantage of they this is why some took advantage of they this is why some took advantage of they this is why some of the historians often think that there of the historians often think that there of the historians often think that there weren't Viking Traders you know weren't Viking Traders you know weren't Viking Traders you know merchants and Raiders they were the same merchants and Raiders they were the same merchants and Raiders they were the same thing historian Max Adams in his book The historian Max Adams in his book The Viking Wars points out that if you went Viking Wars points out that if you went Viking Wars points out that if you went to one of these Viking Raiders and tried to one of these Viking Raiders and tried to one of these Viking Raiders and tried to make the distinction with them to make the distinction with them to make the distinction with them between Traders and Raiders they might between Traders and Raiders they might between Traders and Raiders they might be baffled by the whole thing right are be baffled by the whole thing right are be baffled by the whole thing right are you a traitor or a Raider yes you a traitor or a Raider yes you a traitor or a Raider yes regardless what it means is if you've regardless what it means is if you've regardless what it means is if you've got lots of these Scandinavians and all got lots of these Scandinavians and all got lots of these Scandinavians and all the trading centers in the entire region the trading centers in the entire region the trading centers in the entire region you are getting first class you know you are getting first class you know you are getting first class you know information on the ground we might as information on the ground we might as information on the ground we might as well think of a lot of these Traders well think of a lot of these Traders well think of a lot of these Traders slash Raiders as intelligence operatives slash Raiders as intelligence operatives slash Raiders as intelligence operatives right or if we're going to stick with right or if we're going to stick with right or if we're going to stick with sort of the organized crime kind of sort of the organized crime kind of sort of the organized crime kind of motif here think about these guys as

motif here think about these guys as motif here think about these guys as inside moles inside moles inside moles in you know the business that the mob in you know the business that the mob in you know the business that the mob wants to take over feeding them wants to take over feeding them wants to take over feeding them information like Wednesday night information like Wednesday night information like Wednesday night Watchmen not around you know where do Watchmen not around you know where do Watchmen not around you know where do they keep the loot is the cash register they keep the loot is the cash register they keep the loot is the cash register open things like that open things like that open things like that but they certainly get the word when the but they certainly get the word when the but they certainly get the word when the Frankish Empire begins to be undermined Frankish Empire begins to be undermined Frankish Empire begins to be undermined after Charlemagne's death I mean to give after Charlemagne's death I mean to give after Charlemagne's death I mean to give us an idea and remember there is stuff us an idea and remember there is stuff us an idea and remember there is stuff going on almost certainly you know you going on almost certainly you know you going on almost certainly you know you can infer things without knowing things can infer things without knowing things can infer things without knowing things there's almost certainly rating going on there's almost certainly rating going on there's almost certainly rating going on at beneath the level that gets noticed at beneath the level that gets noticed at beneath the level that gets noticed in the sources but listen to a standard in the sources but listen to a standard in the sources but listen to a standard timeline of Viking activities in the timeline of Viking activities in the timeline of Viking activities in the west up to this time right so we'll west up to this time right so we'll west up to this time right so we'll catch us up on what's going on and I catch us up on what's going on and I catch us up on what's going on and I took this timeline from the book Vikings took this timeline from the book Vikings took this timeline from the book Vikings an encyclopedia of conflict invasions an encyclopedia of conflict invasions an encyclopedia of conflict invasions and raids by Tristan Mueller Vollmer and and raids by Tristan Mueller Vollmer and and raids by Tristan Mueller Vollmer and Kirsten wolf and so here's where we go Kirsten wolf and so here's where we go Kirsten wolf and so here's where we go from like the establishments of these from like the establishments of these from like the establishments of these trading nodes to about the death of trading nodes to about the death of trading nodes to about the death of Charlemagne Charlemagne Charlemagne and I'm not going to follow or quote the and I'm not going to follow or quote the and I'm not going to follow or quote the timeline verbatim because frankly I timeline verbatim because frankly I timeline verbatim because frankly I can't pronounce some of the names of the can't pronounce some of the names of the can't pronounce some of the names of the places where these Vikings hit places where these Vikings hit places where these Vikings hit it's going to be in this early period it's going to be in this early period it's going to be in this early period the area around Ireland and the British the area around Ireland and the British the area around Ireland and the British Isles that are the hardest hit areas and Isles that are the hardest hit areas and Isles that are the hardest hit areas and and arguably the hardest hit during the and arguably the hardest hit during the and arguably the hardest hit during the entire Viking age entire Viking age entire Viking age but I won't follow the timeline verbatim but I won't follow the timeline verbatim but I won't follow the timeline verbatim I was trying to get a sense of the time I was trying to get a sense of the time I was trying to get a sense of the time though in in how long something takes though in in how long something takes though in in how long something takes and what a person alive during the time

and what a person alive during the time and what a person alive during the time period might have noticed and period might have noticed and period might have noticed and understanding as we said that there's understanding as we said that there's understanding as we said that there's going to be a lot of Viking raids that going to be a lot of Viking raids that going to be a lot of Viking raids that are too small to have been recorded that are too small to have been recorded that are too small to have been recorded that would have been a part of these people's would have been a part of these people's would have been a part of these people's rumor Mills and life and sort of you rumor Mills and life and sort of you rumor Mills and life and sort of you know what do you hear is going on know what do you hear is going on know what do you hear is going on elsewhere kind of information that we elsewhere kind of information that we elsewhere kind of information that we don't get today just going from the ones don't get today just going from the ones don't get today just going from the ones that were big enough to make it into the that were big enough to make it into the that were big enough to make it into the chronology look at what a person who was chronology look at what a person who was chronology look at what a person who was let's just say eight years old is that let's just say eight years old is that let's just say eight years old is that about when memories stick I think that's about when memories stick I think that's about when memories stick I think that's arguable but let's just say eight for arguable but let's just say eight for arguable but let's just say eight for the sake of argument let's say you're an the sake of argument let's say you're an the sake of argument let's say you're an Anglo-Saxon kid we'll call you Ethel Dan Anglo-Saxon kid we'll call you Ethel Dan Anglo-Saxon kid we'll call you Ethel Dan and you get um apprenticed out to the and you get um apprenticed out to the and you get um apprenticed out to the court of Charlemagne not an impossible court of Charlemagne not an impossible court of Charlemagne not an impossible thing to have happen I put you there so thing to have happen I put you there so thing to have happen I put you there so that you'll be able to be one of the few that you'll be able to be one of the few that you'll be able to be one of the few people in this time period that's people in this time period that's people in this time period that's actually privy to the news might have actually privy to the news might have actually privy to the news might have heard of all these things might be heard of all these things might be heard of all these things might be getting reports getting reports getting reports and if you're eight years old in 789 and and if you're eight years old in 789 and and if you're eight years old in 789 and Ethel Dan is in Charlemagne's Court he Ethel Dan is in Charlemagne's Court he Ethel Dan is in Charlemagne's Court he will certainly hear of that first will certainly hear of that first will certainly hear of that first incident we mentioned earlier the famous incident we mentioned earlier the famous incident we mentioned earlier the famous arrival on the shores in England where arrival on the shores in England where arrival on the shores in England where the Danish men show up the Reeve you the Danish men show up the Reeve you the Danish men show up the Reeve you know the sheriff the know the sheriff the know the sheriff the tax official whatever he was goes down tax official whatever he was goes down tax official whatever he was goes down to talk to them first you know typical to talk to them first you know typical to talk to them first you know typical Merchant agreement and they kill him Merchant agreement and they kill him Merchant agreement and they kill him right so there you go there's your right so there you go there's your right so there you go there's your famous kickoff of the Viking era and old famous kickoff of the Viking era and old famous kickoff of the Viking era and old Ethel Dan is Young he's eight Ethel Dan is Young he's eight Ethel Dan is Young he's eight now it's four years later now it's four years later now it's four years later 793 when you have lindisfarin famously

793 when you have lindisfarin famously 793 when you have lindisfarin famously right and that's the one that shocks right and that's the one that shocks right and that's the one that shocks everybody that is the traditional everybody that is the traditional everybody that is the traditional kickoff date for the Viking age and kickoff date for the Viking age and kickoff date for the Viking age and Ethel Dan here would have gone from 8 in Ethel Dan here would have gone from 8 in Ethel Dan here would have gone from 8 in 789 to 12 and 793 so 789 to 12 and 793 so 789 to 12 and 793 so all those Viking raids that were flying all those Viking raids that were flying all those Viking raids that were flying under the radar are probably known about under the radar are probably known about under the radar are probably known about but so four years in this guy's life but so four years in this guy's life but so four years in this guy's life that's how long between raids that's his that's how long between raids that's his that's how long between raids that's his reality reality reality according to the timeline you have more according to the timeline you have more according to the timeline you have more raids in multiple places in the British raids in multiple places in the British raids in multiple places in the British Isles in Ireland 794 795 so while Ethel Isles in Ireland 794 795 so while Ethel Isles in Ireland 794 795 so while Ethel Dan is 12 13 14 these occasional raids Dan is 12 13 14 these occasional raids Dan is 12 13 14 these occasional raids these places being hit here and there as these places being hit here and there as these places being hit here and there as part of his reality part of his reality part of his reality there seems to be a little bit of a there seems to be a little bit of a there seems to be a little bit of a break on the big timeline and then in break on the big timeline and then in break on the big timeline and then in 798 798 798 um the Vikings raid the coast of Ireland um the Vikings raid the coast of Ireland um the Vikings raid the coast of Ireland so Ethel Dam would be 17 years old when so Ethel Dam would be 17 years old when so Ethel Dam would be 17 years old when that happens the very next year he'll be that happens the very next year he'll be that happens the very next year he'll be 18 years old when the Vikings launch a 18 years old when the Vikings launch a 18 years old when the Vikings launch a raid large enough to make it into the raid large enough to make it into the raid large enough to make it into the history books in southern France and history books in southern France and history books in southern France and Aquitaine Aquitaine Aquitaine when he is 19 years old Charlemagne in when he is 19 years old Charlemagne in when he is 19 years old Charlemagne in 800 will strengthen the defenses the 800 will strengthen the defenses the 800 will strengthen the defenses the anti-piracy defenses the fleet the anti-piracy defenses the fleet the anti-piracy defenses the fleet the coastal watch all that kind of stuff coastal watch all that kind of stuff coastal watch all that kind of stuff right so for every action there's an right so for every action there's an right so for every action there's an equal an opposite reaction Charlemagne equal an opposite reaction Charlemagne equal an opposite reaction Charlemagne hardens the Vikings targets hardens the Vikings targets hardens the Vikings targets now of course this can do a number of now of course this can do a number of now of course this can do a number of things can't it the hope is is that it things can't it the hope is is that it things can't it the hope is is that it deters the Vikings from raiding at all deters the Vikings from raiding at all deters the Vikings from raiding at all but if the Vikings are already addicted

but if the Vikings are already addicted but if the Vikings are already addicted to what they're raiding and can get the to what they're raiding and can get the to what they're raiding and can get the numbers together well what you're really numbers together well what you're really numbers together well what you're really asking for is a more serious effort if asking for is a more serious effort if asking for is a more serious effort if 20 40 60 Vikings can no longer get the 20 40 60 Vikings can no longer get the 20 40 60 Vikings can no longer get the job done maybe 500 600 2 000 Vikings can job done maybe 500 600 2 000 Vikings can job done maybe 500 600 2 000 Vikings can more on that in a minute more on that in a minute more on that in a minute when Ethel Dan is 21 years old the when Ethel Dan is 21 years old the when Ethel Dan is 21 years old the monastery at Iona in Northern Scotland monastery at Iona in Northern Scotland monastery at Iona in Northern Scotland will be rated a second time three years will be rated a second time three years will be rated a second time three years later when he's 24 years old later when he's 24 years old later when he's 24 years old in 806 adce Iona will be rated a third in 806 adce Iona will be rated a third in 806 adce Iona will be rated a third time and between 60 and 70 monks will be time and between 60 and 70 monks will be time and between 60 and 70 monks will be slaughtered by the Vikings so these are slaughtered by the Vikings so these are slaughtered by the Vikings so these are all things that Ethel Dan in his living all things that Ethel Dan in his living all things that Ethel Dan in his living memory would have known about by the memory would have known about by the memory would have known about by the time he's 24. time he's 24. time he's 24. and the next year 25 there are more and the next year 25 there are more and the next year 25 there are more raids on the Irish Coast this about brings us up to speed to this about brings us up to speed to where we were when we started this story where we were when we started this story where we were when we started this story and Charlemagne is defeating the Saxons and Charlemagne is defeating the Saxons and Charlemagne is defeating the Saxons and finding himself the new next door and finding himself the new next door and finding himself the new next door neighbor to at least some of the people neighbor to at least some of the people neighbor to at least some of the people called the Danes and we have to be so called the Danes and we have to be so called the Danes and we have to be so careful here and boy does it get careful here and boy does it get careful here and boy does it get confusing because the modern day peoples confusing because the modern day peoples confusing because the modern day peoples the swedes the Norwegians and the Danes the swedes the Norwegians and the Danes the swedes the Norwegians and the Danes from modern day nation states are not from modern day nation states are not from modern day nation states are not the same people that are sometimes the same people that are sometimes the same people that are sometimes mentioned throughout different sources mentioned throughout different sources mentioned throughout different sources including relatively recent ones including relatively recent ones including relatively recent ones including modern ones that people will

including modern ones that people will including modern ones that people will start calling swedes and Danes and start calling swedes and Danes and start calling swedes and Danes and Norwegians Norwegians Norwegians when they mean peoples who live in when they mean peoples who live in when they mean peoples who live in chieftainships the whole question of Kings here can get the whole question of Kings here can get extremely confusing extremely confusing extremely confusing there was a wonderful footnote attached there was a wonderful footnote attached there was a wonderful footnote attached to my copy of the atom of Bremen primary to my copy of the atom of Bremen primary to my copy of the atom of Bremen primary source materials that was talking about source materials that was talking about source materials that was talking about this and this is the way they put it this and this is the way they put it this and this is the way they put it when they were talking about Kings and when they were talking about Kings and when they were talking about Kings and they would often use the name Kings in they would often use the name Kings in they would often use the name Kings in quotation marks and it said quote quotation marks and it said quote quotation marks and it said quote on the use of the expression Danish on the use of the expression Danish on the use of the expression Danish Kings often so-called the early rulers Kings often so-called the early rulers Kings often so-called the early rulers of the Scandinavian countries were like of the Scandinavian countries were like of the Scandinavian countries were like the Indian chiefs they mean Native the Indian chiefs they mean Native the Indian chiefs they mean Native American Chiefs of our early days often American Chiefs of our early days often American Chiefs of our early days often called Kings by their contemporaries in called Kings by their contemporaries in called Kings by their contemporaries in more advanced cultures some of these in more advanced cultures some of these in more advanced cultures some of these in quotation marks kings were merely rulers quotation marks kings were merely rulers quotation marks kings were merely rulers of a part of the country struggling for of a part of the country struggling for of a part of the country struggling for Primacy with other in quotation mark Primacy with other in quotation mark Primacy with other in quotation mark Kings of Denmark a genealogical table in Kings of Denmark a genealogical table in Kings of Denmark a genealogical table in this period would be marked by gaps and this period would be marked by gaps and this period would be marked by gaps and uncertainties end quote uncertainties end quote uncertainties end quote sigurdson suggests that it's pretty well sigurdson suggests that it's pretty well sigurdson suggests that it's pretty well understood that both the swedes and the understood that both the swedes and the understood that both the swedes and the Danes had something akin to a royal Danes had something akin to a royal Danes had something akin to a royal family family family but that kingship was something that was but that kingship was something that was but that kingship was something that was sort of if not elected then appointed by sort of if not elected then appointed by sort of if not elected then appointed by a group of also powerful Chieftains or

a group of also powerful Chieftains or a group of also powerful Chieftains or Warlords and they could choose other Warlords and they could choose other Warlords and they could choose other people from other branches of the I mean people from other branches of the I mean people from other branches of the I mean it's very confusing it's very confusing it's very confusing but the reason it matters is because the but the reason it matters is because the but the reason it matters is because the first if not the first may be one of the first if not the first may be one of the first if not the first may be one of the first of these Scandinavian Kings whose first of these Scandinavian Kings whose first of these Scandinavian Kings whose name makes it into the history books is name makes it into the history books is name makes it into the history books is this guy that Charlemagne runs into when this guy that Charlemagne runs into when this guy that Charlemagne runs into when he conquers the Saxons he conquers the Saxons he conquers the Saxons this guy who for five minutes looks like this guy who for five minutes looks like this guy who for five minutes looks like he's going to fight a war against he's going to fight a war against he's going to fight a war against Charlemagne and the record shows that Charlemagne and the record shows that Charlemagne and the record shows that that's a suicidal thing to do that's a suicidal thing to do that's a suicidal thing to do Charlemagne beat everybody Charlemagne beat everybody Charlemagne beat everybody he came from a time period in Frankish he came from a time period in Frankish he came from a time period in Frankish history where they were just badasses history where they were just badasses history where they were just badasses and they beat everybody which is why and they beat everybody which is why and they beat everybody which is why it's so shocking it's like Mike Tyson it's so shocking it's like Mike Tyson it's so shocking it's like Mike Tyson when he eventually loses it's so when he eventually loses it's so when he eventually loses it's so shocking when Charlemagne goes away and shocking when Charlemagne goes away and shocking when Charlemagne goes away and then all of a sudden this badassery then all of a sudden this badassery then all of a sudden this badassery collapses but for five minutes there's this but for five minutes there's this challenge where this king of the Danes challenge where this king of the Danes challenge where this king of the Danes in air quotes a guy named you'll see it in air quotes a guy named you'll see it in air quotes a guy named you'll see it a bunch of different ways gotta freed a bunch of different ways gotta freed a bunch of different ways gotta freed godfreed gotta freed godfreed gotta freed godfreed gotta freed he will he will he will sort of puff up his chest as einhardt sort of puff up his chest as einhardt sort of puff up his chest as einhardt says one of the primary sources and says one of the primary sources and says one of the primary sources and think he can compete with Charlemagne think he can compete with Charlemagne think he can compete with Charlemagne this is the guy that we mentioned this is the guy that we mentioned this is the guy that we mentioned earlier earlier earlier had strengthened the old Ram parts and had strengthened the old Ram parts and had strengthened the old Ram parts and walled defenses of Denmark right the walled defenses of Denmark right the walled defenses of Denmark right the Dane work and anyone who could get that Dane work and anyone who could get that Dane work and anyone who could get that kind of Labor forced together and the kind of Labor forced together and the kind of Labor forced together and the money and resources required to do a money and resources required to do a money and resources required to do a centralized task like that is seen by

centralized task like that is seen by centralized task like that is seen by modern historians as an example of the modern historians as an example of the modern historians as an example of the beginning of the process of beginning of the process of beginning of the process of centralization right in a place like centralization right in a place like centralization right in a place like Denmark it's a spreading disease if Denmark it's a spreading disease if Denmark it's a spreading disease if you're looking at this from an you're looking at this from an you're looking at this from an old-fashioned Viking Viewpoint who old-fashioned Viking Viewpoint who old-fashioned Viking Viewpoint who worships the Norris gods and believes worships the Norris gods and believes worships the Norris gods and believes that you know all Vikings are equal that you know all Vikings are equal that you know all Vikings are equal there's a famous story of a Viking ship there's a famous story of a Viking ship there's a famous story of a Viking ship pulling up to a pulling up to a pulling up to a Port once and the Port once and the Port once and the Guardian at the Port saying something to Guardian at the Port saying something to Guardian at the Port saying something to the effect of you know who is your the effect of you know who is your the effect of you know who is your leader and the voice coming back yelling leader and the voice coming back yelling leader and the voice coming back yelling we have no leader we are all equal and we have no leader we are all equal and we have no leader we are all equal and that's sort of an age-old Viking it's a that's sort of an age-old Viking it's a that's sort of an age-old Viking it's a Trope but at the same time it's part of Trope but at the same time it's part of Trope but at the same time it's part of their culture their culture their culture mentioned by contemporaries by the way mentioned by contemporaries by the way mentioned by contemporaries by the way and yet that's going against the tenor and yet that's going against the tenor and yet that's going against the tenor of the times right the trends what's of the times right the trends what's of the times right the trends what's what's happening in places like the what's happening in places like the what's happening in places like the carolingian Empire now that's the trend carolingian Empire now that's the trend carolingian Empire now that's the trend that's taking over the one that's the that's taking over the one that's the that's taking over the one that's the hierarchical society with a king at the hierarchical society with a king at the hierarchical society with a king at the top you know in a pyramid position in top you know in a pyramid position in top you know in a pyramid position in the state with a powerful church and a the state with a powerful church and a the state with a powerful church and a hierarchy of classes and a Christian hierarchy of classes and a Christian hierarchy of classes and a Christian religion and that's spreading and it's religion and that's spreading and it's religion and that's spreading and it's been spreading northwards for been spreading northwards for been spreading northwards for generations and that's what Thor's generations and that's what Thor's generations and that's what Thor's Angels about and as we said we've Angels about and as we said we've Angels about and as we said we've stumbled back into the middle of a stumbled back into the middle of a stumbled back into the middle of a process here and this process here and this process here and this trend is continuing northward Norway and trend is continuing northward Norway and trend is continuing northward Norway and Sweden are still farther north from here Sweden are still farther north from here Sweden are still farther north from here the first of these Scandinavian places the first of these Scandinavian places the first of these Scandinavian places to feel the real pressure of living next to feel the real pressure of living next to feel the real pressure of living next door to a place that is both centralized

door to a place that is both centralized door to a place that is both centralized and christianized are the Danes and the and christianized are the Danes and the and christianized are the Danes and the process that's going on with this guy process that's going on with this guy process that's going on with this guy gottafried is he's one of these early gottafried is he's one of these early gottafried is he's one of these early Danish Kings where it seems like you Danish Kings where it seems like you Danish Kings where it seems like you know the process of turning from a place know the process of turning from a place know the process of turning from a place with hundreds of chiefdoms into just a with hundreds of chiefdoms into just a with hundreds of chiefdoms into just a few or maybe even one king is now few or maybe even one king is now few or maybe even one king is now underway and it makes them more underway and it makes them more underway and it makes them more dangerous to a person like Charlemagne dangerous to a person like Charlemagne dangerous to a person like Charlemagne the Frank's Love by the way to meddle in the Frank's Love by the way to meddle in the Frank's Love by the way to meddle in Danish and Viking leadership contests Danish and Viking leadership contests Danish and Viking leadership contests and they like to have a strong leader in and they like to have a strong leader in and they like to have a strong leader in these places when that leader is a these places when that leader is a these places when that leader is a friend of theirs and they like to friend of theirs and they like to friend of theirs and they like to instead meddle and create chaos and instead meddle and create chaos and instead meddle and create chaos and disharmony and all kinds of things if disharmony and all kinds of things if disharmony and all kinds of things if the leadership is not prone to like them you can see how dangerous though these you can see how dangerous though these powerful powerful powerful Viking era Kings might be when godified Viking era Kings might be when godified Viking era Kings might be when godified at one point brings an army to negotiate at one point brings an army to negotiate at one point brings an army to negotiate with Charlemagne so they have armies with Charlemagne so they have armies with Charlemagne so they have armies facing off and then in 810 famously facing off and then in 810 famously facing off and then in 810 famously raids the Friesian Coast Friesland is raids the Friesian Coast Friesland is raids the Friesian Coast Friesland is where um it's mostly the Netherlands where um it's mostly the Netherlands where um it's mostly the Netherlands coast today but there's a little bit of coast today but there's a little bit of coast today but there's a little bit of Germany too and it's right by the Viking Germany too and it's right by the Viking Germany too and it's right by the Viking Danish territories but he allegedly and Danish territories but he allegedly and Danish territories but he allegedly and take this number for what it's worth take this number for what it's worth take this number for what it's worth um has a fleet of 200 Viking ships um has a fleet of 200 Viking ships um has a fleet of 200 Viking ships attack the coast attack the coast attack the coast using Roger Collins's conservative way using Roger Collins's conservative way using Roger Collins's conservative way of estimating how many vikings per ship of estimating how many vikings per ship of estimating how many vikings per ship because we don't know how big each of because we don't know how big each of because we don't know how big each of these ships were probably a mix he these ships were probably a mix he these ships were probably a mix he estimates 30 is a good conservative

estimates 30 is a good conservative estimates 30 is a good conservative number so if you really had 200 ships number so if you really had 200 ships number so if you really had 200 ships then that's going to be about 6 000 then that's going to be about 6 000 then that's going to be about 6 000 Vikings and the primary sources at the Vikings and the primary sources at the Vikings and the primary sources at the time period say that these Vikings time period say that these Vikings time period say that these Vikings absolutely scoured the coastline of absolutely scoured the coastline of absolutely scoured the coastline of frisio which is carolingian territory frisio which is carolingian territory frisio which is carolingian territory so this is asking for war against so this is asking for war against so this is asking for war against Charlemagne isn't it and this Face-Off Charlemagne isn't it and this Face-Off Charlemagne isn't it and this Face-Off is about to happen is about to happen is about to happen and then all of a sudden this powerful and then all of a sudden this powerful and then all of a sudden this powerful sort of unifying maybe early Viking era sort of unifying maybe early Viking era sort of unifying maybe early Viking era Danish King got afrid gets shanked in Danish King got afrid gets shanked in Danish King got afrid gets shanked in the back or something like that by one the back or something like that by one the back or something like that by one of his bodyguards allegedly of his bodyguards allegedly of his bodyguards allegedly there's a you know a little JFK there's a you know a little JFK there's a you know a little JFK assassination type speculation going on assassination type speculation going on assassination type speculation going on here about exactly who might be here about exactly who might be here about exactly who might be responsible for that but wouldn't that responsible for that but wouldn't that responsible for that but wouldn't that just be like a charleminian move why do just be like a charleminian move why do just be like a charleminian move why do I have to fight you when if I just kill I have to fight you when if I just kill I have to fight you when if I just kill you your relatives will fight over the you your relatives will fight over the you your relatives will fight over the kingship and dissolve into those same kingship and dissolve into those same kingship and dissolve into those same Viking band of you know feuding Viking band of you know feuding Viking band of you know feuding barbarians you always were barbarians you always were barbarians you always were when Charlemagne should know because you when Charlemagne should know because you when Charlemagne should know because you only have to go back a few Generations only have to go back a few Generations only have to go back a few Generations in his family and they're not that in his family and they're not that in his family and they're not that different different different in the life of Charlemagne the primary in the life of Charlemagne the primary in the life of Charlemagne the primary source account by einhard from source account by einhard from source account by einhard from Charlemagne's era wrote about this Charlemagne's era wrote about this Charlemagne's era wrote about this you know this is his entry into the you know this is his entry into the you know this is his entry into the affair we just talked about and he affair we just talked about and he affair we just talked about and he writes quote writes quote writes quote the last of these wars was the one the last of these wars was the one the last of these wars was the one declared against the northmen called

declared against the northmen called declared against the northmen called Danes they began their career as pirates Danes they began their career as pirates Danes they began their career as pirates but afterwards took to laying waste the but afterwards took to laying waste the but afterwards took to laying waste the coast of Gaul and Germany with their coast of Gaul and Germany with their coast of Gaul and Germany with their large Fleet their King godfred was so large Fleet their King godfred was so large Fleet their King godfred was so puffed up with vain aspirations that he puffed up with vain aspirations that he puffed up with vain aspirations that he counted on gaining Empire over all counted on gaining Empire over all counted on gaining Empire over all Germany and looked upon Saxony and Germany and looked upon Saxony and Germany and looked upon Saxony and freesia as his provinces he had already freesia as his provinces he had already freesia as his provinces he had already subdued his neighbors the abodratai and subdued his neighbors the abodratai and subdued his neighbors the abodratai and made them tributary and boasted that he made them tributary and boasted that he made them tributary and boasted that he would shortly appear with a great Army would shortly appear with a great Army would shortly appear with a great Army before akhan where the king held his before akhan where the king held his before akhan where the king held his court some Faith was put in his words court some Faith was put in his words court some Faith was put in his words empty as they sound and it's supposed empty as they sound and it's supposed empty as they sound and it's supposed that he would have attempted something that he would have attempted something that he would have attempted something of the sort if he had not been prevented of the sort if he had not been prevented of the sort if he had not been prevented by a premature death he was murdered by by a premature death he was murdered by by a premature death he was murdered by one of his own bodyguard and so ended at one of his own bodyguard and so ended at one of his own bodyguard and so ended at once his life and the war that he had once his life and the war that he had once his life and the war that he had begun begun begun end quote end quote end quote now if the shoe were on the other foot now if the shoe were on the other foot now if the shoe were on the other foot when it came to an assassination if when it came to an assassination if when it came to an assassination if that's what this was if the so-called in that's what this was if the so-called in that's what this was if the so-called in quotation marks King of the Danes here quotation marks King of the Danes here quotation marks King of the Danes here gotta Fred had assassinated Charlemagne gotta Fred had assassinated Charlemagne gotta Fred had assassinated Charlemagne you would have seen one of the you would have seen one of the you would have seen one of the advantages of one of these centralized advantages of one of these centralized advantages of one of these centralized hierarchical sorts of societies you hierarchical sorts of societies you hierarchical sorts of societies you would probably have a stable transfer of would probably have a stable transfer of would probably have a stable transfer of power now this is not guaranteed at all power now this is not guaranteed at all power now this is not guaranteed at all but you probably would have I mean but you probably would have I mean but you probably would have I mean Charlemagne has already sort of set his Charlemagne has already sort of set his Charlemagne has already sort of set his son Lewis up for this gig the church son Lewis up for this gig the church son Lewis up for this gig the church would have supported it you have this

would have supported it you have this would have supported it you have this internal sort of system designed for a internal sort of system designed for a internal sort of system designed for a peaceful transfer of power you don't peaceful transfer of power you don't peaceful transfer of power you don't always get it but it's designed to always get it but it's designed to always get it but it's designed to provide that provide that provide that that's not how it is in Viking Eris that's not how it is in Viking Eris that's not how it is in Viking Eris Scandinavia in fact it's almost a recipe Scandinavia in fact it's almost a recipe Scandinavia in fact it's almost a recipe for the opposite sort of result so when for the opposite sort of result so when for the opposite sort of result so when this Danish King gottified is done away this Danish King gottified is done away this Danish King gottified is done away with the place just collapses for a with the place just collapses for a with the place just collapses for a while Roger Collins has sort of a while Roger Collins has sort of a while Roger Collins has sort of a rundown of how unstable these conflicts rundown of how unstable these conflicts rundown of how unstable these conflicts between all of these Kings was in between all of these Kings was in between all of these Kings was in Denmark after gotifer died and he points Denmark after gotifer died and he points Denmark after gotifer died and he points out that all of the sons of gottaford out that all of the sons of gottaford out that all of the sons of gottaford were called Kings so this is like a were called Kings so this is like a were called Kings so this is like a civil war amongst Kings but listen to civil war amongst Kings but listen to civil war amongst Kings but listen to How often they're you know fighting How often they're you know fighting How often they're you know fighting amongst each other as opposed to what amongst each other as opposed to what amongst each other as opposed to what you know Charlemagne and a centralized you know Charlemagne and a centralized you know Charlemagne and a centralized sort of organized state is doing Collins sort of organized state is doing Collins sort of organized state is doing Collins writes quote writes quote writes quote it has been questioned whether a single it has been questioned whether a single it has been questioned whether a single Kingdom could have existed in Denmark at Kingdom could have existed in Denmark at Kingdom could have existed in Denmark at this time but the Frankish Chronicles do this time but the Frankish Chronicles do this time but the Frankish Chronicles do not refer to rival territorial Kingdoms not refer to rival territorial Kingdoms not refer to rival territorial Kingdoms in Jutland and the islands but rather to in Jutland and the islands but rather to in Jutland and the islands but rather to Civil Wars between members of an Civil Wars between members of an Civil Wars between members of an extended Royal Dynasty such conflicts extended Royal Dynasty such conflicts extended Royal Dynasty such conflicts are recorded in 812 813 814 817 819 823 are recorded in 812 813 814 817 819 823 are recorded in 812 813 814 817 819 823 827 828 850 and 854 and there may have 827 828 850 and 854 and there may have 827 828 850 and 854 and there may have been others end quote been others end quote been others end quote so if Charlemagne was figuring again all

so if Charlemagne was figuring again all so if Charlemagne was figuring again all conjecture here that by knocking off conjecture here that by knocking off conjecture here that by knocking off this early centralizing figure things this early centralizing figure things this early centralizing figure things would go back to would go back to would go back to sort of sort of sort of retributional chaotic Barbarian style retributional chaotic Barbarian style retributional chaotic Barbarian style violence violence violence turns out he was right again but this is sort of built into the but this is sort of built into the system here it's got its pros and it's system here it's got its pros and it's system here it's got its pros and it's got its cons got its cons got its cons one of the things it does play into one of the things it does play into one of the things it does play into though is the whole rating question though is the whole rating question though is the whole rating question because as we had mentioned earlier the because as we had mentioned earlier the because as we had mentioned earlier the Vikings have been called a consumption Vikings have been called a consumption Vikings have been called a consumption Society Society Society what's really going on here is you know what's really going on here is you know what's really going on here is you know if you were to put it into modern terms if you were to put it into modern terms if you were to put it into modern terms these people who gain power leadership these people who gain power leadership these people who gain power leadership type roles type roles type roles um you know Petty ruler ships these are um you know Petty ruler ships these are um you know Petty ruler ships these are people who build up large followings of people who build up large followings of people who build up large followings of powerful supporters they're building up powerful supporters they're building up powerful supporters they're building up posses posses posses and they're doing it over the course of and they're doing it over the course of and they're doing it over the course of their careers their careers their careers the problem with the Scandinavian system the problem with the Scandinavian system the problem with the Scandinavian system is that when these people die their is that when these people die their is that when these people die their Posse just dissolves doesn't get Posse just dissolves doesn't get Posse just dissolves doesn't get transferred to their kid for a stable transferred to their kid for a stable transferred to their kid for a stable transfer of power it just starts over transfer of power it just starts over transfer of power it just starts over which leads to a need to find stuff to which leads to a need to find stuff to which leads to a need to find stuff to give these people because that's why give these people because that's why give these people because that's why they're your Posse generally right they're your Posse generally right they're your Posse generally right there's a trickle-down economic effect there's a trickle-down economic effect there's a trickle-down economic effect here that plays into the whole dynamic here that plays into the whole dynamic here that plays into the whole dynamic for why this Society can get so addicted for why this Society can get so addicted for why this Society can get so addicted to raiding because it becomes addicted to raiding because it becomes addicted to raiding because it becomes addicted to the stuff because the stuff is

to the stuff because the stuff is to the stuff because the stuff is required to keep your Posse happy and if required to keep your Posse happy and if required to keep your Posse happy and if you don't have a posse well then you're you don't have a posse well then you're you don't have a posse well then you're probably in somebody else's Posse in his probably in somebody else's Posse in his probably in somebody else's Posse in his history the Viking Wars historian Max history the Viking Wars historian Max history the Viking Wars historian Max Adams writes about this Adams writes about this Adams writes about this perverse interesting sort of you know perverse interesting sort of you know perverse interesting sort of you know government by government by government by Posse and these posies even have a name Posse and these posies even have a name Posse and these posies even have a name I mean if you're a fan of the Vikings I mean if you're a fan of the Vikings I mean if you're a fan of the Vikings you've heard of the herdmen or the house you've heard of the herdmen or the house you've heard of the herdmen or the house Carls that's just a fancy Scandinavian Carls that's just a fancy Scandinavian Carls that's just a fancy Scandinavian way of saying my boys Max Adams writes way of saying my boys Max Adams writes way of saying my boys Max Adams writes quote quote quote by the turn of the 9th century a network by the turn of the 9th century a network by the turn of the 9th century a network of elite clientele with all its benefits of elite clientele with all its benefits of elite clientele with all its benefits for stabilizing kingship was deeply for stabilizing kingship was deeply for stabilizing kingship was deeply embedded in the Christian Kingdoms in embedded in the Christian Kingdoms in embedded in the Christian Kingdoms in the pre-christian geographically the pre-christian geographically the pre-christian geographically disparate lands of Scandinavia the state disparate lands of Scandinavia the state disparate lands of Scandinavia the state was the king with his death it collapsed was the king with his death it collapsed was the king with his death it collapsed networks of affiliation loyalty gift networks of affiliation loyalty gift networks of affiliation loyalty gift exchange and obligation built up during exchange and obligation built up during exchange and obligation built up during his Reign were reset to zero each new his Reign were reset to zero each new his Reign were reset to zero each new king had to reinvent his kingdom end king had to reinvent his kingdom end king had to reinvent his kingdom end quote quote quote a story Neil price had a really a story Neil price had a really a story Neil price had a really interesting line that stayed with me too interesting line that stayed with me too interesting line that stayed with me too that's also part of this Dynamic that that's also part of this Dynamic that that's also part of this Dynamic that sort of addicts these societies to the sort of addicts these societies to the sort of addicts these societies to the rating and that's that from the rating and that's that from the rating and that's that from the standpoint of a non-powerful person standpoint of a non-powerful person standpoint of a non-powerful person right not not one of these people right not not one of these people right not not one of these people striving to be a petty king or Chieftain striving to be a petty king or Chieftain striving to be a petty king or Chieftain or what have you just an average you or what have you just an average you or what have you just an average you know Scandinavian Joe I was going to say know Scandinavian Joe I was going to say know Scandinavian Joe I was going to say but it'd be more like a Scandinavian but it'd be more like a Scandinavian but it'd be more like a Scandinavian life or something life or something life or something um price says one successful raid if if

um price says one successful raid if if um price says one successful raid if if you got lucky could change your life you got lucky could change your life you got lucky could change your life forever I mean that's the equivalent of forever I mean that's the equivalent of forever I mean that's the equivalent of striking it rich striking it rich striking it rich um the Temptation for young men um the Temptation for young men um the Temptation for young men especially from the poorer communities especially from the poorer communities especially from the poorer communities must have been intense right not only must have been intense right not only must have been intense right not only are you going to get honor make are you going to get honor make are you going to get honor make something of yourself show off to the something of yourself show off to the something of yourself show off to the Valkyries your prowess to get you a Valkyries your prowess to get you a Valkyries your prowess to get you a better seat with Odin eventually but better seat with Odin eventually but better seat with Odin eventually but you're going to come back a made man and you're going to come back a made man and you're going to come back a made man and maybe even you know hit the jackpot I maybe even you know hit the jackpot I maybe even you know hit the jackpot I mean it's it's something that would mean it's it's something that would mean it's it's something that would attract young enterprising people from attract young enterprising people from attract young enterprising people from all over the world right if that's part all over the world right if that's part all over the world right if that's part of your dynamic of your dynamic of your dynamic and truthfully Dynamic is the right word and truthfully Dynamic is the right word and truthfully Dynamic is the right word because you can see the same Dynamic and because you can see the same Dynamic and because you can see the same Dynamic and a lot of warrior societies that practice a lot of warrior societies that practice a lot of warrior societies that practice raiding they'll have War leaders or raiding they'll have War leaders or raiding they'll have War leaders or WarChiefs or people who become known for WarChiefs or people who become known for WarChiefs or people who become known for being very good at organizing raids being very good at organizing raids being very good at organizing raids right they get you back safely they they right they get you back safely they they right they get you back safely they they are successful in getting lots of Loot are successful in getting lots of Loot are successful in getting lots of Loot and these people then become the people and these people then become the people and these people then become the people sought out for these things and you sought out for these things and you sought out for these things and you develop sort of a power base and Neil develop sort of a power base and Neil develop sort of a power base and Neil price and the children of Ash and Elm price and the children of Ash and Elm price and the children of Ash and Elm was talking about what a was talking about what a was talking about what a self-reinforcing prophecy this sort of self-reinforcing prophecy this sort of self-reinforcing prophecy this sort of is in the sense that if you're good at is in the sense that if you're good at is in the sense that if you're good at this and you lead some successful raids this and you lead some successful raids this and you lead some successful raids and then decide to take your winnings and then decide to take your winnings and then decide to take your winnings and reinvest it in the Enterprise right and reinvest it in the Enterprise right and reinvest it in the Enterprise right by bigger ships more ships acquire a by bigger ships more ships acquire a by bigger ships more ships acquire a larger Entourage with which to carry out larger Entourage with which to carry out larger Entourage with which to carry out these sorts of attacks you can sort of these sorts of attacks you can sort of these sorts of attacks you can sort of parlay your winnings into sort of a war

parlay your winnings into sort of a war parlay your winnings into sort of a war chief status or something like one of chief status or something like one of chief status or something like one of the famous C the famous C the famous C things as they're called These Are things as they're called These Are things as they're called These Are People by the way and I believe that People by the way and I believe that People by the way and I believe that dozens have been identified that dozens have been identified that dozens have been identified that actually are more like your pirates from actually are more like your pirates from actually are more like your pirates from the 16th and 17th centuries in the the 16th and 17th centuries in the the 16th and 17th centuries in the Caribbean Caribbean Caribbean people with very small land Holdings people with very small land Holdings people with very small land Holdings maybe an island or a Cove or something maybe an island or a Cove or something maybe an island or a Cove or something like that but they have ships and they like that but they have ships and they like that but they have ships and they have men right they've got their herdmen have men right they've got their herdmen have men right they've got their herdmen their house corals their ancient their house corals their ancient their house corals their ancient Germanic version of a warrior Germanic version of a warrior Germanic version of a warrior Brotherhood whatever you want to label Brotherhood whatever you want to label Brotherhood whatever you want to label it it it and the two of those things put together and the two of those things put together and the two of those things put together Warriors and ships in this time period Warriors and ships in this time period Warriors and ships in this time period that might be all you need to be a that might be all you need to be a that might be all you need to be a viable economic sort of viable economic sort of viable economic sort of entity now throughout the course of now throughout the course of Charlemagne's Lifetime and as we said Charlemagne's Lifetime and as we said Charlemagne's Lifetime and as we said several times already and there's several times already and there's several times already and there's nothing confusing about that he dies in nothing confusing about that he dies in nothing confusing about that he dies in 814 up until the end of his lifetime 814 up until the end of his lifetime 814 up until the end of his lifetime this Viking problem was at the nuisance this Viking problem was at the nuisance this Viking problem was at the nuisance level of trouble level of trouble level of trouble and had there been a continuation of you and had there been a continuation of you and had there been a continuation of you know by 8 14 you've had almost a century know by 8 14 you've had almost a century know by 8 14 you've had almost a century of really powerful Frankish leadership of really powerful Frankish leadership of really powerful Frankish leadership had that continued I don't think you had that continued I don't think you had that continued I don't think you would have had the Viking age the way would have had the Viking age the way would have had the Viking age the way you had it you had it you had it I think you'd had to have been a history I think you'd had to have been a history I think you'd had to have been a history nerd focusing on early medieval studies nerd focusing on early medieval studies nerd focusing on early medieval studies to have even really noticed the blip in to have even really noticed the blip in to have even really noticed the blip in piracy caused by the Viking era if what

piracy caused by the Viking era if what piracy caused by the Viking era if what we've talked about to this point is all we've talked about to this point is all we've talked about to this point is all there were there were there were but it's what happens to Charlemagne's but it's what happens to Charlemagne's but it's what happens to Charlemagne's empire that opens up the door to empire that opens up the door to empire that opens up the door to something at a much higher level of something at a much higher level of something at a much higher level of threat and impact to anything that it's threat and impact to anything that it's threat and impact to anything that it's seen you know up to this point with seen you know up to this point with seen you know up to this point with monasteries and small towns and things monasteries and small towns and things monasteries and small towns and things like that the occasional extra intense like that the occasional extra intense like that the occasional extra intense attack attack attack but as we'd mentioned if you look at a but as we'd mentioned if you look at a but as we'd mentioned if you look at a timeline there are going to be a period timeline there are going to be a period timeline there are going to be a period after the initial first 20 years where after the initial first 20 years where after the initial first 20 years where it seems like things calm down a little it seems like things calm down a little it seems like things calm down a little bit but it's only sort of by comparison bit but it's only sort of by comparison bit but it's only sort of by comparison right compared to the big spike right compared to the big spike right compared to the big spike initially it got quiet again but it's initially it got quiet again but it's initially it got quiet again but it's not going to get as quiet as it was not going to get as quiet as it was not going to get as quiet as it was before the Viking age kicked off before the Viking age kicked off before the Viking age kicked off it's going to be though in about 8 30 it's going to be though in about 8 30 it's going to be though in about 8 30 when things get very serious again 8 48 when things get very serious again 8 48 when things get very serious again 8 48 58 60. it's 58 60. it's 58 60. it's shocking what happens but that's all shocking what happens but that's all shocking what happens but that's all precipitated by other shocking things precipitated by other shocking things precipitated by other shocking things that happen in the various places that that happen in the various places that that happen in the various places that are going to be victimized by these are going to be victimized by these are going to be victimized by these Vikings Charlemagne's empire falls apart Vikings Charlemagne's empire falls apart Vikings Charlemagne's empire falls apart the wheels completely come off in the the wheels completely come off in the the wheels completely come off in the next ruler's reign next ruler's reign next ruler's reign and he gets a lot of flack for this I and he gets a lot of flack for this I and he gets a lot of flack for this I it's hard to know now how much he it's hard to know now how much he it's hard to know now how much he deserves it because after all Lewis the deserves it because after all Lewis the deserves it because after all Lewis the pious as he'll be known Charlemagne's pious as he'll be known Charlemagne's pious as he'll be known Charlemagne's only legitimate surviving son when he only legitimate surviving son when he only legitimate surviving son when he takes over Louis the Pius has a very takes over Louis the Pius has a very takes over Louis the Pius has a very different job than his predecessors who different job than his predecessors who different job than his predecessors who had to conquer a place he has to rule it had to conquer a place he has to rule it had to conquer a place he has to rule it and there's a lot of different entities and there's a lot of different entities and there's a lot of different entities that make up this Frankish Empire that that make up this Frankish Empire that that make up this Frankish Empire that don't want to be in this Frankish Empire don't want to be in this Frankish Empire don't want to be in this Frankish Empire and Lewis has to deal with them he also

and Lewis has to deal with them he also and Lewis has to deal with them he also has to deal with a bunch of male has to deal with a bunch of male has to deal with a bunch of male relatives most importantly his sons who relatives most importantly his sons who relatives most importantly his sons who do not like his plan for the inheritance do not like his plan for the inheritance do not like his plan for the inheritance a little bit about Louis the pious now a little bit about Louis the pious now a little bit about Louis the pious now because he's very important but you because he's very important but you because he's very important but you wouldn't think inheritance should matter wouldn't think inheritance should matter wouldn't think inheritance should matter right away after Charlemagne dies but right away after Charlemagne dies but right away after Charlemagne dies but famously Louis the Pius has like a famously Louis the Pius has like a famously Louis the Pius has like a near-death experience a bunch of people near-death experience a bunch of people near-death experience a bunch of people are killed in an accident he's almost are killed in an accident he's almost are killed in an accident he's almost killed too which makes him think right killed too which makes him think right killed too which makes him think right away famously I better get this away famously I better get this away famously I better get this inheritance thing in order just in case inheritance thing in order just in case inheritance thing in order just in case so he divides the Empire amongst his so he divides the Empire amongst his so he divides the Empire amongst his sons which is typical Frankish practice sons which is typical Frankish practice sons which is typical Frankish practice um unlike typical Frankish practice um unlike typical Frankish practice um unlike typical Frankish practice though he's not dividing the Family Farm though he's not dividing the Family Farm though he's not dividing the Family Farm here he's dividing a full-blown giant here he's dividing a full-blown giant here he's dividing a full-blown giant Empire the likes of which no one has had Empire the likes of which no one has had Empire the likes of which no one has had certainly no one in Frankish history so certainly no one in Frankish history so certainly no one in Frankish history so it's a little bit different so he it's a little bit different so he it's a little bit different so he mandates that even though the division mandates that even though the division mandates that even though the division will be the same you still have to have will be the same you still have to have will be the same you still have to have the emperor and it's going to be this the emperor and it's going to be this the emperor and it's going to be this son and you all have to give you know son and you all have to give you know son and you all have to give you know your your your allegiance to the emperor none of the allegiance to the emperor none of the allegiance to the emperor none of the sons end up liking this and they will sons end up liking this and they will sons end up liking this and they will cause a lifetime's worth of problems for cause a lifetime's worth of problems for cause a lifetime's worth of problems for their father over it their father over it their father over it the trouble will begin like four years the trouble will begin like four years the trouble will begin like four years after he takes over and will dog him the after he takes over and will dog him the after he takes over and will dog him the rest of his life he will be involved in rest of his life he will be involved in rest of his life he will be involved in three Civil Wars he will be deposed from three Civil Wars he will be deposed from three Civil Wars he will be deposed from the throne and returned to the throne the throne and returned to the throne the throne and returned to the throne multiple times multiple times multiple times this is not exactly conducive to this is not exactly conducive to this is not exactly conducive to stability and when stability is required stability and when stability is required stability and when stability is required to do things like you know make sure the to do things like you know make sure the to do things like you know make sure the coastline is defended from Pirate

coastline is defended from Pirate coastline is defended from Pirate attacks and all this kinds of stuff well attacks and all this kinds of stuff well attacks and all this kinds of stuff well you can see how if you're fighting for you can see how if you're fighting for you can see how if you're fighting for your existence right if it's an your existence right if it's an your existence right if it's an existential threat you face as the existential threat you face as the existential threat you face as the emperor of the Franks uh piracy is going emperor of the Franks uh piracy is going emperor of the Franks uh piracy is going to fall on the triage scale of to fall on the triage scale of to fall on the triage scale of importance quite a bit and that's importance quite a bit and that's importance quite a bit and that's exactly what happens exactly what happens exactly what happens in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones sort of describes a little bit about you sort of describes a little bit about you sort of describes a little bit about you know what the carolingian Empire know what the carolingian Empire know what the carolingian Empire descends into and he writes quote descends into and he writes quote descends into and he writes quote between 8 30 and 8 40 a series of three between 8 30 and 8 40 a series of three between 8 30 and 8 40 a series of three major rebellions broke out in which major rebellions broke out in which major rebellions broke out in which Lewis's Sons banded together in various Lewis's Sons banded together in various Lewis's Sons banded together in various combinations to try to improve their combinations to try to improve their combinations to try to improve their portions of the Imperial inheritance in portions of the Imperial inheritance in portions of the Imperial inheritance in keeping with carolingian custom he keeping with carolingian custom he keeping with carolingian custom he writes many cruel murderous and writes many cruel murderous and writes many cruel murderous and disgraceful Deeds were perpetrated disgraceful Deeds were perpetrated disgraceful Deeds were perpetrated including further further blindings including further further blindings including further further blindings drownings and exilings accusations of drownings and exilings accusations of drownings and exilings accusations of Witchcraft and adultery leveled against Witchcraft and adultery leveled against Witchcraft and adultery leveled against Lewis's wife and Empress Judith and a Lewis's wife and Empress Judith and a Lewis's wife and Empress Judith and a general commitment to naked general commitment to naked general commitment to naked self-advancement in June 833 he writes self-advancement in June 833 he writes self-advancement in June 833 he writes at a meeting in Rothfield in the Alsace at a meeting in Rothfield in the Alsace at a meeting in Rothfield in the Alsace Lewis was confronted by his eldest son Lewis was confronted by his eldest son Lewis was confronted by his eldest son lothar who had proven himself an lothar who had proven himself an lothar who had proven himself an attentive student of carolingian family attentive student of carolingian family attentive student of carolingian family history and persuaded Pope Gregory IV to history and persuaded Pope Gregory IV to history and persuaded Pope Gregory IV to back him as supreme ruler back him as supreme ruler back him as supreme ruler lothar's play for Powers spooked Lewis's lothar's play for Powers spooked Lewis's lothar's play for Powers spooked Lewis's supporters and almost to a man they supporters and almost to a man they supporters and almost to a man they abandoned him for his eldest son an act

abandoned him for his eldest son an act abandoned him for his eldest son an act of collective spinelessness that earned of collective spinelessness that earned of collective spinelessness that earned the meeting the nickname the field of the meeting the nickname the field of the meeting the nickname the field of Lies Lies Lies end quote end quote end quote the field of Lies though would not end the field of Lies though would not end the field of Lies though would not end Lewis's career he would get the throne Lewis's career he would get the throne Lewis's career he would get the throne back basically forgive the children Jones says and this would be his opinion Jones says and this would be his opinion but he says that like Alexander the but he says that like Alexander the but he says that like Alexander the Great before him Charlemagne had built Great before him Charlemagne had built Great before him Charlemagne had built an Empire that quickly proved itself an Empire that quickly proved itself an Empire that quickly proved itself Possible only as an extension of one Possible only as an extension of one Possible only as an extension of one man's political self man's political self man's political self well this Echoes what German historian well this Echoes what German historian well this Echoes what German historian Han style Brooke had written 100 years Han style Brooke had written 100 years Han style Brooke had written 100 years ago when he said quote Charlemagne's ago when he said quote Charlemagne's ago when he said quote Charlemagne's empire had no inner Unity it was the empire had no inner Unity it was the empire had no inner Unity it was the creation of the dynasty the arnoff creation of the dynasty the arnoff creation of the dynasty the arnoff family end quote family end quote family end quote so if it devolved into a family squabble so if it devolved into a family squabble so if it devolved into a family squabble I suppose that's somewhat understandable I suppose that's somewhat understandable I suppose that's somewhat understandable but Charles Oman pointed out also over a but Charles Oman pointed out also over a but Charles Oman pointed out also over a hundred years ago that the various sons hundred years ago that the various sons hundred years ago that the various sons of Lewis were being also used by the of Lewis were being also used by the of Lewis were being also used by the component parts people who represented component parts people who represented component parts people who represented parts of the Empire like the Lombards parts of the Empire like the Lombards parts of the Empire like the Lombards who didn't want to be a part of the who didn't want to be a part of the who didn't want to be a part of the Empire so you use Lewis's son as a way Empire so you use Lewis's son as a way Empire so you use Lewis's son as a way to you know help break up or help secure to you know help break up or help secure to you know help break up or help secure a better portion of the empire for a better portion of the empire for a better portion of the empire for yourself or whatever it might be what yourself or whatever it might be what yourself or whatever it might be what this means though is that every piece of this means though is that every piece of this means though is that every piece of the Empire and a bunch of the empires the Empire and a bunch of the empires the Empire and a bunch of the empires surrounding peoples become like pieces surrounding peoples become like pieces surrounding peoples become like pieces on the chessboard for all these on the chessboard for all these on the chessboard for all these different players in these Civil Wars to

different players in these Civil Wars to different players in these Civil Wars to use the Slavic peoples for example will use the Slavic peoples for example will use the Slavic peoples for example will become one of these you know pieces on become one of these you know pieces on become one of these you know pieces on the chessboard and so will the Danes the chessboard and so will the Danes the chessboard and so will the Danes in the same way that the carolingians in the same way that the carolingians in the same way that the carolingians had meddled in Danish politics now for a had meddled in Danish politics now for a had meddled in Danish politics now for a long time trying to you know see if they long time trying to you know see if they long time trying to you know see if they could get the kind of ruler that they could get the kind of ruler that they could get the kind of ruler that they wanted on the Danish Throne well now wanted on the Danish Throne well now wanted on the Danish Throne well now turnabouts fair play and using one of turnabouts fair play and using one of turnabouts fair play and using one of Louis's Sons or having one of Lewis's Louis's Sons or having one of Lewis's Louis's Sons or having one of Lewis's Sons use them depends on your point of Sons use them depends on your point of Sons use them depends on your point of view they're able to throw their hat in view they're able to throw their hat in view they're able to throw their hat in the ring and try to influence a little the ring and try to influence a little the ring and try to influence a little bit about who the ruler of the bit about who the ruler of the bit about who the ruler of the previously so intimidating and dangerous previously so intimidating and dangerous previously so intimidating and dangerous Frankish Empire is going to be Frankish Empire is going to be Frankish Empire is going to be and that's why you get this next level and that's why you get this next level and that's why you get this next level of the Viking age when you do because of the Viking age when you do because of the Viking age when you do because the former apex predator in the the former apex predator in the the former apex predator in the geopolitical environment right this geopolitical environment right this geopolitical environment right this Frankish state was so dangerous just you Frankish state was so dangerous just you Frankish state was so dangerous just you know what a couple decades before when know what a couple decades before when know what a couple decades before when Charlemagne was destroying the Saxons Charlemagne was destroying the Saxons Charlemagne was destroying the Saxons and the Danes felt like they had a gun and the Danes felt like they had a gun and the Danes felt like they had a gun to their head and now all of a sudden to their head and now all of a sudden to their head and now all of a sudden the tables are turned by the 830s the tables are turned by the 830s the tables are turned by the 830s and if you look at your timeline the 8 and if you look at your timeline the 8 and if you look at your timeline the 8 30s are when the attacks get larger and 30s are when the attacks get larger and 30s are when the attacks get larger and more sustained and don't just involve a more sustained and don't just involve a more sustained and don't just involve a bunch of Norwegians and sea Kings and bunch of Norwegians and sea Kings and bunch of Norwegians and sea Kings and WarChiefs but start to involve much WarChiefs but start to involve much WarChiefs but start to involve much larger entities like the one Gottfried larger entities like the one Gottfried larger entities like the one Gottfried or gotta freed launched in 810 against or gotta freed launched in 810 against or gotta freed launched in 810 against the the the the coast of Friesland right big big the coast of Friesland right big big the coast of Friesland right big big endeavors

endeavors endeavors unusual before this time period much unusual before this time period much unusual before this time period much more usual as we move into it though and if you start to ask why again the and if you start to ask why again the primary sources are going to let you primary sources are going to let you primary sources are going to let you down because they're going to Simply down because they're going to Simply down because they're going to Simply suggest that these are just bad people suggest that these are just bad people suggest that these are just bad people motivated by bad things or maybe they'll motivated by bad things or maybe they'll motivated by bad things or maybe they'll say that this is God's punishment for say that this is God's punishment for say that this is God's punishment for the sin of the victims the sin of the victims the sin of the victims but they generally aren't looking at but they generally aren't looking at but they generally aren't looking at this from the perspective this from the perspective this from the perspective of the Viking attackers themselves and of the Viking attackers themselves and of the Viking attackers themselves and if they are they're just going to the if they are they're just going to the if they are they're just going to the most base elements right they want loot most base elements right they want loot most base elements right they want loot they want stuff they want slaves as they want stuff they want slaves as they want stuff they want slaves as opposed to any sort of larger opposed to any sort of larger opposed to any sort of larger perspective that might be involved here perspective that might be involved here perspective that might be involved here but there are ways you can view it from but there are ways you can view it from but there are ways you can view it from other perspectives and a bunch of other perspectives and a bunch of other perspectives and a bunch of histories well ever since histories well ever since histories well ever since I've been around certainly have and we I've been around certainly have and we I've been around certainly have and we quoted some from 100 years ago that gave quoted some from 100 years ago that gave quoted some from 100 years ago that gave this perspective from the point of view this perspective from the point of view this perspective from the point of view of the Danes and how they might have of the Danes and how they might have of the Danes and how they might have felt threatened by the Caroline Gene felt threatened by the Caroline Gene felt threatened by the Caroline Gene expansion expansion expansion but this outbreak of new violence on a but this outbreak of new violence on a but this outbreak of new violence on a higher level and more Amplified scale higher level and more Amplified scale higher level and more Amplified scale can also be viewed as a sort of a can also be viewed as a sort of a can also be viewed as a sort of a response to a you know F around and find response to a you know F around and find response to a you know F around and find out kind of situation out kind of situation out kind of situation I mean when Louis the Pius gets on the I mean when Louis the Pius gets on the I mean when Louis the Pius gets on the throne he continues a lot of the things throne he continues a lot of the things throne he continues a lot of the things that his father was doing with the Danes that his father was doing with the Danes that his father was doing with the Danes right he's pushing his own claimant to right he's pushing his own claimant to right he's pushing his own claimant to Danish kingship right the preferred Danish kingship right the preferred Danish kingship right the preferred Frankish candidate

Frankish candidate Frankish candidate one of these very early Danish names by one of these very early Danish names by one of these very early Danish names by the way to emerge from The Mists and the the way to emerge from The Mists and the the way to emerge from The Mists and the fog of prehistory a guy named Harold fog of prehistory a guy named Harold fog of prehistory a guy named Harold glack glack glack and Harold is one of those you know it's and Harold is one of those you know it's and Harold is one of those you know it's one of the favorite Viking names you'll one of the favorite Viking names you'll one of the favorite Viking names you'll run into 10 million Heralds and Viking run into 10 million Heralds and Viking run into 10 million Heralds and Viking history history history h-a-r-a-l-d and Harold clack is this guy h-a-r-a-l-d and Harold clack is this guy h-a-r-a-l-d and Harold clack is this guy who's famous because he becomes who's famous because he becomes who's famous because he becomes I don't know if you can call him the lap I don't know if you can call him the lap I don't know if you can call him the lap dog of the carolingian ruler but he's dog of the carolingian ruler but he's dog of the carolingian ruler but he's certainly the one that will do whatever certainly the one that will do whatever certainly the one that will do whatever it takes to have the backing of somebody it takes to have the backing of somebody it takes to have the backing of somebody who can help him get a who can help him get a who can help him get a advantage over his um advantage over his um advantage over his um you know competitors back in Denmark and you know competitors back in Denmark and you know competitors back in Denmark and in the late 820s Harold clock with in the late 820s Harold clock with in the late 820s Harold clock with hundreds of his followers will hundreds of his followers will hundreds of his followers will ostentatiously convert to Christianity ostentatiously convert to Christianity ostentatiously convert to Christianity right now he's got something more in right now he's got something more in right now he's got something more in common with his benefactor Louis the common with his benefactor Louis the common with his benefactor Louis the pious and then he's going to eventually pious and then he's going to eventually pious and then he's going to eventually go back there and wrestle for the throne go back there and wrestle for the throne go back there and wrestle for the throne of Denmark well once again as we had of Denmark well once again as we had of Denmark well once again as we had said there's going to be a lot of people said there's going to be a lot of people said there's going to be a lot of people in Denmark that don't look at the idea in Denmark that don't look at the idea in Denmark that don't look at the idea of having a ruler coming in and maybe of having a ruler coming in and maybe of having a ruler coming in and maybe looking to convert them from their looking to convert them from their looking to convert them from their traditional religious beliefs perhaps so traditional religious beliefs perhaps so traditional religious beliefs perhaps so positively positively positively at the same time by the way that Louis at the same time by the way that Louis at the same time by the way that Louis the pious is converting the guy he wants the pious is converting the guy he wants the pious is converting the guy he wants to be the king of this country next door to be the king of this country next door to be the king of this country next door he's also sending out missionaries and he's also sending out missionaries and he's also sending out missionaries and evangelists right these are the we had evangelists right these are the we had evangelists right these are the we had said earlier the sort of a Marvel said earlier the sort of a Marvel said earlier the sort of a Marvel Superhero kind of figure who are going

Superhero kind of figure who are going Superhero kind of figure who are going to go into the lion's den you know safe to go into the lion's den you know safe to go into the lion's den you know safe comparatively from the damage that these comparatively from the damage that these comparatively from the damage that these you know Heathen men can do and bravely you know Heathen men can do and bravely you know Heathen men can do and bravely convert them and remember converting convert them and remember converting convert them and remember converting them is an interesting thing if you're them is an interesting thing if you're them is an interesting thing if you're looking at this from Lewis's perspective looking at this from Lewis's perspective looking at this from Lewis's perspective because from one perspective he is a because from one perspective he is a because from one perspective he is a devout believer this is his world view devout believer this is his world view devout believer this is his world view it's like science to him and the idea it's like science to him and the idea it's like science to him and the idea that he could bring all these people to that he could bring all these people to that he could bring all these people to God is going to you know he's going to God is going to you know he's going to God is going to you know he's going to be something God is going to be pleased be something God is going to be pleased be something God is going to be pleased with that is a good thing you can go to with that is a good thing you can go to with that is a good thing you can go to your grave feeling like you accomplished your grave feeling like you accomplished your grave feeling like you accomplished Good Deeds at the same time it's been Good Deeds at the same time it's been Good Deeds at the same time it's been proven including by the Franks proven including by the Franks proven including by the Franks themselves that the you know preferred themselves that the you know preferred themselves that the you know preferred way to defang these Warrior hear God way to defang these Warrior hear God way to defang these Warrior hear God worshiping barbarians is to make him worshiping barbarians is to make him worshiping barbarians is to make him Christians so there's a geopolitical Christians so there's a geopolitical Christians so there's a geopolitical Advantage here if you can make these Advantage here if you can make these Advantage here if you can make these people Christians you can pacify them people Christians you can pacify them people Christians you can pacify them and then you can get their country you and then you can get their country you and then you can get their country you know on the road to modernity we'll put know on the road to modernity we'll put know on the road to modernity we'll put a king in there set up a hierarchical a king in there set up a hierarchical a king in there set up a hierarchical system the church will be there to start system the church will be there to start system the church will be there to start writing stuff down for you and you'll writing stuff down for you and you'll writing stuff down for you and you'll become a valued trusted and um become a valued trusted and um become a valued trusted and um answerable to Authority member of the answerable to Authority member of the answerable to Authority member of the International Community there you go International Community there you go International Community there you go legitimate legitimate legitimate the point is is that when the 830s the point is is that when the 830s the point is is that when the 830s happen there's a way to look at this as happen there's a way to look at this as happen there's a way to look at this as kind of the equivalent of blowback is kind of the equivalent of blowback is kind of the equivalent of blowback is with the way we would describe it in a with the way we would describe it in a with the way we would describe it in a CIA you know failed operation when it's CIA you know failed operation when it's CIA you know failed operation when it's taken you know over the Long Haul right taken you know over the Long Haul right taken you know over the Long Haul right you try to instill your own ruler and you try to instill your own ruler and you try to instill your own ruler and boom all of a sudden you know you've

boom all of a sudden you know you've boom all of a sudden you know you've made enemies of the people well it's made enemies of the people well it's made enemies of the people well it's possible Louis the pious messing in possible Louis the pious messing in possible Louis the pious messing in Danish politics Danish politics Danish politics um f around and he found out in the 830s um f around and he found out in the 830s um f around and he found out in the 830s was was was you know his wake-up call you know his wake-up call you know his wake-up call the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gets dates the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gets dates the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gets dates wrong during this period so it can wrong during this period so it can wrong during this period so it can become confusing and it actually makes a become confusing and it actually makes a become confusing and it actually makes a lot more sense lot more sense lot more sense when you read the corrected dates by when you read the corrected dates by when you read the corrected dates by historians they're only off by a couple historians they're only off by a couple historians they're only off by a couple of years but it puts everything in the of years but it puts everything in the of years but it puts everything in the right context because what happens is right context because what happens is right context because what happens is you start to see a a time when you know you start to see a a time when you know you start to see a a time when you know attacks are here and there and then all attacks are here and there and then all attacks are here and there and then all of a sudden gets stepped up in multiple of a sudden gets stepped up in multiple of a sudden gets stepped up in multiple places at the same time which makes one places at the same time which makes one places at the same time which makes one a little suspicious about you know why a little suspicious about you know why a little suspicious about you know why all of a sudden all of a sudden all of a sudden and one of the places that's going to and one of the places that's going to and one of the places that's going to get hit early on famously is going to be get hit early on famously is going to be get hit early on famously is going to be one of these places that has never hit one of these places that has never hit one of these places that has never hit and there's a lot of reasons you and there's a lot of reasons you and there's a lot of reasons you wouldn't want to hit it if you were a wouldn't want to hit it if you were a wouldn't want to hit it if you were a viking including the idea that this is viking including the idea that this is viking including the idea that this is like the best place in northern Europe like the best place in northern Europe like the best place in northern Europe if you want to sell stuff right you want if you want to sell stuff right you want if you want to sell stuff right you want to fence those slaves you just took or to fence those slaves you just took or to fence those slaves you just took or something like that you want to go to something like that you want to go to something like that you want to go to doristad to do that it's in northern doristad to do that it's in northern doristad to do that it's in northern Europe it's a Frankish trading post it Europe it's a Frankish trading post it Europe it's a Frankish trading post it is big it is wealthy and nobody touches is big it is wealthy and nobody touches is big it is wealthy and nobody touches it normally until 8 34 when all of a it normally until 8 34 when all of a it normally until 8 34 when all of a sudden somebody does sudden somebody does sudden somebody does the annals of Saint Berton are kind of the annals of Saint Berton are kind of the annals of Saint Berton are kind of like the Frankish Empire's Anglo-Saxon like the Frankish Empire's Anglo-Saxon like the Frankish Empire's Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for this period all these Chronicle for this period all these Chronicle for this period all these Chronicles I mean there's nothing Chronicles I mean there's nothing Chronicles I mean there's nothing dramatic about them they're very Bare dramatic about them they're very Bare dramatic about them they're very Bare Bones Bones Bones um and there's no eyewitness accounts of um and there's no eyewitness accounts of um and there's no eyewitness accounts of either the point of view of the Raiders either the point of view of the Raiders either the point of view of the Raiders or the point of view of the Raiders

or the point of view of the Raiders or the point of view of the Raiders victims for any of these Viking raids so victims for any of these Viking raids so victims for any of these Viking raids so it's all a little Bare Bones but let's it's all a little Bare Bones but let's it's all a little Bare Bones but let's remember that the Viking era is not remember that the Viking era is not remember that the Viking era is not about particularly nasty raids it's much about particularly nasty raids it's much about particularly nasty raids it's much more about the quantity of them and when more about the quantity of them and when more about the quantity of them and when you read sort of a rundown of like 20 you read sort of a rundown of like 20 you read sort of a rundown of like 20 years of Viking raids it makes your head years of Viking raids it makes your head years of Viking raids it makes your head spin how many places are being hit and spin how many places are being hit and spin how many places are being hit and sometimes over and over again over what sometimes over and over again over what sometimes over and over again over what period of time it's a quantity versus period of time it's a quantity versus period of time it's a quantity versus quality kind of a phenomenon and in the quality kind of a phenomenon and in the quality kind of a phenomenon and in the Andals of Saint Burton for the year 834 Andals of Saint Burton for the year 834 Andals of Saint Burton for the year 834 it just happens to mention this quote it just happens to mention this quote it just happens to mention this quote meanwhile a fleet of Danes came to meanwhile a fleet of Danes came to meanwhile a fleet of Danes came to freesia and laid waste a part of it from freesia and laid waste a part of it from freesia and laid waste a part of it from there they came by way of Utrecht to the there they came by way of Utrecht to the there they came by way of Utrecht to the Emporium called dorostad This is a Emporium called dorostad This is a Emporium called dorostad This is a market town like burka by the way market town like burka by the way market town like burka by the way doorstad and destroyed everything they doorstad and destroyed everything they doorstad and destroyed everything they slaughtered some people took others away slaughtered some people took others away slaughtered some people took others away captive and burned the surrounding captive and burned the surrounding captive and burned the surrounding region region region end quote doorstad is doorstad is for this second Viking phase what for this second Viking phase what for this second Viking phase what lindisfarne famously is for the first lindisfarne famously is for the first lindisfarne famously is for the first one of these moments that just sort of one of these moments that just sort of one of these moments that just sort of announces in hindsight that everything's announces in hindsight that everything's announces in hindsight that everything's about to be taken up a notch and in the about to be taken up a notch and in the about to be taken up a notch and in the children of Ash and Elm historian Neil children of Ash and Elm historian Neil children of Ash and Elm historian Neil price says this quote price says this quote price says this quote in the year 834 dorstad the wealthy

in the year 834 dorstad the wealthy in the year 834 dorstad the wealthy Emporium at the fork of the Rhine about Emporium at the fork of the Rhine about Emporium at the fork of the Rhine about 100 kilometers from the Dutch Coast was 100 kilometers from the Dutch Coast was 100 kilometers from the Dutch Coast was attacked and burnt apparently by a force attacked and burnt apparently by a force attacked and burnt apparently by a force from Denmark it was an astonishing move from Denmark it was an astonishing move from Denmark it was an astonishing move this was no Monastery or isolated this was no Monastery or isolated this was no Monastery or isolated Community but one of the most important Community but one of the most important Community but one of the most important places in the trading networks of places in the trading networks of places in the trading networks of Northern Europe this would be like Northern Europe this would be like Northern Europe this would be like physically assaulting one of today's physically assaulting one of today's physically assaulting one of today's great financial hubs the Vikings great financial hubs the Vikings great financial hubs the Vikings slaughtered at will and took ship loads slaughtered at will and took ship loads slaughtered at will and took ship loads of slaves the surrounding region was of slaves the surrounding region was of slaves the surrounding region was devastated the same was to happen every devastated the same was to happen every devastated the same was to happen every single summer for the next four years in single summer for the next four years in single summer for the next four years in the face of ineffectual Frankish the face of ineffectual Frankish the face of ineffectual Frankish responses that included failed peace responses that included failed peace responses that included failed peace negotiations the Vikings seemed to have negotiations the Vikings seemed to have negotiations the Vikings seemed to have played a careful hand combining feigned played a careful hand combining feigned played a careful hand combining feigned diplomacy supported by the rating that diplomacy supported by the rating that diplomacy supported by the rating that they never had any intention of they never had any intention of they never had any intention of renouncing renouncing renouncing end quote end quote end quote like tribal rating societies everywhere like tribal rating societies everywhere like tribal rating societies everywhere there's a lot of plausible deniability there's a lot of plausible deniability there's a lot of plausible deniability built in here these rulers can built in here these rulers can built in here these rulers can use the fact that they don't control use the fact that they don't control use the fact that they don't control everybody with an iron fist to sort of everybody with an iron fist to sort of everybody with an iron fist to sort of fob off responsibility for this stuff fob off responsibility for this stuff fob off responsibility for this stuff sometimes you saw it in the Native sometimes you saw it in the Native sometimes you saw it in the Native American situation which is of course my American situation which is of course my American situation which is of course my favorite thing to compare things to you favorite thing to compare things to you favorite thing to compare things to you saw it all the time the U.S or Mexico or saw it all the time the U.S or Mexico or saw it all the time the U.S or Mexico or Spain would go to some rulerants and I Spain would go to some rulerants and I Spain would go to some rulerants and I thought we had a deal nobody was going thought we had a deal nobody was going thought we had a deal nobody was going to raid anybody and they'd say well I to raid anybody and they'd say well I to raid anybody and they'd say well I don't control those people don't control those people don't control those people and some of these histories refer to and some of these histories refer to and some of these histories refer to elements in the Danish hierarchy as

elements in the Danish hierarchy as elements in the Danish hierarchy as Hawks and doves and the Kings sort of Hawks and doves and the Kings sort of Hawks and doves and the Kings sort of caught in the middle trying to you know caught in the middle trying to you know caught in the middle trying to you know keep everybody happy keep everybody happy keep everybody happy but the way you can tell that this but the way you can tell that this but the way you can tell that this probably isn't just random is all of a probably isn't just random is all of a probably isn't just random is all of a sudden at this time period the sudden at this time period the sudden at this time period the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which has been Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which has been Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which has been silent about Viking attacks for like silent about Viking attacks for like silent about Viking attacks for like half a lifetime starts cranking it up half a lifetime starts cranking it up half a lifetime starts cranking it up again a lot of historians wonder why again a lot of historians wonder why again a lot of historians wonder why that is is it hiding the fact that those that is is it hiding the fact that those that is is it hiding the fact that those raids have been going on all the time raids have been going on all the time raids have been going on all the time but the official Chronicle of of the but the official Chronicle of of the but the official Chronicle of of the House of Wessex doesn't want that told I House of Wessex doesn't want that told I House of Wessex doesn't want that told I mean there's a lot of theories I'm mean there's a lot of theories I'm mean there's a lot of theories I'm certainly one of those people that certainly one of those people that certainly one of those people that thinks attacks were still happening just thinks attacks were still happening just thinks attacks were still happening just at a lower level but why you would all at a lower level but why you would all at a lower level but why you would all of a sudden after Decades of not saying of a sudden after Decades of not saying of a sudden after Decades of not saying anything start saying things again is an anything start saying things again is an anything start saying things again is an interesting question you know if we take interesting question you know if we take interesting question you know if we take that made up figure that we had of that that made up figure that we had of that that made up figure that we had of that kid who was eight years old when the kid who was eight years old when the kid who was eight years old when the Vikings first showed up in Britain right Vikings first showed up in Britain right Vikings first showed up in Britain right what do we call them Ethel Dan well if what do we call them Ethel Dan well if what do we call them Ethel Dan well if Ethel Dan is eight in 789 by the time Ethel Dan is eight in 789 by the time Ethel Dan is eight in 789 by the time the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle starts the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle starts the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle starts mentioning Heathen men again he's in his mentioning Heathen men again he's in his mentioning Heathen men again he's in his early 50s should he live that long early 50s should he live that long early 50s should he live that long and as I said the chronicle gets the and as I said the chronicle gets the and as I said the chronicle gets the dates a little Wrong by a couple years dates a little Wrong by a couple years dates a little Wrong by a couple years because dorstad happens first but it's because dorstad happens first but it's because dorstad happens first but it's like the next year all of a sudden that like the next year all of a sudden that like the next year all of a sudden that now we have Vikings in England again and now we have Vikings in England again and now we have Vikings in England again and they're not in some out of the way they're not in some out of the way they're not in some out of the way Monastery on the edge of you know the Monastery on the edge of you know the Monastery on the edge of you know the continent there close by the centers of continent there close by the centers of continent there close by the centers of power and their Danes apparently the power and their Danes apparently the power and their Danes apparently the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says quote

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says quote Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says quote it says 8 32 here I believe the right it says 8 32 here I believe the right it says 8 32 here I believe the right year is 8 35 which would make it the year is 8 35 which would make it the year is 8 35 which would make it the year after doorstad was hit and the year after doorstad was hit and the year after doorstad was hit and the chronicle says quote chronicle says quote chronicle says quote this year Heathen men overran the Isle this year Heathen men overran the Isle this year Heathen men overran the Isle of shepi end quote of shepi end quote of shepi end quote now that doesn't sound like such a big now that doesn't sound like such a big now that doesn't sound like such a big deal but the fact that all of a sudden deal but the fact that all of a sudden deal but the fact that all of a sudden it's talking about heathenman again it's talking about heathenman again it's talking about heathenman again after all these these years of not after all these these years of not after all these these years of not saying anything should make your ears saying anything should make your ears saying anything should make your ears prick up and then when you take a look prick up and then when you take a look prick up and then when you take a look at the satellite view of the island of at the satellite view of the island of at the satellite view of the island of shepi today and it might be subtly shepi today and it might be subtly shepi today and it might be subtly different but this is a 30 mile island different but this is a 30 mile island different but this is a 30 mile island just off the coast or really In Like a just off the coast or really In Like a just off the coast or really In Like a River Estuary it's 40 miles from London River Estuary it's 40 miles from London River Estuary it's 40 miles from London which is an important center even back which is an important center even back which is an important center even back in this time period in this time period in this time period it looks even to the untrained eye today it looks even to the untrained eye today it looks even to the untrained eye today like a base for pirates doesn't it good like a base for pirates doesn't it good like a base for pirates doesn't it good sight for it now the chronicle just sight for it now the chronicle just sight for it now the chronicle just calls them Heathen men so we don't know calls them Heathen men so we don't know calls them Heathen men so we don't know who they are except the very next year who they are except the very next year who they are except the very next year according to the chronicle a big battle according to the chronicle a big battle according to the chronicle a big battle is fought big in early medieval terms as is fought big in early medieval terms as is fought big in early medieval terms as a relative concept by the way you could a relative concept by the way you could a relative concept by the way you could have 2 000 guys on each you could have have 2 000 guys on each you could have have 2 000 guys on each you could have let's put it this way you could have a let's put it this way you could have a let's put it this way you could have a bad disappointing crowd for a community bad disappointing crowd for a community bad disappointing crowd for a community college football game and that might be college football game and that might be college football game and that might be a decent sized early medieval battle in a decent sized early medieval battle in a decent sized early medieval battle in some places but the most powerful King some places but the most powerful King some places but the most powerful King in Britain and they had several usually in Britain and they had several usually in Britain and they had several usually a guy named Egbert will face down a a guy named Egbert will face down a a guy named Egbert will face down a force of Danes the very year after the force of Danes the very year after the force of Danes the very year after the island of shepi's overrun so we can

island of shepi's overrun so we can island of shepi's overrun so we can assume maybe it's the same group of assume maybe it's the same group of assume maybe it's the same group of people and the chronicle says quote people and the chronicle says quote people and the chronicle says quote this year fought King Egbert with 35 this year fought King Egbert with 35 this year fought King Egbert with 35 Pirates and it means 35 pirate ships at Pirates and it means 35 pirate ships at Pirates and it means 35 pirate ships at charmath where a great Slaughter was charmath where a great Slaughter was charmath where a great Slaughter was made and the Danes remained masters of made and the Danes remained masters of made and the Danes remained masters of the field end quote the field end quote the field end quote that line that the Danes remained that line that the Danes remained that line that the Danes remained masters of the field masters of the field masters of the field should be paid attention to maybe that's should be paid attention to maybe that's should be paid attention to maybe that's a good way to put it because now you're a good way to put it because now you're a good way to put it because now you're not talking about a bunch of let's just not talking about a bunch of let's just not talking about a bunch of let's just say Norwegian Raiders you know attacking say Norwegian Raiders you know attacking say Norwegian Raiders you know attacking some island off the north Scottish Coast some island off the north Scottish Coast some island off the north Scottish Coast or something and then running away or something and then running away or something and then running away before you know the group of townspeople before you know the group of townspeople before you know the group of townspeople gets together with farm implements to gets together with farm implements to gets together with farm implements to drive them out you're talking about a drive them out you're talking about a drive them out you're talking about a group of people that was attacked by the group of people that was attacked by the group of people that was attacked by the most powerful King in the British Isles most powerful King in the British Isles most powerful King in the British Isles with some sort of military force and with some sort of military force and with some sort of military force and beat him the very next year according to the the very next year according to the chronicle a group of unnamed Vikings but chronicle a group of unnamed Vikings but chronicle a group of unnamed Vikings but then they named them Danes later then they named them Danes later then they named them Danes later um um um has a pretty good sense of the political has a pretty good sense of the political has a pretty good sense of the political feel for Britain because they apparently feel for Britain because they apparently feel for Britain because they apparently land near modern day or in modern day land near modern day or in modern day land near modern day or in modern day Wales the Welsh are recently conquered Wales the Welsh are recently conquered Wales the Welsh are recently conquered and sometimes not conquered and not and sometimes not conquered and not and sometimes not conquered and not happy with these Saxon Kings in Britain happy with these Saxon Kings in Britain happy with these Saxon Kings in Britain and the Vikings decide to work with them and the Vikings decide to work with them and the Vikings decide to work with them to maybe help overthrow their overlords to maybe help overthrow their overlords to maybe help overthrow their overlords and the chronicle says quote

and the chronicle says quote and the chronicle says quote this year came a great Naval Armament this year came a great Naval Armament this year came a great Naval Armament into West Wales they mean the Vikings into West Wales they mean the Vikings into West Wales they mean the Vikings where they were joined by the people where they were joined by the people where they were joined by the people they mean the Welsh they mean the Welsh they mean the Welsh who commenced war against Egbert the who commenced war against Egbert the who commenced war against Egbert the West Saxon King when he heard this he West Saxon King when he heard this he West Saxon King when he heard this he proceeded with his Army against them and proceeded with his Army against them and proceeded with his Army against them and fought with them at hengiston fought with them at hengiston fought with them at hengiston where he put to flight both the Welsh where he put to flight both the Welsh where he put to flight both the Welsh and the Danes and the Danes and the Danes end quote by the way I don't know if that by the way I don't know if that mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle would really mean it was Vikings and would really mean it was Vikings and would really mean it was Vikings and welshmen it might be Vikings and welshmen it might be Vikings and welshmen it might be Vikings and cornishmen I'm not sure cornishmen I'm not sure cornishmen I'm not sure so no mention of these people for half a so no mention of these people for half a so no mention of these people for half a human lifetime and all of a sudden human lifetime and all of a sudden human lifetime and all of a sudden they're back and get multiple mentions they're back and get multiple mentions they're back and get multiple mentions multiple years in a row right at the multiple years in a row right at the multiple years in a row right at the same time Dora stats being hit we've same time Dora stats being hit we've same time Dora stats being hit we've entered into a new phase in this Viking entered into a new phase in this Viking entered into a new phase in this Viking era era era and in trying to talk about this era and and in trying to talk about this era and and in trying to talk about this era and organize it in a way that sort of makes organize it in a way that sort of makes organize it in a way that sort of makes sense and seems to correspond to sense and seems to correspond to sense and seems to correspond to something that can be visualized I something that can be visualized I something that can be visualized I realize that this really isn't military realize that this really isn't military realize that this really isn't military history in any real sense of the word history in any real sense of the word history in any real sense of the word right having talked about lots of wars right having talked about lots of wars right having talked about lots of wars and battles and there's a certain sort and battles and there's a certain sort and battles and there's a certain sort of feel and style and approach and of feel and style and approach and of feel and style and approach and that's not what this is when you read that's not what this is when you read that's not what this is when you read the accounts of what's to come this the accounts of what's to come this the accounts of what's to come this looks like a crime blotter from a local looks like a crime blotter from a local looks like a crime blotter from a local police force I mean that's what this police force I mean that's what this police force I mean that's what this looks like these look like if you opened

looks like these look like if you opened looks like these look like if you opened up the you know Commander's log of the up the you know Commander's log of the up the you know Commander's log of the history of the 12th Precinct over the history of the 12th Precinct over the history of the 12th Precinct over the last 10 years and these would be the big last 10 years and these would be the big last 10 years and these would be the big notable crimes but they all read like a notable crimes but they all read like a notable crimes but they all read like a woman and dog knocked over purse stolen woman and dog knocked over purse stolen woman and dog knocked over purse stolen and I mean they all sound like entries and I mean they all sound like entries and I mean they all sound like entries into the police blotter and the into the police blotter and the into the police blotter and the interesting thing about it is when you interesting thing about it is when you interesting thing about it is when you think about the damage here unlike you think about the damage here unlike you think about the damage here unlike you know normal military history where Wars know normal military history where Wars know normal military history where Wars sort of have consequences and violence sort of have consequences and violence sort of have consequences and violence is sort of driven towards some eventual is sort of driven towards some eventual is sort of driven towards some eventual political outcome right remember your political outcome right remember your political outcome right remember your claws wits that's the whole goal but claws wits that's the whole goal but claws wits that's the whole goal but that's not what this is at all this is that's not what this is at all this is that's not what this is at all this is not only about stealing stuff but not only about stealing stuff but not only about stealing stuff but oftentimes these Raiders will come into oftentimes these Raiders will come into oftentimes these Raiders will come into places and refuse to leave they will places and refuse to leave they will places and refuse to leave they will terrorize the locals until they're paid terrorize the locals until they're paid terrorize the locals until they're paid off off off this is crime this is organized crime this is crime this is organized crime this is crime this is organized crime and the thing about crime and it and the thing about crime and it and the thing about crime and it Compares very well to this piracy thing Compares very well to this piracy thing Compares very well to this piracy thing that we talked about earlier is that that we talked about earlier is that that we talked about earlier is that even in the nicest neighborhoods in the even in the nicest neighborhoods in the even in the nicest neighborhoods in the world you have crime world you have crime world you have crime it's always a question of what level of it's always a question of what level of it's always a question of what level of crime right what is your level of crime right what is your level of crime right what is your level of insecurity and that's usually based on insecurity and that's usually based on insecurity and that's usually based on what are the chances that you're going what are the chances that you're going what are the chances that you're going to become a victim to become a victim to become a victim and what becomes apparent reading the and what becomes apparent reading the and what becomes apparent reading the equivalent of the geopolitical equivalent of the geopolitical equivalent of the geopolitical historical Celestial crime blotter here historical Celestial crime blotter here historical Celestial crime blotter here is during the middle 800s to the late is during the middle 800s to the late is during the middle 800s to the late 800s your chances of becoming a victim 800s your chances of becoming a victim 800s your chances of becoming a victim in the area of the world that has in the area of the world that has in the area of the world that has Vikings skyrockets Vikings skyrockets Vikings skyrockets and that creates a sense of insecurity

and that creates a sense of insecurity and that creates a sense of insecurity and you can see it in the collapse of and you can see it in the collapse of and you can see it in the collapse of some of the local trade routes that will some of the local trade routes that will some of the local trade routes that will result from the danger of simply trying result from the danger of simply trying result from the danger of simply trying to apply your trade in an ERA with the to apply your trade in an ERA with the to apply your trade in an ERA with the ash men about I love that term that's ash men about I love that term that's ash men about I love that term that's what um uh Adam of Bremen who's a famous what um uh Adam of Bremen who's a famous what um uh Adam of Bremen who's a famous chronicler from the arrows that said chronicler from the arrows that said chronicler from the arrows that said that the Germans called The Viking the that the Germans called The Viking the that the Germans called The Viking the Nordic peoples the ashmen probably why Nordic peoples the ashmen probably why Nordic peoples the ashmen probably why Neil price calls his book The Children Neil price calls his book The Children Neil price calls his book The Children of Ash and Elm right it's a great term of Ash and Elm right it's a great term of Ash and Elm right it's a great term so rather than go in order what I'd like so rather than go in order what I'd like so rather than go in order what I'd like to do is just sort of give a general to do is just sort of give a general to do is just sort of give a general sense of the police blotter type sense of the police blotter type sense of the police blotter type activity going on in the 800s in the activity going on in the 800s in the activity going on in the 800s in the west because the 900s are going to be west because the 900s are going to be west because the 900s are going to be yet again a different phase with sort of yet again a different phase with sort of yet again a different phase with sort of a different you know feel to it but in a different you know feel to it but in a different you know feel to it but in the 800s you're going to go from crime the 800s you're going to go from crime the 800s you're going to go from crime to a lack of enforcement which to a lack of enforcement which to a lack of enforcement which encourages even more audacious crime encourages even more audacious crime encourages even more audacious crime and then the traditional Newtonian for and then the traditional Newtonian for and then the traditional Newtonian for every action there's an equal and every action there's an equal and every action there's an equal and opposite reaction reaction to the crime opposite reaction reaction to the crime opposite reaction reaction to the crime which may indeed make everything even which may indeed make everything even which may indeed make everything even worse it's not hard to find one of these it's not hard to find one of these you know early equivalence of a police you know early equivalence of a police you know early equivalence of a police blotter from this era to see the rundown blotter from this era to see the rundown blotter from this era to see the rundown of various attacks and incidents of various attacks and incidents of various attacks and incidents involving involving involving you know Viking Raiders during the

you know Viking Raiders during the you know Viking Raiders during the Scandinavian age the problem is trying Scandinavian age the problem is trying Scandinavian age the problem is trying to figure out which one to use and how to figure out which one to use and how to figure out which one to use and how much to quote much to quote much to quote because you obviously can't run down because you obviously can't run down because you obviously can't run down every incident that made the record every incident that made the record every incident that made the record books for the 300 year long Viking age books for the 300 year long Viking age books for the 300 year long Viking age right and in fact even when you read right and in fact even when you read right and in fact even when you read these rundowns you have to know that these rundowns you have to know that these rundowns you have to know that incidents that were too small to be incidents that were too small to be incidents that were too small to be mentioned in the Chronicles are still mentioned in the Chronicles are still mentioned in the Chronicles are still happening all the time happening all the time happening all the time but how about but how about but how about 1950s the age of Faith by Will Durant 1950s the age of Faith by Will Durant 1950s the age of Faith by Will Durant and a lot of these old history books are and a lot of these old history books are and a lot of these old history books are outdated in a lot of respects but this outdated in a lot of respects but this outdated in a lot of respects but this is the kind of information that isn't is the kind of information that isn't is the kind of information that isn't and he does a good job compressing it and he does a good job compressing it and he does a good job compressing it into a short space it's just a tiny into a short space it's just a tiny into a short space it's just a tiny little slice of the police blotter from little slice of the police blotter from little slice of the police blotter from the equivalent of one early medieval the equivalent of one early medieval the equivalent of one early medieval police precinct he's not talking about police precinct he's not talking about police precinct he's not talking about Germany for example or areas like that Germany for example or areas like that Germany for example or areas like that just one little area during one little just one little area during one little just one little area during one little slice and ignoring all of the stuff slice and ignoring all of the stuff slice and ignoring all of the stuff that's too small you know to even be that's too small you know to even be that's too small you know to even be noticed and he writes about this and by noticed and he writes about this and by noticed and he writes about this and by the way he talks about the death of the way he talks about the death of the way he talks about the death of Lewis the pious which happens in 840 ADC Lewis the pious which happens in 840 ADC Lewis the pious which happens in 840 ADC and if you thought it was bad during and if you thought it was bad during and if you thought it was bad during Lewis the pious's reign in terms of the Lewis the pious's reign in terms of the Lewis the pious's reign in terms of the you know carolingian State you know carolingian State you know carolingian State disintegrating it gets worse after he disintegrating it gets worse after he disintegrating it gets worse after he dies and so do the Viking raids and dies and so do the Viking raids and dies and so do the Viking raids and Durant writing in 1950 giving you a tiny Durant writing in 1950 giving you a tiny Durant writing in 1950 giving you a tiny little slice of you know how bad the little slice of you know how bad the little slice of you know how bad the neighborhood has become neighborhood has become neighborhood has become says this quote says this quote says this quote after the death of Louis the pious these

after the death of Louis the pious these after the death of Louis the pious these raids became great Expeditions with raids became great Expeditions with raids became great Expeditions with fleets of over a hundred vessels fully fleets of over a hundred vessels fully fleets of over a hundred vessels fully manned with oarsmen Slash Warriors in manned with oarsmen Slash Warriors in manned with oarsmen Slash Warriors in the 9th and 10th centuries France the 9th and 10th centuries France the 9th and 10th centuries France endured 47 Norse attacks in 840 the endured 47 Norse attacks in 840 the endured 47 Norse attacks in 840 the Raiders sacked ruin beginning a series Raiders sacked ruin beginning a series Raiders sacked ruin beginning a series of assaults upon Normandy in 843 they of assaults upon Normandy in 843 they of assaults upon Normandy in 843 they entered another French city he says I'm entered another French city he says I'm entered another French city he says I'm not going to try to pronounce some of not going to try to pronounce some of not going to try to pronounce some of these names and slew the bishop at his these names and slew the bishop at his these names and slew the bishop at his altar in 844 they sailed up a particular altar in 844 they sailed up a particular altar in 844 they sailed up a particular River to Toulouse in 845 they mounted River to Toulouse in 845 they mounted River to Toulouse in 845 they mounted the sane to Paris but spared the city on the sane to Paris but spared the city on the sane to Paris but spared the city on receiving a tribute of seven thousand receiving a tribute of seven thousand receiving a tribute of seven thousand pounds of silver in 846 while the pounds of silver in 846 while the pounds of silver in 846 while the saracens were attacking Rome he says the saracens were attacking Rome he says the saracens were attacking Rome he says the northmen conquered freesia burned northmen conquered freesia burned northmen conquered freesia burned dortrekt and sacked Limoges in 847 they dortrekt and sacked Limoges in 847 they dortrekt and sacked Limoges in 847 they besieged Bordeaux but were repulsed in besieged Bordeaux but were repulsed in besieged Bordeaux but were repulsed in 848 they tried again captured it 848 they tried again captured it 848 they tried again captured it plundered it massacred its population plundered it massacred its population plundered it massacred its population and burned it to the ground in the and burned it to the ground in the and burned it to the ground in the following years they dealt a like fate 2 following years they dealt a like fate 2 following years they dealt a like fate 2 and he mentioned six more French cities and he mentioned six more French cities and he mentioned six more French cities we may surmise he writes something of we may surmise he writes something of we may surmise he writes something of the terror by noting that the city of the terror by noting that the city of the terror by noting that the city of Tours was pillaged in 853 856 862 872 Tours was pillaged in 853 856 862 872 Tours was pillaged in 853 856 862 872 886 903 and 919. Paris he says was 886 903 and 919. Paris he says was 886 903 and 919. Paris he says was pillaged in 856 and again in 861 and

pillaged in 856 and again in 861 and pillaged in 856 and again in 861 and burned in 865. burned in 865. burned in 865. end quote end quote end quote now his head spinning is all that sounds now his head spinning is all that sounds now his head spinning is all that sounds let's recall that Durant is basically let's recall that Durant is basically let's recall that Durant is basically talking about talking about talking about part of the Viking age and all those part of the Viking age and all those part of the Viking age and all those attacks he runs down and only one attacks he runs down and only one attacks he runs down and only one limited area affected by the Viking era limited area affected by the Viking era limited area affected by the Viking era so you'd have to do the equivalent of so you'd have to do the equivalent of so you'd have to do the equivalent of adding up all the log books of all the adding up all the log books of all the adding up all the log books of all the regions touched in the Viking age regions touched in the Viking age regions touched in the Viking age together right for 300 years to get a together right for 300 years to get a together right for 300 years to get a full accounting of what's going on here full accounting of what's going on here full accounting of what's going on here and I was trying to think about how to and I was trying to think about how to and I was trying to think about how to even talk about it and it occurred to me even talk about it and it occurred to me even talk about it and it occurred to me somewhere along the line that the reason somewhere along the line that the reason somewhere along the line that the reason you can't is because you can't is because you can't is because it's both it's both it's both decentralized and centralized so it'd be decentralized and centralized so it'd be decentralized and centralized so it'd be like the equivalent of trying to talk like the equivalent of trying to talk like the equivalent of trying to talk about crime and and you have to talk about crime and and you have to talk about crime and and you have to talk about Street crime done at the about Street crime done at the about Street crime done at the individual level within with a person individual level within with a person individual level within with a person robbing another person but at the same robbing another person but at the same robbing another person but at the same time you'd also have to include time you'd also have to include time you'd also have to include organized crime with you know the mob organized crime with you know the mob organized crime with you know the mob running something you know at a higher running something you know at a higher running something you know at a higher level because it's all going on at once level because it's all going on at once level because it's all going on at once right but some of it's driven and right but some of it's driven and right but some of it's driven and purposeful another is just sort of purposeful another is just sort of purposeful another is just sort of Random so the Viking age lines up Random so the Viking age lines up Random so the Viking age lines up similarly and I should warn you now this similarly and I should warn you now this similarly and I should warn you now this is the part of the Dan Carlin version of is the part of the Dan Carlin version of is the part of the Dan Carlin version of this story this is what I had to sort of this story this is what I had to sort of this story this is what I had to sort of try to internalize to come up with a way try to internalize to come up with a way try to internalize to come up with a way to talk about it but there's multiple to talk about it but there's multiple to talk about it but there's multiple levels of activity going on here so levels of activity going on here so levels of activity going on here so start at the top one and the one that's start at the top one and the one that's start at the top one and the one that's easiest to catalog the the Viking age easiest to catalog the the Viking age easiest to catalog the the Viking age equivalent of the mob being involved in

equivalent of the mob being involved in equivalent of the mob being involved in some level of crime some level of crime some level of crime some of these Viking attacks are closer some of these Viking attacks are closer some of these Viking attacks are closer to war than they are to piracy take for to war than they are to piracy take for to war than they are to piracy take for example um in 845 ADC a particularly example um in 845 ADC a particularly example um in 845 ADC a particularly tough year to be on the receiving end of tough year to be on the receiving end of tough year to be on the receiving end of Viking raids the Vikings hit both Viking raids the Vikings hit both Viking raids the Vikings hit both Hamburg and Paris Hamburg and Paris Hamburg and Paris now let's not confuse the early medieval now let's not confuse the early medieval now let's not confuse the early medieval towns that these places were with towns that these places were with towns that these places were with anything like the major cities they are anything like the major cities they are anything like the major cities they are today nonetheless one doesn't expect today nonetheless one doesn't expect today nonetheless one doesn't expect Pirates to be giving places like that Pirates to be giving places like that Pirates to be giving places like that much trouble but these are probably more much trouble but these are probably more much trouble but these are probably more than Pirates especially in the case of than Pirates especially in the case of than Pirates especially in the case of Hamburg most of the chroniclers Hamburg most of the chroniclers Hamburg most of the chroniclers associate that with something a associate that with something a associate that with something a purposeful purposeful purposeful state-to-state type activity like I said state-to-state type activity like I said state-to-state type activity like I said closer to war where maybe some of the closer to war where maybe some of the closer to war where maybe some of the Danish Kings are organizing attacks on Danish Kings are organizing attacks on Danish Kings are organizing attacks on the Franks so that's not really the kind the Franks so that's not really the kind the Franks so that's not really the kind of piracy that you're seeing in other of piracy that you're seeing in other of piracy that you're seeing in other places but it makes it tough to talk places but it makes it tough to talk places but it makes it tough to talk about because if that's all that was about because if that's all that was about because if that's all that was going on you could say you know that going on you could say you know that going on you could say you know that this is a war between the Danes and the this is a war between the Danes and the this is a war between the Danes and the Franks but it's not all that's going on Franks but it's not all that's going on Franks but it's not all that's going on there's also you know some other levels there's also you know some other levels there's also you know some other levels so let's look at the mid-level the so let's look at the mid-level the so let's look at the mid-level the mid-level is something I think a Marxist mid-level is something I think a Marxist mid-level is something I think a Marxist would probably say involves the people would probably say involves the people would probably say involves the people that own the means of production in this that own the means of production in this that own the means of production in this case imagine some very wealthy case imagine some very wealthy case imagine some very wealthy Scandinavian men who've over time Scandinavian men who've over time Scandinavian men who've over time managed to get their hands on a couple managed to get their hands on a couple managed to get their hands on a couple of ships right invested in of ships right invested in of ships right invested in sailing and oars and Powerful long ships sailing and oars and Powerful long ships sailing and oars and Powerful long ships and every year they have Expeditions and every year they have Expeditions and every year they have Expeditions right it's sort of like a limited

right it's sort of like a limited right it's sort of like a limited liability company as far as they're liability company as far as they're liability company as far as they're concerned right Olufsen Erickson concerned right Olufsen Erickson concerned right Olufsen Erickson hackinson and Ragnar right uh sign up hackinson and Ragnar right uh sign up hackinson and Ragnar right uh sign up for us every year reliably we need a for us every year reliably we need a for us every year reliably we need a crew if you're bored we go someplace crew if you're bored we go someplace crew if you're bored we go someplace every year this year it's Paris next every year this year it's Paris next every year this year it's Paris next year it's Hamburg year it's Hamburg year it's Hamburg and everybody gets a share right so and everybody gets a share right so and everybody gets a share right so these things become like business these things become like business these things become like business ventures right these are entrepreneurs ventures right these are entrepreneurs ventures right these are entrepreneurs and you can sign up if you want to and and you can sign up if you want to and and you can sign up if you want to and then there's the the lower level again then there's the the lower level again then there's the the lower level again compare this maybe to the one-on-one compare this maybe to the one-on-one compare this maybe to the one-on-one Street crime but but there are the Street crime but but there are the Street crime but but there are the people that sign up for this stuff and people that sign up for this stuff and people that sign up for this stuff and as Neil price said in his book as Neil price said in his book as Neil price said in his book um you know if you're a person signing um you know if you're a person signing um you know if you're a person signing up for a raid and the raid goes up for a raid and the raid goes up for a raid and the raid goes particularly well it can change your particularly well it can change your particularly well it can change your life right change your economic forecast life right change your economic forecast life right change your economic forecast for the rest of your days for the rest of your days for the rest of your days and I'm addicted to looking for and I'm addicted to looking for and I'm addicted to looking for historical analogies and I mentioned historical analogies and I mentioned historical analogies and I mentioned earlier that the Viking age kind of earlier that the Viking age kind of earlier that the Viking age kind of reminds me in some ways reminds me in some ways reminds me in some ways of like the sea peoples in the Bronze of like the sea peoples in the Bronze of like the sea peoples in the Bronze Age and all that but there's something Age and all that but there's something Age and all that but there's something at play here by the middle 800s that at play here by the middle 800s that at play here by the middle 800s that reminds me of something else and here's reminds me of something else and here's reminds me of something else and here's your disclaimer this is the Dan Carlin your disclaimer this is the Dan Carlin your disclaimer this is the Dan Carlin version of this story as I try to make version of this story as I try to make version of this story as I try to make sense of it so I apologize if if I'm sense of it so I apologize if if I'm sense of it so I apologize if if I'm going off the deep end here but there's going off the deep end here but there's going off the deep end here but there's a you know and you've got to gleam it a you know and you've got to gleam it a you know and you've got to gleam it with limited sources but there's if with limited sources but there's if with limited sources but there's if you're looking at this from the Viking you're looking at this from the Viking you're looking at this from the Viking point of view you one would say it point of view you one would say it point of view you one would say it reminds you of like a gold rush period reminds you of like a gold rush period reminds you of like a gold rush period in some places so I'm from California in some places so I'm from California in some places so I'm from California originally and the Gold Rush there is originally and the Gold Rush there is originally and the Gold Rush there is famous but it's famously a time when famous but it's famously a time when famous but it's famously a time when everybody sort of loses their mind over everybody sort of loses their mind over everybody sort of loses their mind over the potential for an economic score

the potential for an economic score the potential for an economic score and in the same way we mentioned there's and in the same way we mentioned there's and in the same way we mentioned there's those multiple levels of sort of the those multiple levels of sort of the those multiple levels of sort of the Viking activity right the higher up the Viking activity right the higher up the Viking activity right the higher up the middle level and the lower level I see middle level and the lower level I see middle level and the lower level I see the same sort of situation during a gold the same sort of situation during a gold the same sort of situation during a gold rush where you know some people come in rush where you know some people come in rush where you know some people come in and buy entire mining operations right and buy entire mining operations right and buy entire mining operations right the bigwigs come in and they're the the bigwigs come in and they're the the bigwigs come in and they're the equivalent of like the Royal Danes equivalent of like the Royal Danes equivalent of like the Royal Danes attacking Hamburg attacking Hamburg attacking Hamburg but there's the mid-level owners of the but there's the mid-level owners of the but there's the mid-level owners of the means of production too who come in and means of production too who come in and means of production too who come in and pool their resources into a partnership pool their resources into a partnership pool their resources into a partnership and buy a mine or something and buy a mine or something and buy a mine or something and then there's the lower level people and then there's the lower level people and then there's the lower level people uh like the Scandinavian who could uh like the Scandinavian who could uh like the Scandinavian who could change his life with a big score on a change his life with a big score on a change his life with a big score on a raid they come in and buy a Borough a raid they come in and buy a Borough a raid they come in and buy a Borough a pick and a pan and they go panning for pick and a pan and they go panning for pick and a pan and they go panning for gold or something try to find a a claim gold or something try to find a a claim gold or something try to find a a claim somewhere so it starts attracting somewhere so it starts attracting somewhere so it starts attracting regular people I mean you don't even regular people I mean you don't even regular people I mean you don't even need to have some big wig organizing an need to have some big wig organizing an need to have some big wig organizing an expedition there's a level of people expedition there's a level of people expedition there's a level of people showing up at these places that reminds showing up at these places that reminds showing up at these places that reminds you a little you know of like The Grapes you a little you know of like The Grapes you a little you know of like The Grapes of Wrath and the Oklahoman people of Wrath and the Oklahoman people of Wrath and the Oklahoman people showing up in the west coast to pick showing up in the west coast to pick showing up in the west coast to pick fruit because there are jobs there right fruit because there are jobs there right fruit because there are jobs there right I mean the economic incentive just I mean the economic incentive just I mean the economic incentive just attracts people and it was obviously attracts people and it was obviously attracts people and it was obviously working because the archaeologist during working because the archaeologist during working because the archaeologist during this time period in Scandinavia are this time period in Scandinavia are this time period in Scandinavia are finding tons of stuff and always have finding tons of stuff and always have finding tons of stuff and always have from these areas that are being hit with from these areas that are being hit with from these areas that are being hit with the Viking raids it's this giant sort of the Viking raids it's this giant sort of the Viking raids it's this giant sort of wealth redistribution phenomenon going wealth redistribution phenomenon going wealth redistribution phenomenon going on during this era where wealth is on during this era where wealth is on during this era where wealth is transferred from the places that do a transferred from the places that do a transferred from the places that do a lot of writing and chronicling and all lot of writing and chronicling and all lot of writing and chronicling and all that sort of stuff to some of the places

that sort of stuff to some of the places that sort of stuff to some of the places that don't that don't that don't from Christian areas to non-Christian from Christian areas to non-Christian from Christian areas to non-Christian areas from you know the center of Europe areas from you know the center of Europe areas from you know the center of Europe to its periphery to its periphery to its periphery and an economist would have a field day and an economist would have a field day and an economist would have a field day with us wouldn't they because you can with us wouldn't they because you can with us wouldn't they because you can see how the economic incentives see how the economic incentives see how the economic incentives become ingrained in the culture and the become ingrained in the culture and the become ingrained in the culture and the Rhythm of Life if you will because this Rhythm of Life if you will because this Rhythm of Life if you will because this is the era where many historians believe is the era where many historians believe is the era where many historians believe that the practice of raiding becomes a that the practice of raiding becomes a that the practice of raiding becomes a part of sort of the annual yearly part of sort of the annual yearly part of sort of the annual yearly calendar in Scandinavia it's just a time calendar in Scandinavia it's just a time calendar in Scandinavia it's just a time of year right after you get the seeds in of year right after you get the seeds in of year right after you get the seeds in the ground for farming that's rating the ground for farming that's rating the ground for farming that's rating time right you get your ships out you time right you get your ships out you time right you get your ships out you get them ready you go on your raids and get them ready you go on your raids and get them ready you go on your raids and you get back before the Harvest you get back before the Harvest you get back before the Harvest it's sort of the Rhythm of Life there it's sort of the Rhythm of Life there it's sort of the Rhythm of Life there now again context we talked earlier now again context we talked earlier now again context we talked earlier about how the the Vikings don't look about how the the Vikings don't look about how the the Vikings don't look anywhere near as barbaric and inhumane anywhere near as barbaric and inhumane anywhere near as barbaric and inhumane and bloodlusty when you compare them to and bloodlusty when you compare them to and bloodlusty when you compare them to the other people in this era while the the other people in this era while the the other people in this era while the carolingians for example had a rhythm of carolingians for example had a rhythm of carolingians for example had a rhythm of life that wasn't that dissimilar either life that wasn't that dissimilar either life that wasn't that dissimilar either they didn't call it raiding they called they didn't call it raiding they called they didn't call it raiding they called it the campaign season right so we plant it the campaign season right so we plant it the campaign season right so we plant our seeds we go on the campaign season our seeds we go on the campaign season our seeds we go on the campaign season and then we're back for Harvest so again and then we're back for Harvest so again and then we're back for Harvest so again perhaps not that dissimilar Rhythm of perhaps not that dissimilar Rhythm of perhaps not that dissimilar Rhythm of Life Life Life but it shows a dependence and it shows but it shows a dependence and it shows but it shows a dependence and it shows how this has sort of been how this has sort of been how this has sort of been encoded into their cultural expectations encoded into their cultural expectations encoded into their cultural expectations and practices and practices and practices I'm reminded of a of a phrase that an I'm reminded of a of a phrase that an I'm reminded of a of a phrase that an Apache Raider had once used to describe Apache Raider had once used to describe Apache Raider had once used to describe what this was because of course your

what this was because of course your what this was because of course your rating is one of those great human rating is one of those great human rating is one of those great human practices as we said uh and the apache's practices as we said uh and the apache's practices as we said uh and the apache's name was Palmer Valor and he was name was Palmer Valor and he was name was Palmer Valor and he was interviewed and it's chronicled in a interviewed and it's chronicled in a interviewed and it's chronicled in a book called Western Apache raiding and book called Western Apache raiding and book called Western Apache raiding and warfare he was interviewed in the early warfare he was interviewed in the early warfare he was interviewed in the early 1930s when he was already almost 100 1930s when he was already almost 100 1930s when he was already almost 100 years old years old years old and he described it as this is how we and he described it as this is how we and he described it as this is how we made a living and he said for example of made a living and he said for example of made a living and he said for example of raiding the Mexicans and it sounds a raiding the Mexicans and it sounds a raiding the Mexicans and it sounds a little like this could be a viking little like this could be a viking little like this could be a viking talking about raiding the Anglo-Saxons talking about raiding the Anglo-Saxons talking about raiding the Anglo-Saxons or the Irish right and Palmer Valor said or the Irish right and Palmer Valor said or the Irish right and Palmer Valor said in the early 1930s about his raiding in the early 1930s about his raiding in the early 1930s about his raiding days with the Apaches quote days with the Apaches quote days with the Apaches quote our people used to go on raids down into our people used to go on raids down into our people used to go on raids down into Mexico to bring back horses mules Mexico to bring back horses mules Mexico to bring back horses mules Burrows and cattle this is the way we Burrows and cattle this is the way we Burrows and cattle this is the way we used to take the property of the used to take the property of the used to take the property of the Mexicans and make a living off them Mexicans and make a living off them Mexicans and make a living off them there were no white people to take there were no white people to take there were no white people to take things from in those days we never used things from in those days we never used things from in those days we never used to travel around with the Mexicans to travel around with the Mexicans to travel around with the Mexicans because we were always fighting with because we were always fighting with because we were always fighting with them this way when we fought with them them this way when we fought with them them this way when we fought with them some of us would get killed and some of some of us would get killed and some of some of us would get killed and some of them would get killed it was hard living them would get killed it was hard living them would get killed it was hard living in those days and sometimes a raiding in those days and sometimes a raiding in those days and sometimes a raiding party would get nothing in Mexico and party would get nothing in Mexico and party would get nothing in Mexico and come back empty-handed end quote come back empty-handed end quote come back empty-handed end quote I imagine if you change the names there I imagine if you change the names there I imagine if you change the names there that could sound like a viking couldn't that could sound like a viking couldn't that could sound like a viking couldn't it by the 840s A Change Is evident and the by the 840s A Change Is evident and the histories will talk about it histories will talk about it histories will talk about it certain elements that had been part of certain elements that had been part of certain elements that had been part of the standard operating procedure in

the standard operating procedure in the standard operating procedure in Viking attacks Viking attacks Viking attacks turns into something else when all of a turns into something else when all of a turns into something else when all of a sudden the hit and run aspect of this sudden the hit and run aspect of this sudden the hit and run aspect of this sometimes turns into a hit and stay sometimes turns into a hit and stay sometimes turns into a hit and stay and it starts with sort of overnight and it starts with sort of overnight and it starts with sort of overnight winter camps that are meant to perhaps winter camps that are meant to perhaps winter camps that are meant to perhaps help these Vikings avoid a terrible help these Vikings avoid a terrible help these Vikings avoid a terrible rough you know worse than usual weather rough you know worse than usual weather rough you know worse than usual weather kind of trip home we'll just stay over kind of trip home we'll just stay over kind of trip home we'll just stay over the winter maybe to something that the winter maybe to something that the winter maybe to something that evolves into Towns over time and then evolves into Towns over time and then evolves into Towns over time and then sustained presence in some of these sustained presence in some of these sustained presence in some of these areas areas areas in other words we're going from stealing in other words we're going from stealing in other words we're going from stealing stuff to coming in and stealing stuff stuff to coming in and stealing stuff stuff to coming in and stealing stuff and then squatting in your residence too and then squatting in your residence too and then squatting in your residence too that's we're gonna stay that's we're gonna stay that's we're gonna stay the problem with staying though if you the problem with staying though if you the problem with staying though if you look at this from like you know and look at this from like you know and look at this from like you know and that's what we're doing here because that's what we're doing here because that's what we're doing here because there is no on the ground Viking Story there is no on the ground Viking Story there is no on the ground Viking Story the sources just don't exist we're the sources just don't exist we're the sources just don't exist we're looking at this entire phenomenon and looking at this entire phenomenon and looking at this entire phenomenon and when you look at it from the perspective when you look at it from the perspective when you look at it from the perspective of the people who are trying to deal of the people who are trying to deal of the people who are trying to deal with it there are precious few tools at with it there are precious few tools at with it there are precious few tools at their disposal right how would you deal their disposal right how would you deal their disposal right how would you deal with this phenomenon with this phenomenon with this phenomenon how are you going to punish these people how are you going to punish these people how are you going to punish these people who attack you how are you going to stop who attack you how are you going to stop who attack you how are you going to stop them in the Mediterranean during the the them in the Mediterranean during the the them in the Mediterranean during the the Roman era for example every now and then Roman era for example every now and then Roman era for example every now and then they'd conduct like a naval raid to the they'd conduct like a naval raid to the they'd conduct like a naval raid to the dens where these Pirates sort of had dens where these Pirates sort of had dens where these Pirates sort of had their bases and root them out but who's their bases and root them out but who's their bases and root them out but who's going to be able to do that in this era going to be able to do that in this era going to be able to do that in this era right what the English kings are going

right what the English kings are going right what the English kings are going to put together a fleet and sail off to put together a fleet and sail off to put together a fleet and sail off into the foggy icy North and find the into the foggy icy North and find the into the foggy icy North and find the Scandinavian layers of these priming Scandinavian layers of these priming Scandinavian layers of these priming once these Vikings get over the horizon once these Vikings get over the horizon once these Vikings get over the horizon after looting someplace they are home after looting someplace they are home after looting someplace they are home free for the most part free for the most part free for the most part unless you decide to not leave right if unless you decide to not leave right if unless you decide to not leave right if you decide to stay in the neighborhood you decide to stay in the neighborhood you decide to stay in the neighborhood of the people that you just robbed well of the people that you just robbed well of the people that you just robbed well that takes away one of your great that takes away one of your great that takes away one of your great superpowers doesn't it superpowers doesn't it superpowers doesn't it but in the 840s more and more Vikings but in the 840s more and more Vikings but in the 840s more and more Vikings are wintering in winter camps at the are wintering in winter camps at the are wintering in winter camps at the places that they're raiding and then places that they're raiding and then places that they're raiding and then these winter camps will slowly but these winter camps will slowly but these winter camps will slowly but surely grow into larger more permanent surely grow into larger more permanent surely grow into larger more permanent settlements and this creates the settlements and this creates the settlements and this creates the beginning of something that you will see beginning of something that you will see beginning of something that you will see all over the Viking world the fusion of all over the Viking world the fusion of all over the Viking world the fusion of Viking DNA and culture with the locals Viking DNA and culture with the locals Viking DNA and culture with the locals in a bunch of places that they're in a bunch of places that they're in a bunch of places that they're hanging out in I almost named this show hanging out in I almost named this show hanging out in I almost named this show after the Beach Boys song I get around after the Beach Boys song I get around after the Beach Boys song I get around because genetically and culturally because genetically and culturally because genetically and culturally speaking so did the Vikings it's one of speaking so did the Vikings it's one of speaking so did the Vikings it's one of the things they're most known for and the things they're most known for and the things they're most known for and amongst the many things that I think amongst the many things that I think amongst the many things that I think plays into why the Vikings are so plays into why the Vikings are so plays into why the Vikings are so popular today popular today popular today you know an enduring sort of interest in you know an enduring sort of interest in you know an enduring sort of interest in them is that we're naturally interested them is that we're naturally interested them is that we're naturally interested in our own ancestry and so many of us in our own ancestry and so many of us in our own ancestry and so many of us can trace at least some little DNA in can trace at least some little DNA in can trace at least some little DNA in our you know genetic code to those our you know genetic code to those our you know genetic code to those people because they manage to spread it people because they manage to spread it people because they manage to spread it all over the place I mean my family all over the place I mean my family all over the place I mean my family identifies as Irish even though we're identifies as Irish even though we're identifies as Irish even though we're the typical American mongrels but it's

the typical American mongrels but it's the typical American mongrels but it's not just Irish if you believe any of the not just Irish if you believe any of the not just Irish if you believe any of the genetic stuff from you know the people genetic stuff from you know the people genetic stuff from you know the people you send genetic stuff away to I'm not you send genetic stuff away to I'm not you send genetic stuff away to I'm not sure I do but it's Norse Irish the sure I do but it's Norse Irish the sure I do but it's Norse Irish the ancestry so there you go there's a ancestry so there you go there's a ancestry so there you go there's a fusion right there fusion right there fusion right there but once the Vikings insert themselves but once the Vikings insert themselves but once the Vikings insert themselves into the local situation that means that into the local situation that means that into the local situation that means that they're now a part of the local they're now a part of the local they're now a part of the local situation and depending on where you are situation and depending on where you are situation and depending on where you are that could be a good thing or that can that could be a good thing or that can that could be a good thing or that can be a problematic thing take Ireland that be a problematic thing take Ireland that be a problematic thing take Ireland that I just mentioned I love the way I just mentioned I love the way I just mentioned I love the way um in Vikings at War um in Vikings at War um in Vikings at War authors and I hope I pronounce their authors and I hope I pronounce their authors and I hope I pronounce their names correctly Kim jardar and vegard names correctly Kim jardar and vegard names correctly Kim jardar and vegard vika vika vika describe the Irish situation when the describe the Irish situation when the describe the Irish situation when the Vikings decide they're just going to Vikings decide they're just going to Vikings decide they're just going to stay for a little while and don't stay for a little while and don't stay for a little while and don't realize what they're getting into realize what they're getting into realize what they're getting into because the very thing that makes it because the very thing that makes it because the very thing that makes it easy to sort of shoehorn your way into easy to sort of shoehorn your way into easy to sort of shoehorn your way into Ireland Ireland Ireland traps you once you're there and they traps you once you're there and they traps you once you're there and they write quote write quote write quote in 797 adce the character of the attacks in 797 adce the character of the attacks in 797 adce the character of the attacks changed from carrying out quick changed from carrying out quick changed from carrying out quick overwhelming raids in search of overwhelming raids in search of overwhelming raids in search of valuables the Vikings gradually became valuables the Vikings gradually became valuables the Vikings gradually became more audacious when they ravaged Lambe more audacious when they ravaged Lambe more audacious when they ravaged Lambe Island outside present-day Dublin they Island outside present-day Dublin they Island outside present-day Dublin they also took Catalan food stores they then also took Catalan food stores they then also took Catalan food stores they then used the island as a base for raids on used the island as a base for raids on used the island as a base for raids on the mainland and were soon drawn into the mainland and were soon drawn into the mainland and were soon drawn into Irish internal conflicts landing on the Irish internal conflicts landing on the Irish internal conflicts landing on the Emerald Isle they write they were Emerald Isle they write they were Emerald Isle they write they were treading on a uniquely complex political

treading on a uniquely complex political treading on a uniquely complex political Viper's Nest Ireland was divided into Viper's Nest Ireland was divided into Viper's Nest Ireland was divided into over 150 independent kingdoms which in over 150 independent kingdoms which in over 150 independent kingdoms which in turn belonged to six Supreme Kings they turn belonged to six Supreme Kings they turn belonged to six Supreme Kings they continue a little farther down quote the continue a little farther down quote the continue a little farther down quote the various power groupings were in a various power groupings were in a various power groupings were in a constant state of War even the smallest constant state of War even the smallest constant state of War even the smallest disagreement between factions could at disagreement between factions could at disagreement between factions could at any time spark orgies of violence which any time spark orgies of violence which any time spark orgies of violence which would spread throughout the whole island would spread throughout the whole island would spread throughout the whole island before dying down until the next before dying down until the next before dying down until the next conflict flared up strong local conflict flared up strong local conflict flared up strong local loyalties they write prevented the Irish loyalties they write prevented the Irish loyalties they write prevented the Irish from coming together in a single Kingdom from coming together in a single Kingdom from coming together in a single Kingdom and coordinating their defense against and coordinating their defense against and coordinating their defense against the Vikings but this also prevented the the Vikings but this also prevented the the Vikings but this also prevented the Vikings from Gaining control over large Vikings from Gaining control over large Vikings from Gaining control over large territories in Ireland the Vikings were territories in Ireland the Vikings were territories in Ireland the Vikings were both willing and unwilling participants both willing and unwilling participants both willing and unwilling participants in the never-ending Irish power game in the never-ending Irish power game in the never-ending Irish power game end quote end quote end quote to show you how crazy it can get at one to show you how crazy it can get at one to show you how crazy it can get at one point in the Irish Viking experience point in the Irish Viking experience point in the Irish Viking experience there will be Vikings from Norway that there will be Vikings from Norway that there will be Vikings from Norway that the Irish will have one term for and the Irish will have one term for and the Irish will have one term for and Vikings from Denmark that the Irish will Vikings from Denmark that the Irish will Vikings from Denmark that the Irish will have another term for all of them have another term for all of them have another term for all of them fighting in like three-way combinations fighting in like three-way combinations fighting in like three-way combinations against each other for control of the against each other for control of the against each other for control of the territory I mean it's crazy territory I mean it's crazy territory I mean it's crazy but the bottom line is that by the 840s but the bottom line is that by the 840s but the bottom line is that by the 840s you're starting to see a change in the you're starting to see a change in the you're starting to see a change in the way the Vikings do things and now way the Vikings do things and now way the Vikings do things and now they're settling they're settling they're settling they're squatting on your territory they're squatting on your territory they're squatting on your territory whether you like it or not in several whether you like it or not in several whether you like it or not in several major Modern Irish cities will have

major Modern Irish cities will have major Modern Irish cities will have started their days as some of these started their days as some of these started their days as some of these camps that the Vikings would originally camps that the Vikings would originally camps that the Vikings would originally use to sort of overwinter and then just use to sort of overwinter and then just use to sort of overwinter and then just never leave by the time it's happening in Ireland by the time it's happening in Ireland it's almost certainly happened in a it's almost certainly happened in a it's almost certainly happened in a bunch of other Islands uh small little bunch of other Islands uh small little bunch of other Islands uh small little ones around the British Isles and north ones around the British Isles and north ones around the British Isles and north of Scotland by the 850s you start to see of Scotland by the 850s you start to see of Scotland by the 850s you start to see it happening in England it happening in England it happening in England and in none of these cases is this by and in none of these cases is this by and in none of these cases is this by choice right the locals don't want it choice right the locals don't want it choice right the locals don't want it that way there's nothing they can do that way there's nothing they can do that way there's nothing they can do about it but that's not the only way about it but that's not the only way about it but that's not the only way that the Vikings acquire land during that the Vikings acquire land during that the Vikings acquire land during this era because they'll be given this era because they'll be given this era because they'll be given territory or at least control of territory or at least control of territory or at least control of territory by the various successor territory by the various successor territory by the various successor kingdoms of Charlemagne right Louis the kingdoms of Charlemagne right Louis the kingdoms of Charlemagne right Louis the pius's sons and then their offspring and pius's sons and then their offspring and pius's sons and then their offspring and by the way you can see the the decline by the way you can see the the decline by the way you can see the the decline in the Empire it's kind of a joke in the Empire it's kind of a joke in the Empire it's kind of a joke because you know sometimes these words because you know sometimes these words because you know sometimes these words don't translate and things like balds don't translate and things like balds don't translate and things like balds don't mean anything about your don't mean anything about your don't mean anything about your geopolitical skills but you go from geopolitical skills but you go from geopolitical skills but you go from being Charles the great or Charlemagne being Charles the great or Charlemagne being Charles the great or Charlemagne and his grandfather right Charles The and his grandfather right Charles The and his grandfather right Charles The Hammer Hammer Hammer um to you know Charles the ball Charles um to you know Charles the ball Charles um to you know Charles the ball Charles the fat Charles the simple the fat Charles the simple the fat Charles the simple pep in the hunchback pep in the hunchback pep in the hunchback Louis the stammerer I mean not exactly Louis the stammerer I mean not exactly Louis the stammerer I mean not exactly the kind of leadership you probably want the kind of leadership you probably want the kind of leadership you probably want confronting the Viking age confronting the Viking age confronting the Viking age shouldn't surprise any of us I suppose shouldn't surprise any of us I suppose shouldn't surprise any of us I suppose if they violate the you know Ironclad if they violate the you know Ironclad if they violate the you know Ironclad supposedly Ironclad 1980s rule uh that

supposedly Ironclad 1980s rule uh that supposedly Ironclad 1980s rule uh that you don't negotiate with terrorists you don't negotiate with terrorists you don't negotiate with terrorists because they do all the time because they do all the time because they do all the time and one of the things that they do in and one of the things that they do in and one of the things that they do in order to get the protections that that order to get the protections that that order to get the protections that that they seek is give up land they seek is give up land they seek is give up land now before we get carried away you know now before we get carried away you know now before we get carried away you know in the same way that these Vikings only in the same way that these Vikings only in the same way that these Vikings only appear extra Barbarian to us because appear extra Barbarian to us because appear extra Barbarian to us because we're taking them out of their time we're taking them out of their time we're taking them out of their time period right their context and their period right their context and their period right their context and their neighbors were pretty barbaric by our neighbors were pretty barbaric by our neighbors were pretty barbaric by our standards too the same applies to this standards too the same applies to this standards too the same applies to this famous Arrangement that's going to be famous Arrangement that's going to be famous Arrangement that's going to be put in place to try to get the Vikings put in place to try to get the Vikings put in place to try to get the Vikings um to help you out right by protecting um to help you out right by protecting um to help you out right by protecting your territory from people just like your territory from people just like your territory from people just like them them them gets hassled a lot in the sources over gets hassled a lot in the sources over gets hassled a lot in the sources over time it's seen as just a suicidally dumb time it's seen as just a suicidally dumb time it's seen as just a suicidally dumb strategy absolutely negotiating with strategy absolutely negotiating with strategy absolutely negotiating with terrorism just give them up your terrorism just give them up your terrorism just give them up your territory and then say you know protect territory and then say you know protect territory and then say you know protect me you know here Al Qaeda take this me you know here Al Qaeda take this me you know here Al Qaeda take this territory and protect me from Isis with territory and protect me from Isis with territory and protect me from Isis with it there is by the way a similar sort of there is by the way a similar sort of dynamic going on here with what you have dynamic going on here with what you have dynamic going on here with what you have if you're a ruler trying to deal with if you're a ruler trying to deal with if you're a ruler trying to deal with this Viking age phenomenon that you're this Viking age phenomenon that you're this Viking age phenomenon that you're that you have on your hands I mean it's that you have on your hands I mean it's that you have on your hands I mean it's something between a law enforcement something between a law enforcement something between a law enforcement problem and a you know military one I problem and a you know military one I problem and a you know military one I mean think of the Narco gangs operating mean think of the Narco gangs operating mean think of the Narco gangs operating in Mexico or something or think about in Mexico or something or think about in Mexico or something or think about the gangs in Old Chicago back in the the gangs in Old Chicago back in the the gangs in Old Chicago back in the prohibition days right something between prohibition days right something between prohibition days right something between a military and a law enforcement problem a military and a law enforcement problem a military and a law enforcement problem and when you don't have the law

and when you don't have the law and when you don't have the law enforcement in place you try all kinds enforcement in place you try all kinds enforcement in place you try all kinds of things that might violate the no of things that might violate the no of things that might violate the no negotiate with terrorist idea one was negotiate with terrorist idea one was negotiate with terrorist idea one was the same thing that the Romans did when the same thing that the Romans did when the same thing that the Romans did when they had a fyodorati for example but they had a fyodorati for example but they had a fyodorati for example but other peoples have used some of these other peoples have used some of these other peoples have used some of these Viking leaders would be turned into the Viking leaders would be turned into the Viking leaders would be turned into the equivalent if we were having this equivalent if we were having this equivalent if we were having this conversation in a 400 year era after conversation in a 400 year era after conversation in a 400 year era after this you'd say Dukes or counts or this you'd say Dukes or counts or this you'd say Dukes or counts or something like that Earls something like that Earls something like that Earls um they're sort of to govern or control um they're sort of to govern or control um they're sort of to govern or control these Royal territories for the Royal these Royal territories for the Royal these Royal territories for the Royal entity right so if Vikings come and entity right so if Vikings come and entity right so if Vikings come and attack the Royal lands you living in attack the Royal lands you living in attack the Royal lands you living in these Royal lands and are behest will these Royal lands and are behest will these Royal lands and are behest will defend these Royal lands right this is defend these Royal lands right this is defend these Royal lands right this is the same way by the way hundreds of the same way by the way hundreds of the same way by the way hundreds of years before this time the Franks first years before this time the Franks first years before this time the Franks first sort of made their bones historically sort of made their bones historically sort of made their bones historically speaking they had this same sort of deal speaking they had this same sort of deal speaking they had this same sort of deal going with the Romans and um maybe going with the Romans and um maybe going with the Romans and um maybe history would teach that because the history would teach that because the history would teach that because the Franks are still in those territories Franks are still in those territories Franks are still in those territories the Romans gave to them the the to the Romans gave to them the the to the Romans gave to them the the to govern centuries later maybe it's not govern centuries later maybe it's not govern centuries later maybe it's not the best idea maybe not going to work out the way you maybe not going to work out the way you want long term but here's the thing want long term but here's the thing want long term but here's the thing about that and I remember a history about that and I remember a history about that and I remember a history Professor slamming this into our brain Professor slamming this into our brain Professor slamming this into our brain all the time we have the benefit of all the time we have the benefit of all the time we have the benefit of hindsight when we assess whether a hindsight when we assess whether a hindsight when we assess whether a decision made at the time was right or decision made at the time was right or decision made at the time was right or wrong also our interests are different wrong also our interests are different wrong also our interests are different if these people by themselves a couple if these people by themselves a couple if these people by themselves a couple of lifetimes of safety

of lifetimes of safety of lifetimes of safety because of these deals then they're because of these deals then they're because of these deals then they're going to judge whether they're going to judge whether they're going to judge whether they're successful or not differently than we successful or not differently than we successful or not differently than we are if we look at them and go you know are if we look at them and go you know are if we look at them and go you know 300 years after this period this really 300 years after this period this really 300 years after this period this really worked out badly for them worked out badly for them worked out badly for them really do they care I mean if the things really do they care I mean if the things really do they care I mean if the things once upon a time that they used to think once upon a time that they used to think once upon a time that they used to think I think Edward Gibbon used to think you I think Edward Gibbon used to think you I think Edward Gibbon used to think you know that it was these sorts of know that it was these sorts of know that it was these sorts of Arrangements that the Romans made with Arrangements that the Romans made with Arrangements that the Romans made with barbarians that ended up destroying the barbarians that ended up destroying the barbarians that ended up destroying the Western Roman Empire yeah but if it Western Roman Empire yeah but if it Western Roman Empire yeah but if it bought you generations of safety before bought you generations of safety before bought you generations of safety before it poisoned the Roman Empire was that it poisoned the Roman Empire was that it poisoned the Roman Empire was that still maybe the right decision for the still maybe the right decision for the still maybe the right decision for the people at the time to make give you another example in one of the give you another example in one of the many raids on Paris during this period many raids on Paris during this period many raids on Paris during this period the the the King will get the Vikings to stop King will get the Vikings to stop King will get the Vikings to stop attacking Paris by giving them a lot of attacking Paris by giving them a lot of attacking Paris by giving them a lot of silver silver silver this is not just negotiating with this is not just negotiating with this is not just negotiating with terrorists it's doing so in their terrorists it's doing so in their terrorists it's doing so in their favorite currency and I often think by favorite currency and I often think by favorite currency and I often think by the way the Vikings come to these places the way the Vikings come to these places the way the Vikings come to these places and say uh we want a certain amount of and say uh we want a certain amount of and say uh we want a certain amount of wealth and we'll take it in slaves of wealth and we'll take it in slaves of wealth and we'll take it in slaves of your people we'll take it in your stuff your people we'll take it in your stuff your people we'll take it in your stuff or you can just pay us and oftentimes or you can just pay us and oftentimes or you can just pay us and oftentimes people just paid them people just paid them people just paid them and one of those famous raids was like and one of those famous raids was like and one of those famous raids was like seven thousand pounds of silver or seven thousand pounds of silver or seven thousand pounds of silver or something every person in the in the something every person in the in the something every person in the in the whole empire had to be taxed or whole empire had to be taxed or whole empire had to be taxed or something to make this payment but the something to make this payment but the something to make this payment but the problem is is you know why do you not problem is is you know why do you not problem is is you know why do you not negotiate with terrorists because it negotiate with terrorists because it negotiate with terrorists because it encourages more terrorism holy cow you encourages more terrorism holy cow you encourages more terrorism holy cow you know you have this going on during the know you have this going on during the know you have this going on during the Viking era too in the annals of Saint Viking era too in the annals of Saint Viking era too in the annals of Saint virgin almost side by side you see

virgin almost side by side you see virgin almost side by side you see two attempts to try to deal with this two attempts to try to deal with this two attempts to try to deal with this Viking problem in two different ways Viking problem in two different ways Viking problem in two different ways the first attempt is something that the first attempt is something that the first attempt is something that almost makes you sad because it's it's almost makes you sad because it's it's almost makes you sad because it's it's the equivalent of you know if the bad the equivalent of you know if the bad the equivalent of you know if the bad guys take over your neighborhood and guys take over your neighborhood and guys take over your neighborhood and turn it into a crime Den uh maybe the turn it into a crime Den uh maybe the turn it into a crime Den uh maybe the locals all band together right in a locals all band together right in a locals all band together right in a Citizens organization or a posse or Citizens organization or a posse or Citizens organization or a posse or vigilante groups or whatever to sort of vigilante groups or whatever to sort of vigilante groups or whatever to sort of you know look you know to stick up you know look you know to stick up you know look you know to stick up against the Narco terrorists you know against the Narco terrorists you know against the Narco terrorists you know who control you or what have you and in who control you or what have you and in who control you or what have you and in the annals of Saint virgin for the year the annals of Saint virgin for the year the annals of Saint virgin for the year 859 uh it recounts one of those 859 uh it recounts one of those 859 uh it recounts one of those situations but that's exactly what situations but that's exactly what situations but that's exactly what happens in the absence of any sort of happens in the absence of any sort of happens in the absence of any sort of federal law enforcement uh Authority the federal law enforcement uh Authority the federal law enforcement uh Authority the people just take matters into their own people just take matters into their own people just take matters into their own hands and face up to the Danes as hands and face up to the Danes as hands and face up to the Danes as they're called and the annals of Saint they're called and the annals of Saint they're called and the annals of Saint burden write quote burden write quote burden write quote the Danes ravaged the places beyond the the Danes ravaged the places beyond the the Danes ravaged the places beyond the Shelt he means the shelter River some of Shelt he means the shelter River some of Shelt he means the shelter River some of the common people living between the the common people living between the the common people living between the sane and the Loire formed a sworn sane and the Loire formed a sworn sane and the Loire formed a sworn Association amongst themselves and Association amongst themselves and Association amongst themselves and fought bravely against the Danes on the fought bravely against the Danes on the fought bravely against the Danes on the saying but because their Association had saying but because their Association had saying but because their Association had been made without due consideration they been made without due consideration they been made without due consideration they were easily slain by the more powerful were easily slain by the more powerful were easily slain by the more powerful people end quote and he means the people end quote and he means the people end quote and he means the Vikings there so that's one attempt to try to deal so that's one attempt to try to deal with this difficult problem the other is with this difficult problem the other is with this difficult problem the other is to just give in and say well if you to just give in and say well if you to just give in and say well if you can't beat him join them if we've got to

can't beat him join them if we've got to can't beat him join them if we've got to give money to somebody let's not give it give money to somebody let's not give it give money to somebody let's not give it to the you know people that are to the you know people that are to the you know people that are extorting from us let's give it to extorting from us let's give it to extorting from us let's give it to someone like them and tell them to go someone like them and tell them to go someone like them and tell them to go get the people that are extorting us get the people that are extorting us get the people that are extorting us it's a little like having a problem with it's a little like having a problem with it's a little like having a problem with a mob family controlling your area where a mob family controlling your area where a mob family controlling your area where you live and so to deal with them you go you live and so to deal with them you go you live and so to deal with them you go hire another mob family to protect you hire another mob family to protect you hire another mob family to protect you and the annals of Saint Burton talks and the annals of Saint Burton talks and the annals of Saint Burton talks about one of these sons of Louis the about one of these sons of Louis the about one of these sons of Louis the pious I believe pious I believe pious I believe deciding that since he can't make a deal deciding that since he can't make a deal deciding that since he can't make a deal with one group of Danes which may just with one group of Danes which may just with one group of Danes which may just mean Vikings of any kind he's gonna hire mean Vikings of any kind he's gonna hire mean Vikings of any kind he's gonna hire another group of Danes and the another group of Danes and the another group of Danes and the Chronicles say quote King Charles Chronicles say quote King Charles Chronicles say quote King Charles deceived by the empty promises of the deceived by the empty promises of the deceived by the empty promises of the Danes on the psalm ordered a text to be Danes on the psalm ordered a text to be Danes on the psalm ordered a text to be levied on the treasuries of the churches levied on the treasuries of the churches levied on the treasuries of the churches and all the traitors even very small and all the traitors even very small and all the traitors even very small scale ones even their houses and all scale ones even their houses and all scale ones even their houses and all their equipment were assessed so that their equipment were assessed so that their equipment were assessed so that the tribute could be levied on them for the tribute could be levied on them for the tribute could be levied on them for the Danes had promised that if three the Danes had promised that if three the Danes had promised that if three thousand pounds of silver weighed out thousand pounds of silver weighed out thousand pounds of silver weighed out under careful inspection were handed under careful inspection were handed under careful inspection were handed over to them they would turn and attack over to them they would turn and attack over to them they would turn and attack those Danes who were busy on the scene those Danes who were busy on the scene those Danes who were busy on the scene and would either drive them away or kill and would either drive them away or kill and would either drive them away or kill them end quote them end quote them end quote in Neil Price's book he mentions that in Neil Price's book he mentions that in Neil Price's book he mentions that sometimes the Danes would make this sort sometimes the Danes would make this sort sometimes the Danes would make this sort of deal take the money then share it or of deal take the money then share it or of deal take the money then share it or combine with the group that they were combine with the group that they were combine with the group that they were supposed to attack and then both turn

supposed to attack and then both turn supposed to attack and then both turn their forces you know on the very people their forces you know on the very people their forces you know on the very people who paid them they used to call this era in human they used to call this era in human history the Dark Ages history the Dark Ages history the Dark Ages they don't anymore for obvious reasons they don't anymore for obvious reasons they don't anymore for obvious reasons there's lots of places that weren't dark there's lots of places that weren't dark there's lots of places that weren't dark during this era some places one could during this era some places one could during this era some places one could make the argument or at the height of make the argument or at the height of make the argument or at the height of their power and wealth and learning and their power and wealth and learning and their power and wealth and learning and all that kind of you know Western all that kind of you know Western all that kind of you know Western european-centric to focus on what's european-centric to focus on what's european-centric to focus on what's going on in France and Germany and going on in France and Germany and going on in France and Germany and Britain and all that during this Viking Britain and all that during this Viking Britain and all that during this Viking era nonetheless if you do look at it era nonetheless if you do look at it era nonetheless if you do look at it from the point of view of the people in from the point of view of the people in from the point of view of the people in the era being touched by Viking raids in the era being touched by Viking raids in the era being touched by Viking raids in the west it sure looks pretty dark the west it sure looks pretty dark the west it sure looks pretty dark and the Vikings are exhibit a why and the Vikings are exhibit a why and the Vikings are exhibit a why one can also suggest that the one can also suggest that the one can also suggest that the instability caused by you know problems instability caused by you know problems instability caused by you know problems with ineffective government is another with ineffective government is another with ineffective government is another reason but there's a symbiotic reason but there's a symbiotic reason but there's a symbiotic relationship between the Vikings and relationship between the Vikings and relationship between the Vikings and governmental instability as we've been governmental instability as we've been governmental instability as we've been talking about chicken and an egg deal talking about chicken and an egg deal talking about chicken and an egg deal going on there going on there going on there but people who say that this wasn't a but people who say that this wasn't a but people who say that this wasn't a dark age for everyone are absolutely dark age for everyone are absolutely dark age for everyone are absolutely right right right and one of the societies that they point and one of the societies that they point and one of the societies that they point to as an example of some to as an example of some to as an example of some you know group of people that are at you know group of people that are at you know group of people that are at maybe one of the heights of their you maybe one of the heights of their you maybe one of the heights of their you know powers and civilizational levels know powers and civilizational levels know powers and civilizational levels are the byzantines are the byzantines are the byzantines the byzantines of course would not have the byzantines of course would not have the byzantines of course would not have thought of themselves as byzantines they thought of themselves as byzantines they thought of themselves as byzantines they would have thought of themselves as would have thought of themselves as would have thought of themselves as Romans

Romans Romans who speak Greek and whose capital is who speak Greek and whose capital is who speak Greek and whose capital is located in modern day Turkey located in modern day Turkey located in modern day Turkey and the Franks are set up to kind of be and the Franks are set up to kind of be and the Franks are set up to kind of be competitors of theirs by the marketing competitors of theirs by the marketing competitors of theirs by the marketing messages right I mean they Market messages right I mean they Market messages right I mean they Market themselves as the renovation or the themselves as the renovation or the themselves as the renovation or the restoration or The Rebirth of the Roman restoration or The Rebirth of the Roman restoration or The Rebirth of the Roman Empire and if you're the byzantines you Empire and if you're the byzantines you Empire and if you're the byzantines you don't think that there needs to be any don't think that there needs to be any don't think that there needs to be any rebirth at all right don't call it a rebirth at all right don't call it a rebirth at all right don't call it a comeback we've been here for minute one comeback we've been here for minute one comeback we've been here for minute one we never went away who Do You Think You we never went away who Do You Think You we never went away who Do You Think You Are Are Are and then there's the Christianity thing and then there's the Christianity thing and then there's the Christianity thing um they're not Catholics and Orthodox um they're not Catholics and Orthodox um they're not Catholics and Orthodox Christians yet in terms of being that Christians yet in terms of being that Christians yet in terms of being that different but you can see the divisions different but you can see the divisions different but you can see the divisions you know already quite established by you know already quite established by you know already quite established by this period problems over Pope's this period problems over Pope's this period problems over Pope's Authority you know I mean Authority you know I mean Authority you know I mean Frenemies Frenemies Frenemies not a bad word to describe this not a bad word to describe this not a bad word to describe this relationship relationship relationship but it will be the byzantines that but it will be the byzantines that but it will be the byzantines that introduce the people of the West to the introduce the people of the West to the introduce the people of the West to the Vikings of the East and that's the part Vikings of the East and that's the part Vikings of the East and that's the part of the story that comes into play right of the story that comes into play right of the story that comes into play right around where we are right we said 850s around where we are right we said 850s around where we are right we said 850s Vikings are establishing uh permanent Vikings are establishing uh permanent Vikings are establishing uh permanent bases or or overwintering in England bases or or overwintering in England bases or or overwintering in England well that's just before the time period well that's just before the time period well that's just before the time period where you start to hear stories about where you start to hear stories about where you start to hear stories about activities that we know now involve activities that we know now involve activities that we know now involve Vikings in the east Vikings in the east Vikings in the east and like children acting up for and like children acting up for and like children acting up for attention or I'm reminded of my attention or I'm reminded of my attention or I'm reminded of my television news roots and they used to

television news roots and they used to television news roots and they used to slur Us by saying that the way we slur Us by saying that the way we slur Us by saying that the way we decided about headlines was if it bleeds decided about headlines was if it bleeds decided about headlines was if it bleeds it leads and they've always said that it leads and they've always said that it leads and they've always said that journalism is the first draft of history journalism is the first draft of history journalism is the first draft of history and you can see the similarities because and you can see the similarities because and you can see the similarities because sometimes if you're just a peaceful sometimes if you're just a peaceful sometimes if you're just a peaceful group of people trading with your group of people trading with your group of people trading with your neighbors not bothering anyone no one neighbors not bothering anyone no one neighbors not bothering anyone no one ever hears about you in the history ever hears about you in the history ever hears about you in the history books but you go attack somebody kill a books but you go attack somebody kill a books but you go attack somebody kill a bunch of people or conversely become a bunch of people or conversely become a bunch of people or conversely become a victim of somebody who does well then victim of somebody who does well then victim of somebody who does well then you know film at 11 you make the you know film at 11 you make the you know film at 11 you make the headlines extra extra read all about it headlines extra extra read all about it headlines extra extra read all about it and by 860 the byzantines are writing and by 860 the byzantines are writing and by 860 the byzantines are writing about what these people who have a name about what these people who have a name about what these people who have a name well that's recognizable today but in a well that's recognizable today but in a well that's recognizable today but in a different way they're called Russ r-u-s different way they're called Russ r-u-s different way they're called Russ r-u-s you'll see it written r h o s r o s all you'll see it written r h o s r o s all you'll see it written r h o s r o s all those versions those versions those versions and yes it sounds like the root word for and yes it sounds like the root word for and yes it sounds like the root word for Russia because it probably is Russia because it probably is Russia because it probably is but when the byzantines start writing but when the byzantines start writing but when the byzantines start writing records that we can still that were records that we can still that were records that we can still that were preserved that made it to today that we preserved that made it to today that we preserved that made it to today that we can look at about these people we can look at about these people we can look at about these people we already have found out about these already have found out about these already have found out about these people because they showed up in Western people because they showed up in Western people because they showed up in Western records first it's a little ironic isn't records first it's a little ironic isn't records first it's a little ironic isn't it it it this brand new people because that's how this brand new people because that's how this brand new people because that's how history always treats it right the history always treats it right the history always treats it right the illusion of the written past it's like illusion of the written past it's like illusion of the written past it's like the old Parable that if a tree falls in the old Parable that if a tree falls in the old Parable that if a tree falls in the forest and there's no one there to the forest and there's no one there to the forest and there's no one there to hear it did it really make a sound well hear it did it really make a sound well hear it did it really make a sound well if a people weren't written about were if a people weren't written about were if a people weren't written about were they really in existence until somebody they really in existence until somebody they really in existence until somebody chronicled it

chronicled it chronicled it and the first chronicled account that's and the first chronicled account that's and the first chronicled account that's made it to us today so we can read it made it to us today so we can read it made it to us today so we can read it right because some things were in right because some things were in right because some things were in inadvertently lost of course and even inadvertently lost of course and even inadvertently lost of course and even the stuff we do have went through the stuff we do have went through the stuff we do have went through permutations and fragments and all this permutations and fragments and all this permutations and fragments and all this kind of stuff but in 839 that's when kind of stuff but in 839 that's when kind of stuff but in 839 that's when that that name gets heard first right that that name gets heard first right that that name gets heard first right Ross Ross Ross and it happens in the court of Louis the and it happens in the court of Louis the and it happens in the court of Louis the Pius Charlemagne's son the year before Pius Charlemagne's son the year before Pius Charlemagne's son the year before he dies 8 39 is right before he dies he dies 8 39 is right before he dies he dies 8 39 is right before he dies and you know we've already told you the and you know we've already told you the and you know we've already told you the kind of life he had and by 8 39 most of kind of life he had and by 8 39 most of kind of life he had and by 8 39 most of it's behind him so this is a guy who's it's behind him so this is a guy who's it's behind him so this is a guy who's had you know his son's deposed him had you know his son's deposed him had you know his son's deposed him multiple times he's watched his dad's multiple times he's watched his dad's multiple times he's watched his dad's Empire and his inheritance crumble he's Empire and his inheritance crumble he's Empire and his inheritance crumble he's got Vikings nibbling large chunks of his got Vikings nibbling large chunks of his got Vikings nibbling large chunks of his land away he's got Viking PTSD let's be land away he's got Viking PTSD let's be land away he's got Viking PTSD let's be honest and then the byzantines his honest and then the byzantines his honest and then the byzantines his Frenemies show up at his court in 839 Frenemies show up at his court in 839 Frenemies show up at his court in 839 which is chronicled in the records and which is chronicled in the records and which is chronicled in the records and want his help getting some people back want his help getting some people back want his help getting some people back home home home and when he says who who are these and when he says who who are these and when he says who who are these people uh the byzantines say the Russ people uh the byzantines say the Russ people uh the byzantines say the Russ and Louis the pious and his court have and Louis the pious and his court have and Louis the pious and his court have never heard of these people never heard of these people never heard of these people thoroughly confused and suspicious thoroughly confused and suspicious thoroughly confused and suspicious because they look at these people and as because they look at these people and as because they look at these people and as I said he's got Vikings on the brain I said he's got Vikings on the brain I said he's got Vikings on the brain already PTSD from Scandinavian Raiders already PTSD from Scandinavian Raiders already PTSD from Scandinavian Raiders and these look like Vikings to him and these look like Vikings to him and these look like Vikings to him when he does a little checking because when he does a little checking because when he does a little checking because these byzantines want these byzantines want these byzantines want Louis the pious to help these people get Louis the pious to help these people get Louis the pious to help these people get home he says that there's dangerous home he says that there's dangerous home he says that there's dangerous ferocious tribes between Byzantium and ferocious tribes between Byzantium and ferocious tribes between Byzantium and where they're from and then they need where they're from and then they need where they're from and then they need his help he does a little checking and

his help he does a little checking and his help he does a little checking and they determine that these people who they determine that these people who they determine that these people who call themselves Russ are swedes from one call themselves Russ are swedes from one call themselves Russ are swedes from one of the groups who live in Viking era of the groups who live in Viking era of the groups who live in Viking era Sweden Sweden Sweden um Louis the Pius and his advisors are um Louis the Pius and his advisors are um Louis the Pius and his advisors are suspicious that these people might be suspicious that these people might be suspicious that these people might be spies and they promised the byzantines spies and they promised the byzantines spies and they promised the byzantines that they'll do some checking and that's that they'll do some checking and that's that they'll do some checking and that's the last you ever hear of them in the the last you ever hear of them in the the last you ever hear of them in the records anyway records anyway records anyway must have freaked the guy out though must have freaked the guy out though must have freaked the guy out though who's already worried about where these who's already worried about where these who's already worried about where these Vikings are going to find Vikings Vikings are going to find Vikings Vikings are going to find Vikings appearing at his court coming from a appearing at his court coming from a appearing at his court coming from a completely unexpected geographical completely unexpected geographical completely unexpected geographical Direction what the heck are they coming Direction what the heck are they coming Direction what the heck are they coming from Byzantium for but you can see how from Byzantium for but you can see how from Byzantium for but you can see how in his head he must think well they must in his head he must think well they must in his head he must think well they must be going in the other direction too and be going in the other direction too and be going in the other direction too and they were they were they were so if you think about like the Baltic so if you think about like the Baltic so if you think about like the Baltic Sea as being a viking Lake during this Sea as being a viking Lake during this Sea as being a viking Lake during this period well most of the Vikings we've period well most of the Vikings we've period well most of the Vikings we've been talking about take you know the been talking about take you know the been talking about take you know the direction of the Baltic that exits into direction of the Baltic that exits into direction of the Baltic that exits into the North Sea right and then you're in the North Sea right and then you're in the North Sea right and then you're in the open road you're in the the Western the open road you're in the the Western the open road you're in the the Western Highway there but you don't have to go Highway there but you don't have to go Highway there but you don't have to go to that direction you can go the other to that direction you can go the other to that direction you can go the other direction you can put your boats as many direction you can put your boats as many direction you can put your boats as many in in modern day Sweden at the time in in modern day Sweden at the time in in modern day Sweden at the time didn't some in Denmark and you know the didn't some in Denmark and you know the didn't some in Denmark and you know the Vikings could all talk to each other Vikings could all talk to each other Vikings could all talk to each other language-wise there was a lot of hiring language-wise there was a lot of hiring language-wise there was a lot of hiring on for jobs I mean go read Beowulf and on for jobs I mean go read Beowulf and on for jobs I mean go read Beowulf and things like that lots of Soldiers of things like that lots of Soldiers of things like that lots of Soldiers of Fortune so you often had mixed Crews Fortune so you often had mixed Crews Fortune so you often had mixed Crews that would do this but generally because that would do this but generally because that would do this but generally because of the location it's going to be mostly of the location it's going to be mostly of the location it's going to be mostly Swedish groups of Scandinavians who put Swedish groups of Scandinavians who put Swedish groups of Scandinavians who put their boats in the water and go the their boats in the water and go the their boats in the water and go the other way towards what's now like the

other way towards what's now like the other way towards what's now like the Baltic Coast or Russia up by Saint Baltic Coast or Russia up by Saint Baltic Coast or Russia up by Saint Petersburg or the Polish coast and they Petersburg or the Polish coast and they Petersburg or the Polish coast and they get into the river system get into the river system get into the river system and all this happens sort of under the and all this happens sort of under the and all this happens sort of under the radar but you can tell you know radar but you can tell you know radar but you can tell you know sometimes you can infer that historical sometimes you can infer that historical sometimes you can infer that historical things are happening because when they things are happening because when they things are happening because when they do burst on the historical stage they're do burst on the historical stage they're do burst on the historical stage they're often fully formed so you can say well often fully formed so you can say well often fully formed so you can say well something was going on in the darkness something was going on in the darkness something was going on in the darkness you know so that this could burst on the you know so that this could burst on the you know so that this could burst on the stage like this it's like when they find stage like this it's like when they find stage like this it's like when they find planets because they can sense okay we planets because they can sense okay we planets because they can sense okay we can tell by the gravitational forces can tell by the gravitational forces can tell by the gravitational forces there's another planet pulling on them there's another planet pulling on them there's another planet pulling on them somewhere and then they find it well somewhere and then they find it well somewhere and then they find it well you can tell that these Scandinavian you can tell that these Scandinavian you can tell that these Scandinavian peoples were making their way down the peoples were making their way down the peoples were making their way down the river system because you start to see river system because you start to see river system because you start to see the trading posts either arise or get the trading posts either arise or get the trading posts either arise or get larger right so we talked about burka larger right so we talked about burka larger right so we talked about burka earlier and had to be in all these earlier and had to be in all these earlier and had to be in all these places you know uh Dora stat all these places you know uh Dora stat all these places you know uh Dora stat all these places are that are these nodes of places are that are these nodes of places are that are these nodes of economic operation you see this exact economic operation you see this exact economic operation you see this exact same thing in the East right around the same thing in the East right around the same thing in the East right around the same time period and you can almost same time period and you can almost same time period and you can almost track the movement of these track the movement of these track the movement of these Scandinavians uh down the river systems Scandinavians uh down the river systems Scandinavians uh down the river systems of the east by decades of the east by decades of the east by decades if you want to get a mental image of the if you want to get a mental image of the if you want to get a mental image of the area we're talking about look at Eastern area we're talking about look at Eastern area we're talking about look at Eastern Europe look at the modern day countries Europe look at the modern day countries Europe look at the modern day countries of yellow Russia Poland Ukraine Russia of yellow Russia Poland Ukraine Russia of yellow Russia Poland Ukraine Russia the Baltic states that whole area from the Baltic states that whole area from the Baltic states that whole area from about the Baltic Sea in the north where about the Baltic Sea in the north where about the Baltic Sea in the north where those boats first go in the water all those boats first go in the water all those boats first go in the water all the way down to the Black Sea in the

the way down to the Black Sea in the the way down to the Black Sea in the South which is the major slaving area South which is the major slaving area South which is the major slaving area and by the way is alongside Byzantium and by the way is alongside Byzantium and by the way is alongside Byzantium they have found all sorts of Bio they have found all sorts of Bio they have found all sorts of Bio archaeological signs that point to archaeological signs that point to archaeological signs that point to interesting things in this area and the interesting things in this area and the interesting things in this area and the amount of trading is incredible and amount of trading is incredible and amount of trading is incredible and incredible because of the trading system incredible because of the trading system incredible because of the trading system that was already in place these that was already in place these that was already in place these Scandinavians plug into we talked about Scandinavians plug into we talked about Scandinavians plug into we talked about burka in Sweden as one of these things burka in Sweden as one of these things burka in Sweden as one of these things that all of a sudden plug the that all of a sudden plug the that all of a sudden plug the Scandinavians into a system that was you Scandinavians into a system that was you Scandinavians into a system that was you know essentially as far as these people know essentially as far as these people know essentially as far as these people are concerned in this time period are concerned in this time period are concerned in this time period worldwide worldwide worldwide and I thought um historians Matthew and I thought um historians Matthew and I thought um historians Matthew Gabriel and David and Perry in their Gabriel and David and Perry in their Gabriel and David and Perry in their book the bright ages did a great job book the bright ages did a great job book the bright ages did a great job describing what we mean when we say describing what we mean when we say describing what we mean when we say worldwide and as I said these worldwide and as I said these worldwide and as I said these Scandinavians this isn't stuff that you Scandinavians this isn't stuff that you Scandinavians this isn't stuff that you can go and read in the history books can go and read in the history books can go and read in the history books because this was happening in the because this was happening in the because this was happening in the historical Darkness you know about it historical Darkness you know about it historical Darkness you know about it from things like archeology and whatnot from things like archeology and whatnot from things like archeology and whatnot so when they run into the byzantines and so when they run into the byzantines and so when they run into the byzantines and the byzantines write about it you can the byzantines write about it you can the byzantines write about it you can tell that something's been going on for tell that something's been going on for tell that something's been going on for decades that's something is cataloged in decades that's something is cataloged in decades that's something is cataloged in the bright ages and those historians the bright ages and those historians the bright ages and those historians write about these you know Vikings in write about these you know Vikings in write about these you know Vikings in the East and the situation in the East the East and the situation in the East the East and the situation in the East quote quote quote the story in Western and Central Asia the story in Western and Central Asia the story in Western and Central Asia plays out very differently than in plays out very differently than in plays out very differently than in Western Europe because the pre-viking Western Europe because the pre-viking Western Europe because the pre-viking situation was so distinct instead of situation was so distinct instead of situation was so distinct instead of fragmented States and wealth hoarded in fragmented States and wealth hoarded in fragmented States and wealth hoarded in easily raidable religious institutions

easily raidable religious institutions easily raidable religious institutions Vikings found themselves on the Northern Vikings found themselves on the Northern Vikings found themselves on the Northern edges of scattered settlements within edges of scattered settlements within edges of scattered settlements within vast trading networks that stretched vast trading networks that stretched vast trading networks that stretched from China and India to the from China and India to the from China and India to the Mediterranean Mediterranean Mediterranean Constantinople offered one node Baghdad Constantinople offered one node Baghdad Constantinople offered one node Baghdad another with perhaps hundreds of cities another with perhaps hundreds of cities another with perhaps hundreds of cities providing connections across steppe providing connections across steppe providing connections across steppe Mountain Desert and Forest the Mountain Desert and Forest the Mountain Desert and Forest the centralized power and Military might of centralized power and Military might of centralized power and Military might of these cities and civilizations did not these cities and civilizations did not these cities and civilizations did not preclude frequent rating but made a preclude frequent rating but made a preclude frequent rating but made a collaborative economic exchange the much collaborative economic exchange the much collaborative economic exchange the much more profitable option end quote more profitable option end quote more profitable option end quote cat Jarman in her book River Kings cat Jarman in her book River Kings cat Jarman in her book River Kings described the east as being a place for described the east as being a place for described the east as being a place for entrepreneurs and one of the throughput entrepreneurs and one of the throughput entrepreneurs and one of the throughput threads she follows in the work is the threads she follows in the work is the threads she follows in the work is the transportation of a semi-precious transportation of a semi-precious transportation of a semi-precious Redstone that became All the Rage in Redstone that became All the Rage in Redstone that became All the Rage in Scandinavia during the Viking age had to Scandinavia during the Viking age had to Scandinavia during the Viking age had to have it right demand was huge but this have it right demand was huge but this have it right demand was huge but this Stone apparently only came from what's Stone apparently only came from what's Stone apparently only came from what's now modern day Northern India and so she now modern day Northern India and so she now modern day Northern India and so she would follow you know the trade route would follow you know the trade route would follow you know the trade route sort of that starts in Northern Indian sort of that starts in Northern Indian sort of that starts in Northern Indian Finds Its way to Viking era scandini Finds Its way to Viking era scandini Finds Its way to Viking era scandini it's fascinating but it's a sign of it's fascinating but it's a sign of it's fascinating but it's a sign of exactly how interconnected these trade exactly how interconnected these trade exactly how interconnected these trade routes are and how these ideas we had a routes are and how these ideas we had a routes are and how these ideas we had a long time ago have sort of Splendid long time ago have sort of Splendid long time ago have sort of Splendid isolation of all these areas right all isolation of all these areas right all isolation of all these areas right all these areas exist in ethnic and cultural

these areas exist in ethnic and cultural these areas exist in ethnic and cultural and Commercial isolation from each other and Commercial isolation from each other and Commercial isolation from each other was never true and that trading was was never true and that trading was was never true and that trading was always going on back to probably always going on back to probably always going on back to probably Neanderthal times but as the two historians from the but as the two historians from the bright ages point out you know these bright ages point out you know these bright ages point out you know these Vikings are opportunists and they model Vikings are opportunists and they model Vikings are opportunists and they model their approach to the conditions and the their approach to the conditions and the their approach to the conditions and the conditions in the East are very conditions in the East are very conditions in the East are very different than the conditions in the different than the conditions in the different than the conditions in the west you know if we talk about organized west you know if we talk about organized west you know if we talk about organized crime taking over your neighborhood well crime taking over your neighborhood well crime taking over your neighborhood well if you live in the west the if you live in the west the if you live in the west the neighborhood's easy to take over the mob neighborhood's easy to take over the mob neighborhood's easy to take over the mob moves in and they move in on the moves in and they move in on the moves in and they move in on the territory and there's no strong central territory and there's no strong central territory and there's no strong central government and they can get away with it government and they can get away with it government and they can get away with it in the East it's much more survival of in the East it's much more survival of in the East it's much more survival of the fittest already you have tons of the fittest already you have tons of the fittest already you have tons of powerful groups of people we mentioned powerful groups of people we mentioned powerful groups of people we mentioned the byzantines there are always step the byzantines there are always step the byzantines there are always step tribes that are powerful on the Eurasian tribes that are powerful on the Eurasian tribes that are powerful on the Eurasian step which you know pretty much dead step which you know pretty much dead step which you know pretty much dead ends on the Hungarian plane but if you ends on the Hungarian plane but if you ends on the Hungarian plane but if you go east from the Hungarian plane it go east from the Hungarian plane it go east from the Hungarian plane it stretches all the way to China stretches all the way to China stretches all the way to China and it is always Serengeti planes live and it is always Serengeti planes live and it is always Serengeti planes live and die Evolution on the step and it's and die Evolution on the step and it's and die Evolution on the step and it's always survival of the fittest and so always survival of the fittest and so always survival of the fittest and so you have powerful tribes there all the you have powerful tribes there all the you have powerful tribes there all the time you know the the step tribe time you know the the step tribe time you know the the step tribe Confederation du jour Confederation du jour Confederation du jour and there's also and there's also and there's also multiple large tribes of people it's an multiple large tribes of people it's an multiple large tribes of people it's an ethno let's call it an ethnocultural ethno let's call it an ethnocultural ethno let's call it an ethnocultural identity of people we would call Slavs identity of people we would call Slavs identity of people we would call Slavs today oftentimes this is linguistic and

today oftentimes this is linguistic and today oftentimes this is linguistic and that's how they determined a hundred that's how they determined a hundred that's how they determined a hundred years ago who all these people were what years ago who all these people were what years ago who all these people were what was their language what was their was their language what was their was their language what was their Pottery style and now of course you know Pottery style and now of course you know Pottery style and now of course you know you don't have to be a genius to realize you don't have to be a genius to realize you don't have to be a genius to realize well wait a minute anybody can adopt a well wait a minute anybody can adopt a well wait a minute anybody can adopt a pottery style and wait a minute anybody pottery style and wait a minute anybody pottery style and wait a minute anybody can learn a language the first time I can learn a language the first time I can learn a language the first time I ever encountered this it blew my mind ever encountered this it blew my mind ever encountered this it blew my mind because it made me change the way I because it made me change the way I because it made me change the way I thought about all these groups was when thought about all these groups was when thought about all these groups was when I was doing research on the 1980s on a I was doing research on the 1980s on a I was doing research on the 1980s on a people called the Goths not the musical people called the Goths not the musical people called the Goths not the musical fans the people that helped overthrow fans the people that helped overthrow fans the people that helped overthrow the Western Roman Empire famously right the Western Roman Empire famously right the Western Roman Empire famously right the gothic peoples and back in the 19th the gothic peoples and back in the 19th the gothic peoples and back in the 19th century they would have told you that century they would have told you that century they would have told you that the Goths were Germans but ethnically the Goths were Germans but ethnically the Goths were Germans but ethnically pure basically Germans spoke the pure basically Germans spoke the pure basically Germans spoke the language had the culture uh had the same language had the culture uh had the same language had the culture uh had the same basic belief system had origin myths basic belief system had origin myths basic belief system had origin myths dating to Scandinavia dating to Scandinavia dating to Scandinavia hervig Wolfram wrote a book I think he hervig Wolfram wrote a book I think he hervig Wolfram wrote a book I think he wrote it in the 70s but it didn't make wrote it in the 70s but it didn't make wrote it in the 70s but it didn't make it into English until the 80s that it into English until the 80s that it into English until the 80s that pointed out what nonsense that this was pointed out what nonsense that this was pointed out what nonsense that this was and that all these groups are multi uh and that all these groups are multi uh and that all these groups are multi uh uh the the DNA is quite mixed the uh the the DNA is quite mixed the uh the the DNA is quite mixed the ethnicities are quite mixed that have ethnicities are quite mixed that have ethnicities are quite mixed that have been mixing way into prehistory and he been mixing way into prehistory and he been mixing way into prehistory and he explains how groups form based on shared explains how groups form based on shared explains how groups form based on shared values and ideas and origin myths and values and ideas and origin myths and values and ideas and origin myths and language but this is all stuff people language but this is all stuff people language but this is all stuff people buy into including and he was talking buy into including and he was talking buy into including and he was talking about this with the gothic escaped about this with the gothic escaped about this with the gothic escaped slaves from all kinds of societies and slaves from all kinds of societies and slaves from all kinds of societies and then I had another professor once and I then I had another professor once and I then I had another professor once and I believe we said this maybe even earlier believe we said this maybe even earlier believe we said this maybe even earlier in this conversation about how you in this conversation about how you in this conversation about how you cannot really have some ethnically pure cannot really have some ethnically pure cannot really have some ethnically pure Society in a slave state because people Society in a slave state because people Society in a slave state because people rape their slaves

well the ethnicity in this region well the ethnicity in this region matters matters matters more than it does in the west the West more than it does in the west the West more than it does in the west the West has all those white supremacist Aryan has all those white supremacist Aryan has all those white supremacist Aryan sorts of overtones that we've lived with sorts of overtones that we've lived with sorts of overtones that we've lived with forever you know connected to 19th forever you know connected to 19th forever you know connected to 19th century national origin myths I mean century national origin myths I mean century national origin myths I mean it's it's much debated and talked about it's it's much debated and talked about it's it's much debated and talked about the Nazis didn't do anybody any favors the Nazis didn't do anybody any favors the Nazis didn't do anybody any favors by latching onto it there's a great by latching onto it there's a great by latching onto it there's a great letter the J.R.R Tolkien wrote once letter the J.R.R Tolkien wrote once letter the J.R.R Tolkien wrote once spitting mad at the Nazis for ruining spitting mad at the Nazis for ruining spitting mad at the Nazis for ruining you know the Nordic history and you know the Nordic history and you know the Nordic history and reputation forevermore something like reputation forevermore something like reputation forevermore something like that that that but in the East the ethnicity is but in the East the ethnicity is but in the East the ethnicity is important too but for different reasons important too but for different reasons important too but for different reasons in the in the west you might want to in the in the west you might want to in the in the west you might want to claim you know that you're related to claim you know that you're related to claim you know that you're related to Scandinavians if you're a white Scandinavians if you're a white Scandinavians if you're a white supremacist in the East traditionally supremacist in the East traditionally supremacist in the East traditionally people like the Russians have wanted to people like the Russians have wanted to people like the Russians have wanted to downplay how much Scandinavian blood is downplay how much Scandinavian blood is downplay how much Scandinavian blood is in the ethnic mix and the reasons there in the ethnic mix and the reasons there in the ethnic mix and the reasons there are fascinating too when I was a kid and are fascinating too when I was a kid and are fascinating too when I was a kid and there was a Soviet Union they wanted to there was a Soviet Union they wanted to there was a Soviet Union they wanted to downplay it because they didn't want to downplay it because they didn't want to downplay it because they didn't want to give any ethnic credit to anybody but give any ethnic credit to anybody but give any ethnic credit to anybody but Slavs mainly right that was the Slavs mainly right that was the Slavs mainly right that was the preferred group of people that they were preferred group of people that they were preferred group of people that they were going to say was the major makeup of the going to say was the major makeup of the going to say was the major makeup of the people that became Russians and any people that became Russians and any people that became Russians and any other DNA impact from any other groups other DNA impact from any other groups other DNA impact from any other groups in the regions not just Scandinavia but in the regions not just Scandinavia but in the regions not just Scandinavia but step people you know and and multiple step people you know and and multiple step people you know and and multiple other groups that all of that stuff was other groups that all of that stuff was other groups that all of that stuff was minimal minimal minimal when there have been theories you know when there have been theories you know when there have been theories you know pushing every kind of combination or pushing every kind of combination or pushing every kind of combination or um ethnic mix you can think of genetics um ethnic mix you can think of genetics um ethnic mix you can think of genetics of course as you might imagine and DNA of course as you might imagine and DNA of course as you might imagine and DNA is starting to solve all this stuff and

is starting to solve all this stuff and is starting to solve all this stuff and once again as you might imagine people once again as you might imagine people once again as you might imagine people are more mixed than anybody thought and are more mixed than anybody thought and are more mixed than anybody thought and these regions I mean we said the these regions I mean we said the these regions I mean we said the Byzantine Empire was a Melting Pot but Byzantine Empire was a Melting Pot but Byzantine Empire was a Melting Pot but it's right in this region too lots of it's right in this region too lots of it's right in this region too lots of coming together lots of slave trading coming together lots of slave trading coming together lots of slave trading lots of um you would say in an American lots of um you would say in an American lots of um you would say in an American town you say it's four corners where town you say it's four corners where town you say it's four corners where where a bunch of places come together where a bunch of places come together where a bunch of places come together and the Scandinavians in the East and the Scandinavians in the East and the Scandinavians in the East because it is such a tough neighborhood because it is such a tough neighborhood because it is such a tough neighborhood do more trading than raiding but they do do more trading than raiding but they do do more trading than raiding but they do rating too I have a I have sort of a rating too I have a I have sort of a rating too I have a I have sort of a mental image of it these are my numbers mental image of it these are my numbers mental image of it these are my numbers they're totally made up they're not they're totally made up they're not they're totally made up they're not based on anything but this is just how I based on anything but this is just how I based on anything but this is just how I think about it I always thought that you think about it I always thought that you think about it I always thought that you know in in the west they're more Raider know in in the west they're more Raider know in in the west they're more Raider than they are Trader right so maybe 60 than they are Trader right so maybe 60 than they are Trader right so maybe 60 Raider with weapons taking stuff and 40 Raider with weapons taking stuff and 40 Raider with weapons taking stuff and 40 Trader bartering you know selling uh Trader bartering you know selling uh Trader bartering you know selling uh what you stole that kind of thing in the what you stole that kind of thing in the what you stole that kind of thing in the East I flipped those numbers I feel like East I flipped those numbers I feel like East I flipped those numbers I feel like the the Scandinavians mostly from Sweden the the Scandinavians mostly from Sweden the the Scandinavians mostly from Sweden but the ones that went East and that but the ones that went East and that but the ones that went East and that operated in that Cutthroat but much more operated in that Cutthroat but much more operated in that Cutthroat but much more scary world that they're more like 60 scary world that they're more like 60 scary world that they're more like 60 Trader and 40 Raider Trader and 40 Raider Trader and 40 Raider and as we said one way or another you and as we said one way or another you and as we said one way or another you could trade for generations and not have could trade for generations and not have could trade for generations and not have anybody Write Your Story in the history anybody Write Your Story in the history anybody Write Your Story in the history books but you cause problems and you're books but you cause problems and you're books but you cause problems and you're going to make it into the eras going to make it into the eras going to make it into the eras equivalent of the police blotter for equivalent of the police blotter for equivalent of the police blotter for acting up and in this case in the 860s acting up and in this case in the 860s acting up and in this case in the 860s at the Byzantine Precinct you get an at the Byzantine Precinct you get an at the Byzantine Precinct you get an entry on some of these Eastern peoples entry on some of these Eastern peoples entry on some of these Eastern peoples probably these Eastern Viking Raiders

probably these Eastern Viking Raiders probably these Eastern Viking Raiders there'll be a famous attack on there'll be a famous attack on there'll be a famous attack on Constantinople in 860 adce Constantinople in 860 adce Constantinople in 860 adce now I should say to protect my rear end now I should say to protect my rear end now I should say to protect my rear end right here the experts argue about some right here the experts argue about some right here the experts argue about some of this stuff this is very early in the of this stuff this is very early in the of this stuff this is very early in the story in the East and the sources are story in the East and the sources are story in the East and the sources are few it's difficult to corroborate what few it's difficult to corroborate what few it's difficult to corroborate what your few sources say and sometimes there your few sources say and sometimes there your few sources say and sometimes there are Heretics although when it's this are Heretics although when it's this are Heretics although when it's this unknown calling them Heretics is unknown calling them Heretics is unknown calling them Heretics is probably not fair there's debate amongst probably not fair there's debate amongst probably not fair there's debate amongst the experts over a lot of this stuff for the experts over a lot of this stuff for the experts over a lot of this stuff for example there is supposed to have been example there is supposed to have been example there is supposed to have been an attack in the 830s in the suburbs of an attack in the 830s in the suburbs of an attack in the 830s in the suburbs of Constantinople by a people that most Constantinople by a people that most Constantinople by a people that most likely were these roofs if it happened a likely were these roofs if it happened a likely were these roofs if it happened a lot of people don't think that one lot of people don't think that one lot of people don't think that one happens some people don't think the one happens some people don't think the one happens some people don't think the one in the 860s happens and some people in the 860s happens and some people in the 860s happens and some people think if it did happen it might not have think if it did happen it might not have think if it did happen it might not have been these roast people that did it been these roast people that did it been these roast people that did it I am unqualified I am unqualified I am unqualified to choose between experts all I can say to choose between experts all I can say to choose between experts all I can say is I'll read some stuff from some very is I'll read some stuff from some very is I'll read some stuff from some very good books here and we can try to update good books here and we can try to update good books here and we can try to update ourselves on what was likely ourselves on what was likely ourselves on what was likely it is a sign though isn't it exactly how it is a sign though isn't it exactly how it is a sign though isn't it exactly how history works and how these things history works and how these things history works and how these things unfold and I mean especially in the case unfold and I mean especially in the case unfold and I mean especially in the case of Jacobson who I'm going to quote in a of Jacobson who I'm going to quote in a of Jacobson who I'm going to quote in a minute the detective work involved in minute the detective work involved in minute the detective work involved in piecing together a mosaic here that piecing together a mosaic here that piecing together a mosaic here that forms some sort of a picture that you forms some sort of a picture that you forms some sort of a picture that you can maybe rely on a little bit is can maybe rely on a little bit is can maybe rely on a little bit is amazing and intoxicating makes you want amazing and intoxicating makes you want amazing and intoxicating makes you want to be the Indiana Jones of History you to be the Indiana Jones of History you to be the Indiana Jones of History you know put on the hat grab the Whip and go

know put on the hat grab the Whip and go know put on the hat grab the Whip and go out there and do some of this stuff they out there and do some of this stuff they out there and do some of this stuff they do as good work as you can do with the do as good work as you can do with the do as good work as you can do with the amount of sources available but let me amount of sources available but let me amount of sources available but let me give you an example of what we're give you an example of what we're give you an example of what we're talking about talking about talking about so in the book Vikings and Encyclopedia so in the book Vikings and Encyclopedia so in the book Vikings and Encyclopedia of conflict invasions and raids Tristan of conflict invasions and raids Tristan of conflict invasions and raids Tristan Mueller Vollmer and Kirsten Wolfe have Mueller Vollmer and Kirsten Wolfe have Mueller Vollmer and Kirsten Wolfe have this to say about these early Viking this to say about these early Viking this to say about these early Viking incidents in the Byzantine Precinct if incidents in the Byzantine Precinct if incidents in the Byzantine Precinct if you want to call it that with our crime you want to call it that with our crime you want to call it that with our crime Motif Motif Motif um and they write quote the ruse were in frequent conflict with the ruse were in frequent conflict with their most powerful neighbor the their most powerful neighbor the their most powerful neighbor the Byzantine Empire the earliest recorded Byzantine Empire the earliest recorded Byzantine Empire the earliest recorded raid took place sometime in the 830s raid took place sometime in the 830s raid took place sometime in the 830s when the Rus attacked the Sea of marmara when the Rus attacked the Sea of marmara when the Rus attacked the Sea of marmara and then several cities along the and then several cities along the and then several cities along the pathogonian coast the life of Saint pathogonian coast the life of Saint pathogonian coast the life of Saint George of amastrous documents the George of amastrous documents the George of amastrous documents the campaign and describes the Rus as quote campaign and describes the Rus as quote campaign and describes the Rus as quote no quoting from The Source the people no quoting from The Source the people no quoting from The Source the people known to everyone for their barbarity known to everyone for their barbarity known to everyone for their barbarity ferocity and cruelty end quote the ferocity and cruelty end quote the ferocity and cruelty end quote the authors continue quote in 860 the Russ authors continue quote in 860 the Russ authors continue quote in 860 the Russ LED their largest military campaign LED their largest military campaign LED their largest military campaign against Constantinople where they raided against Constantinople where they raided against Constantinople where they raided the suburbs and burned many buildings the suburbs and burned many buildings the suburbs and burned many buildings end quote now as I alluded to a second ago I was now as I alluded to a second ago I was just marveling at the job that Icelandic just marveling at the job that Icelandic just marveling at the job that Icelandic historian and I hope I pronounce his historian and I hope I pronounce his historian and I hope I pronounce his name right there's going to be some name right there's going to be some name right there's going to be some challenges in this show uh spavrir challenges in this show uh spavrir challenges in this show uh spavrir Jacobson in the varangian's God's holy

Jacobson in the varangian's God's holy Jacobson in the varangian's God's holy fire his ability to try to piece fire his ability to try to piece fire his ability to try to piece together these pieces and make them into together these pieces and make them into together these pieces and make them into something you can look at and assess is something you can look at and assess is something you can look at and assess is is fabulous and and he does it in this is fabulous and and he does it in this is fabulous and and he does it in this 860 invasion of Constantinople and he 860 invasion of Constantinople and he 860 invasion of Constantinople and he does it by using the main source does it by using the main source does it by using the main source everyone uses the the emperor's away everyone uses the the emperor's away everyone uses the the emperor's away when this attack happens with the Army when this attack happens with the Army when this attack happens with the Army and the fleet which is maybe not a and the fleet which is maybe not a and the fleet which is maybe not a coincidence coincidence coincidence and so there's a religious patriarch in and so there's a religious patriarch in and so there's a religious patriarch in charge and he gives some sermons during charge and he gives some sermons during charge and he gives some sermons during the time that the raids are happening the time that the raids are happening the time that the raids are happening they go on for over a month and those they go on for over a month and those they go on for over a month and those sermons have come down to us and the sermons have come down to us and the sermons have come down to us and the information in the sermons is some of information in the sermons is some of information in the sermons is some of the information that makes up the the information that makes up the the information that makes up the majority of the evidence in the majority of the evidence in the majority of the evidence in the Byzantine Precinct about this you know Byzantine Precinct about this you know Byzantine Precinct about this you know crime from these Northern peoples in age crime from these Northern peoples in age crime from these Northern peoples in age 60 and Jacobson writes quote 60 and Jacobson writes quote 60 and Jacobson writes quote the attack came suddenly and the attack came suddenly and the attack came suddenly and unexpectedly in mid-june 860 an unknown unexpectedly in mid-june 860 an unknown unexpectedly in mid-june 860 an unknown Northern tribe attacked the most holy Northern tribe attacked the most holy Northern tribe attacked the most holy city of Constantinople the capital of city of Constantinople the capital of city of Constantinople the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire it did not the Eastern Roman Empire it did not the Eastern Roman Empire it did not experienced such an onslaught in many experienced such an onslaught in many experienced such an onslaught in many decades let alone from a people which it decades let alone from a people which it decades let alone from a people which it hitherto played an insignificant role hitherto played an insignificant role hitherto played an insignificant role within the perspective of the Roman within the perspective of the Roman within the perspective of the Roman Elite end quote Elite end quote Elite end quote he then quotes the early sermon by this he then quotes the early sermon by this he then quotes the early sermon by this patriarch who talked about a dreadful patriarch who talked about a dreadful patriarch who talked about a dreadful bolt falling on us out of the farthest bolt falling on us out of the farthest bolt falling on us out of the farthest north north north he also talks about a thick sudden hail he also talks about a thick sudden hail he also talks about a thick sudden hail storm of Barbarians bursting forth

Jacobson points out a couple of things Jacobson points out a couple of things though including the fact though including the fact though including the fact that there's a certain kind of Terror that there's a certain kind of Terror that there's a certain kind of Terror and one we won't experience in the and one we won't experience in the and one we won't experience in the modern world but that goes back to the modern world but that goes back to the modern world but that goes back to the Laguna Beach example we used earlier of Laguna Beach example we used earlier of Laguna Beach example we used earlier of the ability in the pre-modern world to the ability in the pre-modern world to the ability in the pre-modern world to find yourself attacked as in Wartime find yourself attacked as in Wartime find yourself attacked as in Wartime by somebody you don't even know you by somebody you don't even know you by somebody you don't even know you don't even know who they are again this don't even know who they are again this don't even know who they are again this is a more like a crime than a war also is a more like a crime than a war also is a more like a crime than a war also isn't it I mean seems pretty rare and isn't it I mean seems pretty rare and isn't it I mean seems pretty rare and weird doesn't it to think you could find weird doesn't it to think you could find weird doesn't it to think you could find a full-on war with another kingdom or a full-on war with another kingdom or a full-on war with another kingdom or state of some sort and not know who the state of some sort and not know who the state of some sort and not know who the enemy was but in a criminal situation enemy was but in a criminal situation enemy was but in a criminal situation well that almost seems like the way you well that almost seems like the way you well that almost seems like the way you plan it out right I mean uh we're a plan it out right I mean uh we're a plan it out right I mean uh we're a stocking cap over your face don't leave stocking cap over your face don't leave stocking cap over your face don't leave any fingerprints I mean the whole goal any fingerprints I mean the whole goal any fingerprints I mean the whole goal is to not have people figure out who you is to not have people figure out who you is to not have people figure out who you are Trace you back to your layer or are Trace you back to your layer or are Trace you back to your layer or anything like that eventually prosecute anything like that eventually prosecute anything like that eventually prosecute you and put you away and Jacobson says that the fact that and Jacobson says that the fact that they didn't really know who these people they didn't really know who these people they didn't really know who these people were that descended upon them was part were that descended upon them was part were that descended upon them was part of what made it so scary as you would of what made it so scary as you would of what made it so scary as you would imagine and the patriarch's name by the imagine and the patriarch's name by the imagine and the patriarch's name by the way who gave this sermon way who gave this sermon way who gave this sermon is and I found multiple pronunciations is and I found multiple pronunciations is and I found multiple pronunciations is photos is photos is photos or photos or photos or photos and Jacob says that he quote makes both and Jacob says that he quote makes both and Jacob says that he quote makes both these points repeatedly that the attack these points repeatedly that the attack these points repeatedly that the attack was unexpected and that the attackers was unexpected and that the attackers was unexpected and that the attackers were from lands very far from the Empire were from lands very far from the Empire were from lands very far from the Empire lands situated at the end of the Earth

lands situated at the end of the Earth lands situated at the end of the Earth the terror associated with these attacks the terror associated with these attacks the terror associated with these attacks stemmed partly he writes for these two stemmed partly he writes for these two stemmed partly he writes for these two reasons it was the terror of the unknown reasons it was the terror of the unknown reasons it was the terror of the unknown of a mysterious enemy that had suddenly of a mysterious enemy that had suddenly of a mysterious enemy that had suddenly revealed himself the tenor of the revealed himself the tenor of the revealed himself the tenor of the language is similar he writes to the language is similar he writes to the language is similar he writes to the descriptions of the Viking attack on descriptions of the Viking attack on descriptions of the Viking attack on lindisfarne almost seven decades before lindisfarne almost seven decades before lindisfarne almost seven decades before end quote and as many people will end quote and as many people will end quote and as many people will suggest that the lindisfarne raid in the suggest that the lindisfarne raid in the suggest that the lindisfarne raid in the 790s kicked off The Viking age in the 790s kicked off The Viking age in the 790s kicked off The Viking age in the west some suggest that this attack on west some suggest that this attack on west some suggest that this attack on Constantinople in 860. if indeed it Constantinople in 860. if indeed it Constantinople in 860. if indeed it really did happen kicked off The Viking really did happen kicked off The Viking really did happen kicked off The Viking era in the East but you can tell that if era in the East but you can tell that if era in the East but you can tell that if they really were able to put together they really were able to put together they really were able to put together anything like the 200 rumored ships that anything like the 200 rumored ships that anything like the 200 rumored ships that are supposed to have shown up are supposed to have shown up are supposed to have shown up um in 860 then something's bubbling um in 860 then something's bubbling um in 860 then something's bubbling beneath the surface even if you don't beneath the surface even if you don't beneath the surface even if you don't have the primary source material in 850 have the primary source material in 850 have the primary source material in 850 840 8 30 right this doesn't just spring 840 8 30 right this doesn't just spring 840 8 30 right this doesn't just spring out of nowhere out of nowhere out of nowhere although the attack itself if you although the attack itself if you although the attack itself if you believe the sources did and that's one believe the sources did and that's one believe the sources did and that's one of the things that this patriarch writes of the things that this patriarch writes of the things that this patriarch writes about that the the fact that these about that the the fact that these about that the the fact that these people weren't even seen as a threat and people weren't even seen as a threat and people weren't even seen as a threat and that you didn't have warning that they that you didn't have warning that they that you didn't have warning that they were on the borders you wake up one were on the borders you wake up one were on the borders you wake up one morning and the ships are there I mean morning and the ships are there I mean morning and the ships are there I mean that's the Viking Way right the Laguna that's the Viking Way right the Laguna that's the Viking Way right the Laguna Beach attack in a nutshell you wake up Beach attack in a nutshell you wake up Beach attack in a nutshell you wake up first Morning Light and you see those first Morning Light and you see those first Morning Light and you see those Telltale sales and if you believe how Telltale sales and if you believe how Telltale sales and if you believe how many ships were in the Byzantine many ships were in the Byzantine many ships were in the Byzantine situation it's hundreds of ships

situation it's hundreds of ships situation it's hundreds of ships filled with dangerous scary Warriors filled with dangerous scary Warriors filled with dangerous scary Warriors that do things that freeze the blood of that do things that freeze the blood of that do things that freeze the blood of the locals famously in the attack one of the locals famously in the attack one of the locals famously in the attack one of the attacks on Paris the attacks on Paris the attacks on Paris the Vikings had captured uh I think it's the Vikings had captured uh I think it's the Vikings had captured uh I think it's 111 which is a very specific number but 111 which is a very specific number but 111 which is a very specific number but but more than 100 just over a hundred of but more than 100 just over a hundred of but more than 100 just over a hundred of the Defenders and took them to a famous the Defenders and took them to a famous the Defenders and took them to a famous island that's in the same you know right island that's in the same you know right island that's in the same you know right by Paris and within view of the by Paris and within view of the by Paris and within view of the countrymen of these captives hung them countrymen of these captives hung them countrymen of these captives hung them all right in other words watch this well all right in other words watch this well all right in other words watch this well there's a story out of this attack in there's a story out of this attack in there's a story out of this attack in 860 that sounds a little like that to me 860 that sounds a little like that to me 860 that sounds a little like that to me and it involves the Vikings taking a and it involves the Vikings taking a and it involves the Vikings taking a bunch of people onto their ships and bunch of people onto their ships and bunch of people onto their ships and then chopping off their limbs with axes then chopping off their limbs with axes then chopping off their limbs with axes and I imagine it sounds like this is the and I imagine it sounds like this is the and I imagine it sounds like this is the kind of thing where you would do it in kind of thing where you would do it in kind of thing where you would do it in front of people in other words you're front of people in other words you're front of people in other words you're trying to make a point and this is trying to make a point and this is trying to make a point and this is written by another patriarch who was written by another patriarch who was written by another patriarch who was actually living in eggs not in Exile in actually living in eggs not in Exile in actually living in eggs not in Exile in retirement if you could say forced retirement if you could say forced retirement if you could say forced retirement on an island in the same area retirement on an island in the same area retirement on an island in the same area who saw the same wave of Vikings attack who saw the same wave of Vikings attack who saw the same wave of Vikings attack and the life written about him says and the life written about him says and the life written about him says quote quote quote for at that time the bloodthirsty for at that time the bloodthirsty for at that time the bloodthirsty scythian race called Russians Advanced scythian race called Russians Advanced scythian race called Russians Advanced across the Black Sea to the Bosphorus across the Black Sea to the Bosphorus across the Black Sea to the Bosphorus plundering every region and all the plundering every region and all the plundering every region and all the monasteries and they also overran the monasteries and they also overran the monasteries and they also overran the small island dependencies of Byzantium

small island dependencies of Byzantium small island dependencies of Byzantium carrying off all the chattels and money carrying off all the chattels and money carrying off all the chattels and money and slaying all the people they captured and slaying all the people they captured and slaying all the people they captured in addition they attacked with barbaric in addition they attacked with barbaric in addition they attacked with barbaric spirit and impulse the monasteries of spirit and impulse the monasteries of spirit and impulse the monasteries of the patriarch and removed every the patriarch and removed every the patriarch and removed every possession that they found and They possession that they found and They possession that they found and They seized 22 of his most loyal household seized 22 of his most loyal household seized 22 of his most loyal household servants and cut all of them to pieces servants and cut all of them to pieces servants and cut all of them to pieces with axes on the stern of one of their with axes on the stern of one of their with axes on the stern of one of their boats boats boats end quote you know you never can tell when you know you never can tell when something is an exaggeration or a something is an exaggeration or a something is an exaggeration or a fabrication or the truth fabrication or the truth fabrication or the truth but let's just say if something like but let's just say if something like but let's just say if something like this did happen and a chronicler saw it this did happen and a chronicler saw it this did happen and a chronicler saw it or got wind of it surely that's the kind or got wind of it surely that's the kind or got wind of it surely that's the kind of things that you'd have written about of things that you'd have written about of things that you'd have written about you know if journalism is the first you know if journalism is the first you know if journalism is the first draft of history and if it bleeds it draft of history and if it bleeds it draft of history and if it bleeds it leads leads leads the history geeking me at this point is the history geeking me at this point is the history geeking me at this point is all set up for this encounter now what's all set up for this encounter now what's all set up for this encounter now what's going to happen to these alleged Russ going to happen to these alleged Russ going to happen to these alleged Russ people people people when the Byzantine military shows up and when the Byzantine military shows up and when the Byzantine military shows up and chastises them or tries to chastises them or tries to chastises them or tries to but this but this but this you know history geek slash if it bleeds you know history geek slash if it bleeds you know history geek slash if it bleeds it leads former assignment editor need it leads former assignment editor need it leads former assignment editor need to have this curiosity to have this curiosity to have this curiosity fulfilled that would take thousands of fulfilled that would take thousands of fulfilled that would take thousands of lives by the way to do is thwarted lives by the way to do is thwarted lives by the way to do is thwarted because like so many of the Viking because like so many of the Viking because like so many of the Viking Raiders in the west the Russ get away Raiders in the west the Russ get away Raiders in the west the Russ get away when the authorities come to punish them when the authorities come to punish them when the authorities come to punish them for their crimes we never get to see

for their crimes we never get to see for their crimes we never get to see what would happen if the byzantines and what would happen if the byzantines and what would happen if the byzantines and the roofs faced off the roofs faced off the roofs faced off the primary sources say that the the primary sources say that the the primary sources say that the Byzantine emperor once he you know sort Byzantine emperor once he you know sort Byzantine emperor once he you know sort of does his investigation figures out of does his investigation figures out of does his investigation figures out what had happened what had happened what had happened implements what I guess you could call implements what I guess you could call implements what I guess you could call sort of maybe general order number one sort of maybe general order number one sort of maybe general order number one for the Romans and remember the for the Romans and remember the for the Romans and remember the byzantines are like a continuation of byzantines are like a continuation of byzantines are like a continuation of the Romans general order number one the Romans general order number one the Romans general order number one standard operating procedure whatever standard operating procedure whatever standard operating procedure whatever you want to call it I always like to you want to call it I always like to you want to call it I always like to refer to it when it comes to the Romans refer to it when it comes to the Romans refer to it when it comes to the Romans dealing with people like this it's the dealing with people like this it's the dealing with people like this it's the recipe this is the recipe what they're recipe this is the recipe what they're recipe this is the recipe what they're going to do to these Nordic peoples is going to do to these Nordic peoples is going to do to these Nordic peoples is that they're going to turn them into that they're going to turn them into that they're going to turn them into reputable members of the International reputable members of the International reputable members of the International Community or whatever passes for it in Community or whatever passes for it in Community or whatever passes for it in the early medieval version of this part the early medieval version of this part the early medieval version of this part of the world I mean look at the history of the world I mean look at the history of the world I mean look at the history this is an age-old strategy that has this is an age-old strategy that has this is an age-old strategy that has worked on all sorts of peoples I mean to worked on all sorts of peoples I mean to worked on all sorts of peoples I mean to just name a few you could say the just name a few you could say the just name a few you could say the Visigoths and the ostrogoths and the Visigoths and the ostrogoths and the Visigoths and the ostrogoths and the Lombards and the vandals and yes a Lombards and the vandals and yes a Lombards and the vandals and yes a couple of centuries before this time couple of centuries before this time couple of centuries before this time period even the Franks themselves were period even the Franks themselves were period even the Franks themselves were in this same situation in the Romans in this same situation in the Romans in this same situation in the Romans cooked them using the recipe into nice cooked them using the recipe into nice cooked them using the recipe into nice civilized States civilized States civilized States now the term cooked is the way the now the term cooked is the way the now the term cooked is the way the Chinese used to describe this process Chinese used to describe this process Chinese used to describe this process when they used to do almost the very when they used to do almost the very when they used to do almost the very same thing to the so-called barbarians

same thing to the so-called barbarians same thing to the so-called barbarians on their borders on their borders on their borders you know there's a lot of people that you know there's a lot of people that you know there's a lot of people that believe history has cycles and that's believe history has cycles and that's believe history has cycles and that's much argued about I don't know if I much argued about I don't know if I much argued about I don't know if I agree with it or not but it has things agree with it or not but it has things agree with it or not but it has things that look like cycles and one of those that look like cycles and one of those that look like cycles and one of those things that look like Cycles is the things that look like Cycles is the things that look like Cycles is the continual recycling of effective ideas continual recycling of effective ideas continual recycling of effective ideas certain things tend to work and so you certain things tend to work and so you certain things tend to work and so you see them brought up again and again and see them brought up again and again and see them brought up again and again and this idea of cooking The Barbarians in this idea of cooking The Barbarians in this idea of cooking The Barbarians in air quotes next door is something you air quotes next door is something you air quotes next door is something you see over and over and the recipe is see over and over and the recipe is see over and over and the recipe is different place to place like the different place to place like the different place to place like the Chinese version doesn't include Chinese version doesn't include Chinese version doesn't include Christianity the version here in the Christianity the version here in the Christianity the version here in the European context does and the byzantines European context does and the byzantines European context does and the byzantines do in the East what Charlemagne Louis do in the East what Charlemagne Louis do in the East what Charlemagne Louis the pious and his sons are all doing in the pious and his sons are all doing in the pious and his sons are all doing in the west he sends out missionaries and the west he sends out missionaries and the west he sends out missionaries and evangelists and these people that are evangelists and these people that are evangelists and these people that are going to be the saint bonifaces and the going to be the saint bonifaces and the going to be the saint bonifaces and the saint lebwinds of the East saint lebwinds of the East saint lebwinds of the East and they are involved in a long-term and they are involved in a long-term and they are involved in a long-term strategy here right they are planting strategy here right they are planting strategy here right they are planting seeds to be harvested Generations from seeds to be harvested Generations from seeds to be harvested Generations from now and as I think about this phrases now and as I think about this phrases now and as I think about this phrases from the war on terror 1990s era pop from the war on terror 1990s era pop from the war on terror 1990s era pop into my head read a multi-generational into my head read a multi-generational into my head read a multi-generational war on terror war on terror war on terror and that's what this is right on the and that's what this is right on the and that's what this is right on the Byzantine emperor sends those you know Byzantine emperor sends those you know Byzantine emperor sends those you know monks northward he's not expecting monks northward he's not expecting monks northward he's not expecting instant instant instant results from that results from that results from that but he is hoping to replicate the but he is hoping to replicate the but he is hoping to replicate the success that he's seen with this in the success that he's seen with this in the success that he's seen with this in the past

past past the Vikings these Scandinavians these the Vikings these Scandinavians these the Vikings these Scandinavians these Russ might specifically if you believe Russ might specifically if you believe Russ might specifically if you believe the sources and I'm not sure I do but the sources and I'm not sure I do but the sources and I'm not sure I do but specifically be a new people to the specifically be a new people to the specifically be a new people to the byzantines byzantines byzantines but they're an old type but they're an old type but they're an old type and they've been dealing with this type and they've been dealing with this type and they've been dealing with this type for a long time and they know just what for a long time and they know just what for a long time and they know just what to do with them what's interesting is the way you frame what's interesting is the way you frame this can make it seem completely this can make it seem completely this can make it seem completely different right different right different right because in effect what the recipe is is because in effect what the recipe is is because in effect what the recipe is is destroying the culture of the people's destroying the culture of the people's destroying the culture of the people's you're targeting and then replacing it you're targeting and then replacing it you're targeting and then replacing it with one more like your own with one more like your own with one more like your own the reasons one can do this with a clear the reasons one can do this with a clear the reasons one can do this with a clear conscience is what makes this sort of a conscience is what makes this sort of a conscience is what makes this sort of a dual use kind of strategy for a Frankish dual use kind of strategy for a Frankish dual use kind of strategy for a Frankish ruler or a Byzantine ruler by dual use I ruler or a Byzantine ruler by dual use I ruler or a Byzantine ruler by dual use I mean there's a wonderful way one can mean there's a wonderful way one can mean there's a wonderful way one can console oneself thinking one is doing a console oneself thinking one is doing a console oneself thinking one is doing a favor for the very people on the favor for the very people on the favor for the very people on the receiving end of this treatment if you receiving end of this treatment if you receiving end of this treatment if you are a Christian ruler for example and are a Christian ruler for example and are a Christian ruler for example and you are bringing the Christian religion you are bringing the Christian religion you are bringing the Christian religion to a bunch of pagans and a bunch of to a bunch of pagans and a bunch of to a bunch of pagans and a bunch of heathens you are doing them a great deed heathens you are doing them a great deed heathens you are doing them a great deed this is a gift you are helping them this is a gift you are helping them this is a gift you are helping them potentially get into heaven you are potentially get into heaven you are potentially get into heaven you are showing them the truth you are teaching showing them the truth you are teaching showing them the truth you are teaching them that the traditional gods that they them that the traditional gods that they them that the traditional gods that they bury their grandparents in the backyard bury their grandparents in the backyard bury their grandparents in the backyard you know using ceremonies and you know using ceremonies and you know using ceremonies and incantations directed towards are incantations directed towards are incantations directed towards are instead demons and devils

instead demons and devils instead demons and devils you are showing them the error of their you are showing them the error of their you are showing them the error of their ways and this makes you a better person ways and this makes you a better person ways and this makes you a better person for doing so at the same time this will for doing so at the same time this will for doing so at the same time this will create conditions on your border that create conditions on your border that create conditions on your border that are much more stable controllable are much more stable controllable are much more stable controllable um answerable and that will um answerable and that will um answerable and that will long term long term long term eliminate your pirate problem eliminate your pirate problem eliminate your pirate problem that's the second part of this and this that's the second part of this and this that's the second part of this and this is the sort of things that the Chinese is the sort of things that the Chinese is the sort of things that the Chinese version of cooking their recipe would version of cooking their recipe would version of cooking their recipe would entail but it's taking these places that entail but it's taking these places that entail but it's taking these places that have no real strong central Authority have no real strong central Authority have no real strong central Authority right lots of different Chieftains or right lots of different Chieftains or right lots of different Chieftains or Warlords you know calling their own Warlords you know calling their own Warlords you know calling their own shots and making their own arrangements shots and making their own arrangements shots and making their own arrangements and policies and moves and consolidating and policies and moves and consolidating and policies and moves and consolidating them into a more centralized sort of them into a more centralized sort of them into a more centralized sort of State someplace with a you know State someplace with a you know State someplace with a you know hierarchy where there's somebody in hierarchy where there's somebody in hierarchy where there's somebody in charge that's answerable right if charge that's answerable right if charge that's answerable right if pirates from this other territory raid pirates from this other territory raid pirates from this other territory raid your Coast you want to be able to go to your Coast you want to be able to go to your Coast you want to be able to go to some place and say Hey you better some place and say Hey you better some place and say Hey you better control these people in your territory control these people in your territory control these people in your territory or you and I are going to go to war or you and I are going to go to war or you and I are going to go to war right what's the you know International right what's the you know International right what's the you know International 101 textbook definition of the state 101 textbook definition of the state 101 textbook definition of the state right a place that has a monopoly on the right a place that has a monopoly on the right a place that has a monopoly on the use of force use of force use of force and State Building is another one of and State Building is another one of and State Building is another one of those words that Echoes the 1990s war on those words that Echoes the 1990s war on those words that Echoes the 1990s war on terror as part of a long-term solution terror as part of a long-term solution terror as part of a long-term solution right nation building is what we called right nation building is what we called right nation building is what we called it you go in there and you destroy the it you go in there and you destroy the it you go in there and you destroy the terrorist government and then you you terrorist government and then you you terrorist government and then you you build a new one a nation that will build a new one a nation that will build a new one a nation that will preserve things like freedom and the

preserve things like freedom and the preserve things like freedom and the rule of law and give people the benefits rule of law and give people the benefits rule of law and give people the benefits of you know our civilization well you of you know our civilization well you of you know our civilization well you see the same thing going on as a see the same thing going on as a see the same thing going on as a solution to the pirate problem in this solution to the pirate problem in this solution to the pirate problem in this era after all when you have something era after all when you have something era after all when you have something that's reached the phenomena stages as that's reached the phenomena stages as that's reached the phenomena stages as we said when it's possibly a part of the we said when it's possibly a part of the we said when it's possibly a part of the annual calendar right the Rhythm of Life annual calendar right the Rhythm of Life annual calendar right the Rhythm of Life in some of these Scandinavian in some of these Scandinavian in some of these Scandinavian communities right after the seeds are in communities right after the seeds are in communities right after the seeds are in the ground we go raiding and get back in the ground we go raiding and get back in the ground we go raiding and get back in time for the Harvest I mean that's like time for the Harvest I mean that's like time for the Harvest I mean that's like well that's a cultural Challenge and well that's a cultural Challenge and well that's a cultural Challenge and civilizing the Vikings if that's a civilizing the Vikings if that's a civilizing the Vikings if that's a phrase I can put in quotation marks phrase I can put in quotation marks phrase I can put in quotation marks civilizing the Vikings is the long-term civilizing the Vikings is the long-term civilizing the Vikings is the long-term way out of this problem as far as these way out of this problem as far as these way out of this problem as far as these people are concerned and the recipe for people are concerned and the recipe for people are concerned and the recipe for doing that in the west is heavily doing that in the west is heavily doing that in the west is heavily involved with the Christian religion involved with the Christian religion involved with the Christian religion and again if we can make a kind of a and again if we can make a kind of a and again if we can make a kind of a comparison with the war on terror comparison with the war on terror comparison with the war on terror when when when you know the old governments were thrown you know the old governments were thrown you know the old governments were thrown out of places and the new governments out of places and the new governments out of places and the new governments backed by the West were put into place backed by the West were put into place backed by the West were put into place all sorts of resources were brought in all sorts of resources were brought in all sorts of resources were brought in and experts and consultants and advisors and experts and consultants and advisors and experts and consultants and advisors and you know people who would do and you know people who would do and you know people who would do groundwork and organizers I mean it was groundwork and organizers I mean it was groundwork and organizers I mean it was a giant sort of a mass infusion of all a giant sort of a mass infusion of all a giant sort of a mass infusion of all this talent and resources and expertise this talent and resources and expertise this talent and resources and expertise well in this time period well in this time period well in this time period Christianity shouldn't be thought of the Christianity shouldn't be thought of the Christianity shouldn't be thought of the way somebody might think of it today way somebody might think of it today way somebody might think of it today like some sort of a merely a spiritual

like some sort of a merely a spiritual like some sort of a merely a spiritual uh change of Focus right I'm going to uh change of Focus right I'm going to uh change of Focus right I'm going to change my belief system from one change my belief system from one change my belief system from one religion to another maybe change my religion to another maybe change my religion to another maybe change my moral code slightly the way I act my moral code slightly the way I act my moral code slightly the way I act my rituals and all that it is so much more rituals and all that it is so much more rituals and all that it is so much more than that in this period it is truly than that in this period it is truly than that in this period it is truly let's call it a civilizational let's call it a civilizational let's call it a civilizational commitment it is the equivalent and this is one of it is the equivalent and this is one of the big selling points by the way if the big selling points by the way if the big selling points by the way if you're trying to sell this to a you're trying to sell this to a you're trying to sell this to a potential Viking ruler somebody you potential Viking ruler somebody you potential Viking ruler somebody you could back and get behind and say hey could back and get behind and say hey could back and get behind and say hey let me tell you why you should convert let me tell you why you should convert let me tell you why you should convert to Christianity and why your people to Christianity and why your people to Christianity and why your people should and what's in it for you I mean should and what's in it for you I mean should and what's in it for you I mean it is essentially it is essentially it is essentially instant legitimacy for a ruler instant instant legitimacy for a ruler instant instant legitimacy for a ruler instant legitimacy for his dynastic successors legitimacy for his dynastic successors legitimacy for his dynastic successors so dynastic security instant so dynastic security instant so dynastic security instant infrastructure and instant literacy just infrastructure and instant literacy just infrastructure and instant literacy just add Jesus we're going to bring in add Jesus we're going to bring in add Jesus we're going to bring in educated people who write they'll start educated people who write they'll start educated people who write they'll start chronicling your story your your history chronicling your story your your history chronicling your story your your history the greatness of your people your crop the greatness of your people your crop the greatness of your people your crop yields all of that overnight right yields all of that overnight right yields all of that overnight right literacy will arrive literacy will arrive literacy will arrive we'll start building things we'll start we'll start building things we'll start we'll start building things we'll start teaching your people teaching your people teaching your people um I mean the whole thing is State um I mean the whole thing is State um I mean the whole thing is State Building in a very real sense in the Building in a very real sense in the Building in a very real sense in the word and State Building is a little word and State Building is a little word and State Building is a little risky because it does create entities risky because it does create entities risky because it does create entities that are more powerful I mean it's more that are more powerful I mean it's more that are more powerful I mean it's more powerful to have a centralized state powerful to have a centralized state powerful to have a centralized state with you know an organized Army and with you know an organized Army and with you know an organized Army and somebody controlling you know the somebody controlling you know the somebody controlling you know the government and policy and all that government and policy and all that government and policy and all that that's it's much more theoretically that's it's much more theoretically that's it's much more theoretically dangerous but it's much more dangerous but it's much more dangerous but it's much more conventional you can deal with the state

conventional you can deal with the state conventional you can deal with the state the way States always deal with each the way States always deal with each the way States always deal with each other right we can threaten to go to war other right we can threaten to go to war other right we can threaten to go to war with you if nothing else right there's with you if nothing else right there's with you if nothing else right there's traditional carrots and sticks and traditional carrots and sticks and traditional carrots and sticks and pressures and things you can apply pressures and things you can apply pressures and things you can apply incentives disincentives incentives disincentives incentives disincentives when you're dealing with pirates and when you're dealing with pirates and when you're dealing with pirates and Raiders and terrorists and I mean who do Raiders and terrorists and I mean who do Raiders and terrorists and I mean who do you even begin to pressure to get that I you even begin to pressure to get that I you even begin to pressure to get that I mean somebody has to have control before mean somebody has to have control before mean somebody has to have control before you can figure out some sort of deal you can figure out some sort of deal you can figure out some sort of deal right this is in my mind to get back to right this is in my mind to get back to right this is in my mind to get back to the crime sort of an idea I mean this is the crime sort of an idea I mean this is the crime sort of an idea I mean this is you're trying to make crime families go you're trying to make crime families go you're trying to make crime families go legit here legit here legit here and then control and then control and then control their communities themselves their communities themselves their communities themselves if some Pirates raid your Coast you want if some Pirates raid your Coast you want if some Pirates raid your Coast you want to be able to go to the king of that to be able to go to the king of that to be able to go to the king of that area and say hey what's up with this you area and say hey what's up with this you area and say hey what's up with this you can't keep the people from your can't keep the people from your can't keep the people from your territory from attacking me and if you territory from attacking me and if you territory from attacking me and if you can't I'm gonna attack you and hold you can't I'm gonna attack you and hold you can't I'm gonna attack you and hold you responsible and I can't tell you how responsible and I can't tell you how responsible and I can't tell you how many times in the sources you run into many times in the sources you run into many times in the sources you run into the wonderful plausible deniability of the wonderful plausible deniability of the wonderful plausible deniability of decentralization let's call it that when decentralization let's call it that when decentralization let's call it that when some Viking ruler who almost certainly some Viking ruler who almost certainly some Viking ruler who almost certainly is the one doing the rating will tell is the one doing the rating will tell is the one doing the rating will tell some ruler nearby who's calling them on some ruler nearby who's calling them on some ruler nearby who's calling them on it hey it's not my people I don't even it hey it's not my people I don't even it hey it's not my people I don't even know what you're talking I'll be happy know what you're talking I'll be happy know what you're talking I'll be happy to investigate I'll find out who it is to investigate I'll find out who it is to investigate I'll find out who it is in one particular one I was reading I in one particular one I was reading I in one particular one I was reading I don't even know how to explain this but don't even know how to explain this but don't even know how to explain this but the gist of it was that the Viking ruler the gist of it was that the Viking ruler the gist of it was that the Viking ruler was accused by the Frankish King of was accused by the Frankish King of was accused by the Frankish King of raiding he said it's not me I don't know raiding he said it's not me I don't know raiding he said it's not me I don't know who it is but I'll investigate comes who it is but I'll investigate comes who it is but I'll investigate comes back later says I investigated it's back later says I investigated it's back later says I investigated it's these other people comes back later and these other people comes back later and these other people comes back later and says I got the other people I killed says I got the other people I killed says I got the other people I killed them now you should reward me for doing them now you should reward me for doing them now you should reward me for doing this and meanwhile he was likely the one this and meanwhile he was likely the one this and meanwhile he was likely the one doing the rating himself

doing the rating himself doing the rating himself and in fact the people that he may have and in fact the people that he may have and in fact the people that he may have killed may have been the allies of the killed may have been the allies of the killed may have been the allies of the people that he was trying to pressure people that he was trying to pressure people that he was trying to pressure for money that he was also raiding I for money that he was also raiding I for money that he was also raiding I mean it's mean it's mean it's let's just put it this way after a while let's just put it this way after a while let's just put it this way after a while and as the sources said he had talked and as the sources said he had talked and as the sources said he had talked about how uh how the uh the Danes about how uh how the uh the Danes about how uh how the uh the Danes weren't keeping their promises and you weren't keeping their promises and you weren't keeping their promises and you couldn't negotiate with them after a couldn't negotiate with them after a couldn't negotiate with them after a while centralization starts looking like while centralization starts looking like while centralization starts looking like a better deal a better deal a better deal and if you can get some of these Viking and if you can get some of these Viking and if you can get some of these Viking Warlords or Chieftains to convert to Warlords or Chieftains to convert to Warlords or Chieftains to convert to Christianity and then swing their people Christianity and then swing their people Christianity and then swing their people along with them well your pirate problem along with them well your pirate problem along with them well your pirate problem might go away and you might break this might go away and you might break this might go away and you might break this cultural phenomenons momentum in a way cultural phenomenons momentum in a way cultural phenomenons momentum in a way that allowed a long-term solution to the that allowed a long-term solution to the that allowed a long-term solution to the problem problem problem and as we said it's not a theoretical and as we said it's not a theoretical and as we said it's not a theoretical idea it's one that people like the idea it's one that people like the idea it's one that people like the byzantines can go check their own byzantines can go check their own byzantines can go check their own records they've seen it work time and records they've seen it work time and records they've seen it work time and time again and the Franks know that it time again and the Franks know that it time again and the Franks know that it works because it worked on them once works because it worked on them once works because it worked on them once upon a time upon a time upon a time so if that is your so if that is your so if that is your multi-generational Victory strategy to multi-generational Victory strategy to multi-generational Victory strategy to win a multi-generational war on terror win a multi-generational war on terror win a multi-generational war on terror what do you do in the interim I mean if what do you do in the interim I mean if what do you do in the interim I mean if you're going to solve this three or four you're going to solve this three or four you're going to solve this three or four generations from now what about the generations from now what about the generations from now what about the piracy that's going to happen in your piracy that's going to happen in your piracy that's going to happen in your domain next year and the year after that domain next year and the year after that domain next year and the year after that I mean is you're are your people even I mean is you're are your people even I mean is you're are your people even going to be around if this continues to going to be around if this continues to going to be around if this continues to get worse at the pace it's going right

get worse at the pace it's going right get worse at the pace it's going right now so I mean there's got to be a now so I mean there's got to be a now so I mean there's got to be a multi-pronged approach don't you think multi-pronged approach don't you think multi-pronged approach don't you think well the byzantines will do a lot of the well the byzantines will do a lot of the well the byzantines will do a lot of the same things that they do in the west same things that they do in the west same things that they do in the west it's interesting how the strategy is it's interesting how the strategy is it's interesting how the strategy is sort of parallel uh the byzantines do it sort of parallel uh the byzantines do it sort of parallel uh the byzantines do it in a much more Byzantine way though I in a much more Byzantine way though I in a much more Byzantine way though I mean the word Byzantine doesn't just mean the word Byzantine doesn't just mean the word Byzantine doesn't just refer to the Roman Empire's continuation refer to the Roman Empire's continuation refer to the Roman Empire's continuation into this era it also has a meaning into this era it also has a meaning into this era it also has a meaning connected originally to just how connected originally to just how connected originally to just how intricate and exquisite Byzantine intricate and exquisite Byzantine intricate and exquisite Byzantine diplomacy is right the highest diplomacy is right the highest diplomacy is right the highest refinement of the Roman Empire art refinement of the Roman Empire art refinement of the Roman Empire art can you imagine them dealing with an can you imagine them dealing with an can you imagine them dealing with an unsophisticated people like the Russ unsophisticated people like the Russ unsophisticated people like the Russ during this time period I mean it would during this time period I mean it would during this time period I mean it would be like a villager coming in for a be like a villager coming in for a be like a villager coming in for a contract meeting over whether or not you contract meeting over whether or not you contract meeting over whether or not you know he should sell his property to a know he should sell his property to a know he should sell his property to a high-level Sports attorney today or high-level Sports attorney today or high-level Sports attorney today or something in the same room something in the same room something in the same room when you be selling Manhattan for a when you be selling Manhattan for a when you be selling Manhattan for a bunch of beads again here just put your bunch of beads again here just put your bunch of beads again here just put your little X right here and we'll call it I little X right here and we'll call it I little X right here and we'll call it I mean Byzantine diplomacy is famous mean Byzantine diplomacy is famous mean Byzantine diplomacy is famous they'll have these people fighting and they'll have these people fighting and they'll have these people fighting and dying for their empire before this whole dying for their empire before this whole dying for their empire before this whole thing is over with and that's a great thing is over with and that's a great thing is over with and that's a great way to deflect you know the way to deflect you know the way to deflect you know the attention and attention and attention and ferociousness of this people in another ferociousness of this people in another ferociousness of this people in another direction right maybe even a direction direction right maybe even a direction direction right maybe even a direction the byzantines would find it to be a the byzantines would find it to be a the byzantines would find it to be a positive outlet for their enthusiasm positive outlet for their enthusiasm positive outlet for their enthusiasm right there murderous enthusiasm here go right there murderous enthusiasm here go right there murderous enthusiasm here go work off that energy against this uh

work off that energy against this uh work off that energy against this uh step tribe for us would you step tribe for us would you step tribe for us would you and then there's of course the ultimate and then there's of course the ultimate and then there's of course the ultimate answer which is the military response answer which is the military response answer which is the military response and the military response has two levels and the military response has two levels and the military response has two levels doesn't it one level is the higher level doesn't it one level is the higher level doesn't it one level is the higher level one right the strategy level one and the one right the strategy level one and the one right the strategy level one and the other level one is the Tactical level other level one is the Tactical level other level one is the Tactical level one what happens when you know your one what happens when you know your one what happens when you know your people with axes meet their people with people with axes meet their people with people with axes meet their people with swords that kind of thing swords that kind of thing swords that kind of thing the strategy part you start to see a the strategy part you start to see a the strategy part you start to see a reaction that's part of that Newtonian reaction that's part of that Newtonian reaction that's part of that Newtonian thing we were talking about earlier thing we were talking about earlier thing we were talking about earlier right this for every action there's an right this for every action there's an right this for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction well the equal and opposite reaction well the equal and opposite reaction well the Vikings keep raiding your Coast you're Vikings keep raiding your Coast you're Vikings keep raiding your Coast you're going to start trying to figure out how going to start trying to figure out how going to start trying to figure out how you can counter Punch or at least defend you can counter Punch or at least defend you can counter Punch or at least defend yourself and then the ways that that yourself and then the ways that that yourself and then the ways that that cropped up cropped up cropped up I want to say organically but maybe I'm I want to say organically but maybe I'm I want to say organically but maybe I'm not you know not being a historian not not you know not being a historian not not you know not being a historian not qualified to go there but but it seems qualified to go there but but it seems qualified to go there but but it seems like feudalism is the outcome how about like feudalism is the outcome how about like feudalism is the outcome how about that that that 75 years ago when people were much more 75 years ago when people were much more 75 years ago when people were much more direct in black and white and said a led direct in black and white and said a led direct in black and white and said a led to be led to C and it was also easy they to be led to C and it was also easy they to be led to C and it was also easy they would say that the feudal era you know would say that the feudal era you know would say that the feudal era you know the early nights in the Middle Ages and the early nights in the Middle Ages and the early nights in the Middle Ages and feudalism and castles and all that was a feudalism and castles and all that was a feudalism and castles and all that was a direct outgrowth of these Viking attacks direct outgrowth of these Viking attacks direct outgrowth of these Viking attacks this is the response right and it seemed this is the response right and it seemed this is the response right and it seemed to make sense because well it is a to make sense because well it is a to make sense because well it is a pretty good response to the Viking raids pretty good response to the Viking raids pretty good response to the Viking raids but it's much more complicated of course but it's much more complicated of course but it's much more complicated of course like everything now including the fact like everything now including the fact like everything now including the fact that feudalism is sort of a always that feudalism is sort of a always that feudalism is sort of a always around kind of thing it seems but in the

around kind of thing it seems but in the around kind of thing it seems but in the era following the Viking raids maybe you era following the Viking raids maybe you era following the Viking raids maybe you could say spikes feudalism is like a could say spikes feudalism is like a could say spikes feudalism is like a decentralization decentralization decentralization and you decentralize to try to allow the and you decentralize to try to allow the and you decentralize to try to allow the peoples on the scene to respond to a peoples on the scene to respond to a peoples on the scene to respond to a problem that happens quickly and goes problem that happens quickly and goes problem that happens quickly and goes away quickly right if you can't respond away quickly right if you can't respond away quickly right if you can't respond from the central Authority fast enough from the central Authority fast enough from the central Authority fast enough to do anything about you know lightning to do anything about you know lightning to do anything about you know lightning Viking attacks you need someone on the Viking attacks you need someone on the Viking attacks you need someone on the scene who can scene who can scene who can count so and so Duke you know what's his count so and so Duke you know what's his count so and so Duke you know what's his name name name maybe even maybe even maybe even another one of these Viking people to another one of these Viking people to another one of these Viking people to guard the territory from other Vikings guard the territory from other Vikings guard the territory from other Vikings this becomes a wonderful tool as we've this becomes a wonderful tool as we've this becomes a wonderful tool as we've said said said but strategy wise during this period the but strategy wise during this period the but strategy wise during this period the methods that are methods that are methods that are eventually adopted and encouraged and eventually adopted and encouraged and eventually adopted and encouraged and the momentum begins to the momentum begins to the momentum begins to you know push these things will then you know push these things will then you know push these things will then have an effect on the surrounding have an effect on the surrounding have an effect on the surrounding Society right so the the response to the Society right so the the response to the Society right so the the response to the Viking raids if that's what they are Viking raids if that's what they are Viking raids if that's what they are prompt this response that response then prompt this response that response then prompt this response that response then changes society that Society then is changes society that Society then is changes society that Society then is like the Middle Ages right how clear-cut like the Middle Ages right how clear-cut like the Middle Ages right how clear-cut were those wonderful old history books were those wonderful old history books were those wonderful old history books but there's enough truth in there for but there's enough truth in there for but there's enough truth in there for the short-term description to be kind of the short-term description to be kind of the short-term description to be kind of correct that on the strategy level uh correct that on the strategy level uh correct that on the strategy level uh looking for ways to respond to attacks looking for ways to respond to attacks looking for ways to respond to attacks that happen uh really quickly that happen uh really quickly that happen uh really quickly becomes Paramount and the Romans and the becomes Paramount and the Romans and the becomes Paramount and the Romans and the byzantines of course had had long had to

byzantines of course had had long had to byzantines of course had had long had to deal with similar problems and had deal with similar problems and had deal with similar problems and had organized their militaries in ways to be organized their militaries in ways to be organized their militaries in ways to be more Johnny on the spot to deal with more Johnny on the spot to deal with more Johnny on the spot to deal with threats that were far too you know threats that were far too you know threats that were far too you know quickly manifesting to go ask the quickly manifesting to go ask the quickly manifesting to go ask the central Authority for help right so this central Authority for help right so this central Authority for help right so this is not all of these things follow a sort is not all of these things follow a sort is not all of these things follow a sort of a rhythm cause and effect threat and of a rhythm cause and effect threat and of a rhythm cause and effect threat and response response response and as we had said all these changes are and as we had said all these changes are and as we had said all these changes are not just to deal with the Nordic not just to deal with the Nordic not just to deal with the Nordic Scandinavian types uh they're maybe the Scandinavian types uh they're maybe the Scandinavian types uh they're maybe the number one problem if you're a guy like number one problem if you're a guy like number one problem if you're a guy like Louis the pious but if you're a guy like Louis the pious but if you're a guy like Louis the pious but if you're a guy like Louis the pious you have raiding and Louis the pious you have raiding and Louis the pious you have raiding and piracy and brigandidge nibbling at every piracy and brigandidge nibbling at every piracy and brigandidge nibbling at every border you have you've got step tribes border you have you've got step tribes border you have you've got step tribes doing it in the East you've got Muslim doing it in the East you've got Muslim doing it in the East you've got Muslim pirates in the Mediterranean raiding all pirates in the Mediterranean raiding all pirates in the Mediterranean raiding all up and down into Italy you've got up and down into Italy you've got up and down into Italy you've got problems on the Spanish March problems on the Spanish March problems on the Spanish March continually so it might make sense to continually so it might make sense to continually so it might make sense to change this organization to allow for change this organization to allow for change this organization to allow for some sort of flying column ready relief some sort of flying column ready relief some sort of flying column ready relief Force whatever you want to say you know Force whatever you want to say you know Force whatever you want to say you know law enforcement on the scene law enforcement on the scene law enforcement on the scene um in general during this time period um in general during this time period um in general during this time period right right right but then you get to the second part of but then you get to the second part of but then you get to the second part of this problem right is that if everything this problem right is that if everything this problem right is that if everything works the way you're hoping it does and works the way you're hoping it does and works the way you're hoping it does and you're able to catch these people you're able to catch these people you're able to catch these people what then what then what then because traditionally Raiders and because traditionally Raiders and because traditionally Raiders and Pirates and brigands and those types do Pirates and brigands and those types do Pirates and brigands and those types do not give the authorities in air quotes not give the authorities in air quotes not give the authorities in air quotes whatever the authorities might be much whatever the authorities might be much whatever the authorities might be much trouble you don't generally hear of trouble you don't generally hear of trouble you don't generally hear of pirate fleets fighting it out you know pirate fleets fighting it out you know pirate fleets fighting it out you know head on with the Navies of states do you

head on with the Navies of states do you head on with the Navies of states do you but it isn't always easy and it depends but it isn't always easy and it depends but it isn't always easy and it depends on what sort of force shows up I mean on what sort of force shows up I mean on what sort of force shows up I mean the Vikings aren't like the Vikings aren't like the Vikings aren't like cornering the fox that stole a couple of cornering the fox that stole a couple of cornering the fox that stole a couple of hens from your chicken coop they're more hens from your chicken coop they're more hens from your chicken coop they're more like cornering the bear that kidnapped a like cornering the bear that kidnapped a like cornering the bear that kidnapped a family member and the first part of the family member and the first part of the family member and the first part of the battle is cornering the bear the second battle is cornering the bear the second battle is cornering the bear the second part of the battle is fighting the bear part of the battle is fighting the bear part of the battle is fighting the bear and of course discussing how to Corner and of course discussing how to Corner and of course discussing how to Corner the bear is strategy discussing how to the bear is strategy discussing how to the bear is strategy discussing how to fight the Bears tactics fight the Bears tactics fight the Bears tactics and if you're into wargaming this period and if you're into wargaming this period and if you're into wargaming this period as I am tactics are what it's all about as I am tactics are what it's all about as I am tactics are what it's all about right it's all about what the Vikings do right it's all about what the Vikings do right it's all about what the Vikings do on the field of battle versus their on the field of battle versus their on the field of battle versus their opponents so let's talk about that for a opponents so let's talk about that for a opponents so let's talk about that for a minute the first question worth asking minute the first question worth asking minute the first question worth asking about this whole thing is how many about this whole thing is how many about this whole thing is how many people do you have to have to have in in people do you have to have to have in in people do you have to have to have in in a military encounter to call it a battle a military encounter to call it a battle a military encounter to call it a battle is there a minimum number I'm just the is there a minimum number I'm just the is there a minimum number I'm just the reason I ask is because this is Warfare reason I ask is because this is Warfare reason I ask is because this is Warfare in the Early Middle Ages in the European in the Early Middle Ages in the European in the Early Middle Ages in the European theater and in this time and place the theater and in this time and place the theater and in this time and place the average size of battles seems smaller average size of battles seems smaller average size of battles seems smaller now it doesn't mean you don't get big now it doesn't mean you don't get big now it doesn't mean you don't get big battles from time to time it just means battles from time to time it just means battles from time to time it just means the battles that would be considered the battles that would be considered the battles that would be considered too tiny to even count as battles in too tiny to even count as battles in too tiny to even count as battles in other places and times count I mean you other places and times count I mean you other places and times count I mean you could have 900 guys against 900 guys in could have 900 guys against 900 guys in could have 900 guys against 900 guys in Anglo-Saxon England and that could Anglo-Saxon England and that could Anglo-Saxon England and that could easily be legit easily be legit easily be legit but a thousand years before this period but a thousand years before this period but a thousand years before this period That's a reconnaissance clash between

That's a reconnaissance clash between That's a reconnaissance clash between the Romans and the carthaginians in one the Romans and the carthaginians in one the Romans and the carthaginians in one of the Punic Wars right so this is not of the Punic Wars right so this is not of the Punic Wars right so this is not exactly the high water mark of the exactly the high water mark of the exactly the high water mark of the European European European you know military history section of the you know military history section of the you know military history section of the history book it is a great period for history book it is a great period for history book it is a great period for other militaries I mean China's got a other militaries I mean China's got a other militaries I mean China's got a good one in this period uh the Persians good one in this period uh the Persians good one in this period uh the Persians are always strong the Islamic areas are always strong the Islamic areas are always strong the Islamic areas um of the Middle East and uh in Spain um of the Middle East and uh in Spain um of the Middle East and uh in Spain even in this period uh tough good even in this period uh tough good even in this period uh tough good militaries militaries militaries but the civilizations in Western Europe but the civilizations in Western Europe but the civilizations in Western Europe during this era can't support the same during this era can't support the same during this era can't support the same kind of militaries that they could kind of militaries that they could kind of militaries that they could support in that same region hundreds of support in that same region hundreds of support in that same region hundreds of years before this time when the Roman years before this time when the Roman years before this time when the Roman Empire was running the show Empire was running the show Empire was running the show not on the Strategic level and not on not on the Strategic level and not on not on the Strategic level and not on the Tactical level and not on the the Tactical level and not on the the Tactical level and not on the you know whole society level I mean the you know whole society level I mean the you know whole society level I mean the Romans had something nobody knows right Romans had something nobody knows right Romans had something nobody knows right something like 500 000 men under arms something like 500 000 men under arms something like 500 000 men under arms now that's not on any one Battlefield at now that's not on any one Battlefield at now that's not on any one Battlefield at any specific time but that's the size of any specific time but that's the size of any specific time but that's the size of their military think about this think their military think about this think their military think about this think about what's involved in a state about what's involved in a state about what's involved in a state supporting a military edifice like that supporting a military edifice like that supporting a military edifice like that and everything that goes with that they and everything that goes with that they and everything that goes with that they can't do that in Western Europe during can't do that in Western Europe during can't do that in Western Europe during this time period Central Europe during this time period Central Europe during this time period Central Europe during this time period even the great this time period even the great this time period even the great carolingian state here that has the carolingian state here that has the carolingian state here that has the largest amount of European territories largest amount of European territories largest amount of European territories under one ruler that you're going to under one ruler that you're going to under one ruler that you're going to have until Napoleon's times can't do have until Napoleon's times can't do have until Napoleon's times can't do that that that and it can't do it on the micro level and it can't do it on the micro level and it can't do it on the micro level either where you know on the Tactical either where you know on the Tactical either where you know on the Tactical level the Romans can put twenty thousand

level the Romans can put twenty thousand level the Romans can put twenty thousand thirty thousand forty thousand people in thirty thousand forty thousand people in thirty thousand forty thousand people in the field right the Chinese can do that the field right the Chinese can do that the field right the Chinese can do that too too too how do you feed that how do you feed that how do you feed that I mean how do you logistically support I mean how do you logistically support I mean how do you logistically support that how do you get what you need to the that how do you get what you need to the that how do you get what you need to the people who need it I mean that's again people who need it I mean that's again people who need it I mean that's again something they can't do in the European something they can't do in the European something they can't do in the European theater in this era which is why the theater in this era which is why the theater in this era which is why the armies are smaller armies are smaller armies are smaller 900 guys against 900 guys could be a 900 guys against 900 guys could be a 900 guys against 900 guys could be a legit battle in this place in this time legit battle in this place in this time legit battle in this place in this time so I'm trying to figure out what even so I'm trying to figure out what even so I'm trying to figure out what even counts it's worth pointing out that I counts it's worth pointing out that I counts it's worth pointing out that I don't think you have this Viking in don't think you have this Viking in don't think you have this Viking in quotes problem in an earlier era because quotes problem in an earlier era because quotes problem in an earlier era because I think they're just too tiny of a I think they're just too tiny of a I think they're just too tiny of a of a population to do much more than act of a population to do much more than act of a population to do much more than act as a bunch of gnats right just sort of as a bunch of gnats right just sort of as a bunch of gnats right just sort of bothering you as opposed to threatening bothering you as opposed to threatening bothering you as opposed to threatening you you you and there was a great question asked in and there was a great question asked in and there was a great question asked in Hansel Brook's histories of more than a Hansel Brook's histories of more than a Hansel Brook's histories of more than a hundred years ago you know the reason hundred years ago you know the reason hundred years ago you know the reason that they still print these histories is that they still print these histories is that they still print these histories is not because they're accurate because not because they're accurate because not because they're accurate because they're completely out of date in so they're completely out of date in so they're completely out of date in so many ways it's because there's certain many ways it's because there's certain many ways it's because there's certain elements of them that still touch us H.G elements of them that still touch us H.G elements of them that still touch us H.G Wells is history from 100 years ago does Wells is history from 100 years ago does Wells is history from 100 years ago does too but in Dell Brooks piece he'll talk too but in Dell Brooks piece he'll talk too but in Dell Brooks piece he'll talk about about about the numbers that the you know the Franks the numbers that the you know the Franks the numbers that the you know the Franks under a guy like Louis the Pius or under a guy like Louis the Pius or under a guy like Louis the Pius or Charlemagne the kind of numbers that a Charlemagne the kind of numbers that a Charlemagne the kind of numbers that a people like that could theoretically put people like that could theoretically put people like that could theoretically put in the field if this is a modern if it's in the field if this is a modern if it's in the field if this is a modern if it's the first world war and you have the the first world war and you have the the first world war and you have the Frankish Empire like this and they can Frankish Empire like this and they can Frankish Empire like this and they can conscript you know this giant amount of conscript you know this giant amount of conscript you know this giant amount of their population which is huge they their population which is huge they their population which is huge they could really just make Scandinavia go could really just make Scandinavia go could really just make Scandinavia go away

away away Sienna Navy's got what what did we say Sienna Navy's got what what did we say Sienna Navy's got what what did we say maybe a million maybe a million 500 000 maybe a million maybe a million 500 000 maybe a million maybe a million 500 000 people in this era maybe less people in this era maybe less people in this era maybe less so the Franks should be able to crush so the Franks should be able to crush so the Franks should be able to crush these people in Scandinavian this period these people in Scandinavian this period these people in Scandinavian this period and Del Brook asked the question and Del Brook asked the question and Del Brook asked the question you know why the millions available to you know why the millions available to you know why the millions available to the Franks wasn't able to do that and the Franks wasn't able to do that and the Franks wasn't able to do that and then he answers it then he answers it then he answers it and the way he answers It Is by talking and the way he answers It Is by talking and the way he answers It Is by talking about the amount of the population that about the amount of the population that about the amount of the population that goes to war in these various societies goes to war in these various societies goes to war in these various societies the Vikings he says the Scandinavians in the Vikings he says the Scandinavians in the Vikings he says the Scandinavians in this period are are in a warrior Society this period are are in a warrior Society this period are are in a warrior Society military level of development and in military level of development and in military level of development and in those kinds of societies it's pretty those kinds of societies it's pretty those kinds of societies it's pretty much every free man is a soldier and much every free man is a soldier and much every free man is a soldier and when you show up to the battlefield when you show up to the battlefield when you show up to the battlefield everybody brings their own weapons and everybody brings their own weapons and everybody brings their own weapons and their own armor and they show up they're their own armor and they show up they're their own armor and they show up they're prepared to fight it's a big prepared to fight it's a big prepared to fight it's a big cross-section of the adult male part of cross-section of the adult male part of cross-section of the adult male part of the population the population the population but and this is Del Brooks thinking but but and this is Del Brooks thinking but but and this is Del Brooks thinking but it was popular during the time and I'm it was popular during the time and I'm it was popular during the time and I'm not so sure it's out of date but when not so sure it's out of date but when not so sure it's out of date but when societies become more specialized and societies become more specialized and societies become more specialized and this isn't even a modern thing you see this isn't even a modern thing you see this isn't even a modern thing you see the same dynamic between say the the same dynamic between say the the same dynamic between say the Assyrians in the biblical age and the Assyrians in the biblical age and the Assyrians in the biblical age and the nomadic and you know so-called Barbarian nomadic and you know so-called Barbarian nomadic and you know so-called Barbarian peoples you know around them once peoples you know around them once peoples you know around them once Society becomes more modern it begins to Society becomes more modern it begins to Society becomes more modern it begins to separate into categories and separate into categories and separate into categories and specializations right people do specializations right people do specializations right people do different jobs different jobs different jobs and one of the jobs is soldiering and and one of the jobs is soldiering and and one of the jobs is soldiering and the society supports a small segmenting

the society supports a small segmenting the society supports a small segmenting an upper crust of the population who an upper crust of the population who an upper crust of the population who does the fighting for them and then the does the fighting for them and then the does the fighting for them and then the rest of the population either through rest of the population either through rest of the population either through their tax dollars dollars you know what their tax dollars dollars you know what their tax dollars dollars you know what I mean their taxes or their um you know I mean their taxes or their um you know I mean their taxes or their um you know they're in the carolingian state for they're in the carolingian state for they're in the carolingian state for example uh if you own a certain amount example uh if you own a certain amount example uh if you own a certain amount of land you have to fight and a bunch of of land you have to fight and a bunch of of land you have to fight and a bunch of other people can then outfit the warrior other people can then outfit the warrior other people can then outfit the warrior so that everybody sort of pools their so that everybody sort of pools their so that everybody sort of pools their resources and puts a good you know resources and puts a good you know resources and puts a good you know well-equipped well-armored warrior in well-equipped well-armored warrior in well-equipped well-armored warrior in the field the field the field um but it's not the whole population and um but it's not the whole population and um but it's not the whole population and so Del Brook says what that means is so Del Brook says what that means is so Del Brook says what that means is that on the day of the battle when that on the day of the battle when that on the day of the battle when everybody shows up to the battlefield everybody shows up to the battlefield everybody shows up to the battlefield this smaller Society these Danes for this smaller Society these Danes for this smaller Society these Danes for example are able to put a larger example are able to put a larger example are able to put a larger percentage of their population onto the percentage of their population onto the percentage of their population onto the field than the people in the Carol field than the people in the Carol field than the people in the Carol engine state they're fighting engine state they're fighting engine state they're fighting now here's where I want to break it down now here's where I want to break it down now here's where I want to break it down a little bit more because this is where a little bit more because this is where a little bit more because this is where it gets interesting to me I don't think it gets interesting to me I don't think it gets interesting to me I don't think the Vikings are particularly better as the Vikings are particularly better as the Vikings are particularly better as Warriors or soldiers or Fighters than Warriors or soldiers or Fighters than Warriors or soldiers or Fighters than the best troops of their enemies and we the best troops of their enemies and we the best troops of their enemies and we should first make a disclaimer that should first make a disclaimer that should first make a disclaimer that there's basically two stories here and there's basically two stories here and there's basically two stories here and in the anglo-american west we really in the anglo-american west we really in the anglo-american west we really only followed one probably until the only followed one probably until the only followed one probably until the 1980s 1990s I mean you started really 1980s 1990s I mean you started really 1980s 1990s I mean you started really getting into it after the fall of the getting into it after the fall of the getting into it after the fall of the Soviet Union but there's two Viking Soviet Union but there's two Viking Soviet Union but there's two Viking worlds right as far as we were concerned worlds right as far as we were concerned worlds right as far as we were concerned and Cat Jarman and River King suggest we and Cat Jarman and River King suggest we and Cat Jarman and River King suggest we should fuse these and start treating should fuse these and start treating should fuse these and start treating them as one Viking world because that's them as one Viking world because that's them as one Viking world because that's how the Vikings would have treated it how the Vikings would have treated it how the Vikings would have treated it but what's going on in the East is so but what's going on in the East is so but what's going on in the East is so different than what's going on in the different than what's going on in the different than what's going on in the west the Vikings that went East have to west the Vikings that went East have to west the Vikings that went East have to face very diverse you know kinds of

face very diverse you know kinds of face very diverse you know kinds of armies and not just one of them I mean armies and not just one of them I mean armies and not just one of them I mean the challenge of facing those nomadic the challenge of facing those nomadic the challenge of facing those nomadic horse archers of the step is a very horse archers of the step is a very horse archers of the step is a very different challenge than facing you know different challenge than facing you know different challenge than facing you know Byzantine forces which are organized a Byzantine forces which are organized a Byzantine forces which are organized a little like the old Romans were in terms little like the old Romans were in terms little like the old Romans were in terms of I mean they do have a modern style of I mean they do have a modern style of I mean they do have a modern style military they do equip their troops military they do equip their troops military they do equip their troops uniformly they do pay out of a treasury uniformly they do pay out of a treasury uniformly they do pay out of a treasury right they they Supply them out of a right they they Supply them out of a right they they Supply them out of a Supply Depot that's not how things work Supply Depot that's not how things work Supply Depot that's not how things work in Western Europe during this period in in Western Europe during this period in in Western Europe during this period in fact you've probably gone to a party fact you've probably gone to a party fact you've probably gone to a party once upon a time where they've they've once upon a time where they've they've once upon a time where they've they've said on the invitation and it's BYOB said on the invitation and it's BYOB said on the invitation and it's BYOB bring your own beer in this period in bring your own beer in this period in bring your own beer in this period in fact in most of human history up until fact in most of human history up until fact in most of human history up until modern times it was much more common to modern times it was much more common to modern times it was much more common to have a byog system of warfare rather have a byog system of warfare rather have a byog system of warfare rather than be you know something like the than be you know something like the than be you know something like the byzantines or the Romans or the Chinese byzantines or the Romans or the Chinese byzantines or the Romans or the Chinese or the way we are today or the way we are today or the way we are today byog means bring your own gear byog means bring your own gear byog means bring your own gear I was trying to imagine if we still did I was trying to imagine if we still did I was trying to imagine if we still did this today or if we had a single event this today or if we had a single event this today or if we had a single event where we had to and they organized a war where we had to and they organized a war where we had to and they organized a war and they said we're gonna have a big and they said we're gonna have a big and they said we're gonna have a big battle in this giant open field you know battle in this giant open field you know battle in this giant open field you know near the hills nearby near the hills nearby near the hills nearby um everybody in your whole town has to um everybody in your whole town has to um everybody in your whole town has to line up there you know all the fighting line up there you know all the fighting line up there you know all the fighting age males is what they'd say in the old age males is what they'd say in the old age males is what they'd say in the old days days days and it's byog can you imagine what shows and it's byog can you imagine what shows and it's byog can you imagine what shows up to that field and you'd line up in my up to that field and you'd line up in my up to that field and you'd line up in my mind's eye you line up just like they mind's eye you line up just like they mind's eye you line up just like they did in the old days whether you're did in the old days whether you're did in the old days whether you're Vikings or whether you're you're Franks Vikings or whether you're you're Franks Vikings or whether you're you're Franks I mean they did it by either towns or I mean they did it by either towns or I mean they did it by either towns or Clans or can I mean but but you were

Clans or can I mean but but you were Clans or can I mean but but you were associated with people that live near associated with people that live near associated with people that live near you right so you'd line up with your you right so you'd line up with your you right so you'd line up with your neighborhood Maybe neighborhood Maybe neighborhood Maybe and you can imagine the differences in and you can imagine the differences in and you can imagine the differences in the equipment based on any number of the equipment based on any number of the equipment based on any number of factors right I mean certainly the factors right I mean certainly the factors right I mean certainly the wealthy are going to have nicer stuff wealthy are going to have nicer stuff wealthy are going to have nicer stuff than the poorer folk right than the poorer folk right than the poorer folk right and the people who have a real interest and the people who have a real interest and the people who have a real interest or experience or who do this all the or experience or who do this all the or experience or who do this all the time likely to have better gear than time likely to have better gear than time likely to have better gear than those who don't so I'm imagining you those who don't so I'm imagining you those who don't so I'm imagining you know one neighbor shows up and they're a know one neighbor shows up and they're a know one neighbor shows up and they're a gun enthusiast and they have an AR-15 gun enthusiast and they have an AR-15 gun enthusiast and they have an AR-15 with a nice scope with a nice scope with a nice scope and they come with body armor that they and they come with body armor that they and they come with body armor that they own and they've got a big truck with a own and they've got a big truck with a own and they've got a big truck with a big Spotlight up on the top of it I mean big Spotlight up on the top of it I mean big Spotlight up on the top of it I mean very useful when you're going to have very useful when you're going to have very useful when you're going to have battle day battle day battle day and their next door neighbor shows up and their next door neighbor shows up and their next door neighbor shows up and they've got the nine millimeter and they've got the nine millimeter and they've got the nine millimeter handgun that they keep on the nightstand handgun that they keep on the nightstand handgun that they keep on the nightstand for home defense and their kids football for home defense and their kids football for home defense and their kids football helmet and their other kids hockey and helmet and their other kids hockey and helmet and their other kids hockey and baseball catchers gear for their armor I baseball catchers gear for their armor I baseball catchers gear for their armor I mean that's a little what it's going to mean that's a little what it's going to mean that's a little what it's going to look like in this period there's nothing look like in this period there's nothing look like in this period there's nothing uniform about a byog era battle uniform about a byog era battle uniform about a byog era battle and the kind of equipment someone's and the kind of equipment someone's and the kind of equipment someone's gonna have is going to be based on any gonna have is going to be based on any gonna have is going to be based on any number of factors including you know how number of factors including you know how number of factors including you know how many previous engagements they've taken many previous engagements they've taken many previous engagements they've taken part in I you know it's like it's like a part in I you know it's like it's like a part in I you know it's like it's like a Dungeons and Dragons character here and Dungeons and Dragons character here and Dungeons and Dragons character here and the amount of quests that you've gone on the amount of quests that you've gone on the amount of quests that you've gone on already kind of impacts what you have to already kind of impacts what you have to already kind of impacts what you have to fight with because after you know you fight with because after you know you fight with because after you know you may start your first campaign with may start your first campaign with may start your first campaign with almost nothing and after a few of those almost nothing and after a few of those almost nothing and after a few of those you come back and you've gotten some you come back and you've gotten some you come back and you've gotten some armor from one of these quests that you

armor from one of these quests that you armor from one of these quests that you went on and you made enough money to buy went on and you made enough money to buy went on and you made enough money to buy a sword at burka with another one and a sword at burka with another one and a sword at burka with another one and you show up on the day of the battle you show up on the day of the battle you show up on the day of the battle with better stuff than you know you with better stuff than you know you with better stuff than you know you would have shown up with a couple of would have shown up with a couple of would have shown up with a couple of years previously years previously years previously now in terms of what people are fighting now in terms of what people are fighting now in terms of what people are fighting with this is an interesting aspect too with this is an interesting aspect too with this is an interesting aspect too first of all let's talk about you know first of all let's talk about you know first of all let's talk about you know how hard it is to get your hands on some how hard it is to get your hands on some how hard it is to get your hands on some of this stuff of this stuff of this stuff um um um the Franks have and it's kind of famous the Franks have and it's kind of famous the Franks have and it's kind of famous and it's it's I find it fascinating and it's it's I find it fascinating and it's it's I find it fascinating personally they have an arms industry personally they have an arms industry personally they have an arms industry and I don't mean an arms industry where and I don't mean an arms industry where and I don't mean an arms industry where they're just making weapons and armor they're just making weapons and armor they're just making weapons and armor and stuff for their own people they and stuff for their own people they and stuff for their own people they export this stuff it almost looks modern export this stuff it almost looks modern export this stuff it almost looks modern at times and you will see the Franks cut at times and you will see the Franks cut at times and you will see the Franks cut off uh access to this equipment to off uh access to this equipment to off uh access to this equipment to people that they don't want well armed people that they don't want well armed people that they don't want well armed Charlemagne will declare that the you Charlemagne will declare that the you Charlemagne will declare that the you know the the best swords and the armor know the the best swords and the armor know the the best swords and the armor that the Franks make in their workshops that the Franks make in their workshops that the Franks make in their workshops are not to be exported to the Danes and are not to be exported to the Danes and are not to be exported to the Danes and the Viking peoples and then it's Charles the Viking peoples and then it's Charles the Viking peoples and then it's Charles the bald the descendant of his I believe the bald the descendant of his I believe the bald the descendant of his I believe that makes it a capital offense you get that makes it a capital offense you get that makes it a capital offense you get your head cut off or you'll get hanged your head cut off or you'll get hanged your head cut off or you'll get hanged if you give Frankie's swords to the if you give Frankie's swords to the if you give Frankie's swords to the Viking peoples right can't give them the Viking peoples right can't give them the Viking peoples right can't give them the best military hardware available they're best military hardware available they're best military hardware available they're dangerous enough without it dangerous enough without it dangerous enough without it thank you thank you thank you and the question of armor is a good one and the question of armor is a good one and the question of armor is a good one and this is for geeks Like Yours Truly and this is for geeks Like Yours Truly and this is for geeks Like Yours Truly but all during my life the feeling on but all during my life the feeling on but all during my life the feeling on how common armor was in this era and in how common armor was in this era and in how common armor was in this era and in these places has sort of fluctuated and these places has sort of fluctuated and these places has sort of fluctuated and gone through phases when I was a kid it

gone through phases when I was a kid it gone through phases when I was a kid it was thought to be really rare and then was thought to be really rare and then was thought to be really rare and then we went through a period there I want to we went through a period there I want to we went through a period there I want to say 80s 90s where um there was this idea say 80s 90s where um there was this idea say 80s 90s where um there was this idea that maybe it wasn't as rare as that maybe it wasn't as rare as that maybe it wasn't as rare as previously thought and now we're back previously thought and now we're back previously thought and now we're back toward this it was very rare kind of an toward this it was very rare kind of an toward this it was very rare kind of an attitude attitude attitude um and I was reading one book where they um and I was reading one book where they um and I was reading one book where they were trying to come up with a an amount were trying to come up with a an amount were trying to come up with a an amount of effort required and an amount of time of effort required and an amount of time of effort required and an amount of time required to make some of this stuff they required to make some of this stuff they required to make some of this stuff they were talking about a male shirt so think were talking about a male shirt so think were talking about a male shirt so think about a standard shirt not not the extra about a standard shirt not not the extra about a standard shirt not not the extra long version that goes down to mid thigh long version that goes down to mid thigh long version that goes down to mid thigh or down past your elbows for sleeves or down past your elbows for sleeves or down past your elbows for sleeves just the really like a t-shirt just the really like a t-shirt just the really like a t-shirt of interlocking iron Rings right mail of interlocking iron Rings right mail of interlocking iron Rings right mail chain mail and in the one book that I chain mail and in the one book that I chain mail and in the one book that I was reading it said that it might take was reading it said that it might take was reading it said that it might take four Smiths right these are trained four Smiths right these are trained four Smiths right these are trained individuals Professionals of their time individuals Professionals of their time individuals Professionals of their time period Craftsmen four Smiths 18 months period Craftsmen four Smiths 18 months period Craftsmen four Smiths 18 months to make a male shirt to make a male shirt to make a male shirt and you have to add the cost of the and you have to add the cost of the and you have to add the cost of the metal which was not inconsiderable at metal which was not inconsiderable at metal which was not inconsiderable at that time that time that time and then according to a 7th Century and then according to a 7th Century and then according to a 7th Century Frankish illegal text it was explaining Frankish illegal text it was explaining Frankish illegal text it was explaining the relative costs of equipment and it the relative costs of equipment and it the relative costs of equipment and it said that a helmet right so you're you said that a helmet right so you're you said that a helmet right so you're you know helmet's going to protect your head know helmet's going to protect your head know helmet's going to protect your head pretty important in Warfare right like a pretty important in Warfare right like a pretty important in Warfare right like a football helmet in football football helmet in football football helmet in football so that a helmet cost as much as a so that a helmet cost as much as a so that a helmet cost as much as a shield spear and sword combined so you shield spear and sword combined so you shield spear and sword combined so you can have a shield a spear and a sword can have a shield a spear and a sword can have a shield a spear and a sword for the cost of a helmet and then it for the cost of a helmet and then it for the cost of a helmet and then it said a coat of mail cost twice the price said a coat of mail cost twice the price said a coat of mail cost twice the price of a helmet it's like an algebraic word

of a helmet it's like an algebraic word of a helmet it's like an algebraic word problem isn't it problem isn't it problem isn't it um um um but so two helmets for a t-shirt of ring but so two helmets for a t-shirt of ring but so two helmets for a t-shirt of ring mail mail mail so that gives you an idea of how so that gives you an idea of how so that gives you an idea of how expensive this stuff is and perhaps how expensive this stuff is and perhaps how expensive this stuff is and perhaps how rare modern testing has shown just how modern testing has shown just how protective a nice protective a nice protective a nice you know chain mail shirt and a helmet you know chain mail shirt and a helmet you know chain mail shirt and a helmet is especially against sword cuts which is especially against sword cuts which is especially against sword cuts which were one of the really big threats were one of the really big threats were one of the really big threats during this time period and you can during this time period and you can during this time period and you can always tell what the threats were always tell what the threats were always tell what the threats were because you look at the armor and you because you look at the armor and you because you look at the armor and you can see with the armor is built to stop can see with the armor is built to stop can see with the armor is built to stop so the helmets that are going to be all so the helmets that are going to be all so the helmets that are going to be all the Vogue the Vogue the Vogue coming into the period and into the next coming into the period and into the next coming into the period and into the next period of the so-called nasal Helms the period of the so-called nasal Helms the period of the so-called nasal Helms the ones that look usually pointed but they ones that look usually pointed but they ones that look usually pointed but they can be rounded at the top but they have can be rounded at the top but they have can be rounded at the top but they have one piece of metal that extends from the one piece of metal that extends from the one piece of metal that extends from the helmet down sort of over the nose and it helmet down sort of over the nose and it helmet down sort of over the nose and it is so clearly designed to stop a sword is so clearly designed to stop a sword is so clearly designed to stop a sword cut across the face right horizontally cut across the face right horizontally cut across the face right horizontally across the face across the face across the face but these kinds of things as you could but these kinds of things as you could but these kinds of things as you could see would be really important on a field see would be really important on a field see would be really important on a field of battle and if some people get to wear of battle and if some people get to wear of battle and if some people get to wear you know helmets in the football game you know helmets in the football game you know helmets in the football game and some people have to go without and some people have to go without and some people have to go without um you could see why it would be um you could see why it would be um you could see why it would be something that was coveted whether or something that was coveted whether or something that was coveted whether or not you're stealing it from someone else not you're stealing it from someone else not you're stealing it from someone else on a raid or whether or not you're part on a raid or whether or not you're part on a raid or whether or not you're part of that wonderful Entourage of the of that wonderful Entourage of the of that wonderful Entourage of the professional Elite who serve a warlord professional Elite who serve a warlord professional Elite who serve a warlord or a viking yarl or King

or a viking yarl or King or a viking yarl or King the Herdman the house corals the Posse the Herdman the house corals the Posse the Herdman the house corals the Posse the Entourage or as my Army list once the Entourage or as my Army list once the Entourage or as my Army list once referred to them the Warlords retinue referred to them the Warlords retinue referred to them the Warlords retinue the historian we quoted earlier said the historian we quoted earlier said the historian we quoted earlier said that this was a consumption society and that this was a consumption society and that this was a consumption society and that it was based on gift giving and that it was based on gift giving and that it was based on gift giving and power was heavily connected to gift power was heavily connected to gift power was heavily connected to gift giving him one of the best gifts must giving him one of the best gifts must giving him one of the best gifts must have been military equipment have been military equipment have been military equipment and the people who formed these retinues and the people who formed these retinues and the people who formed these retinues of elite troops who were well armored of elite troops who were well armored of elite troops who were well armored and well-equipped and well-trained and and well-equipped and well-trained and and well-equipped and well-trained and very experienced with you know Elite very experienced with you know Elite very experienced with you know Elite sort of status these people formed sort of status these people formed sort of status these people formed either the tip of the spear for the either the tip of the spear for the either the tip of the spear for the Viking forces or you could and this Viking forces or you could and this Viking forces or you could and this applies to other applies to other applies to other armies in the Middle Ages as well or you armies in the Middle Ages as well or you armies in the Middle Ages as well or you could mix them through the formations of could mix them through the formations of could mix them through the formations of the lower quality troops to stiffen them the lower quality troops to stiffen them the lower quality troops to stiffen them as it would be called right so these are as it would be called right so these are as it would be called right so these are your first class troops in any Viking your first class troops in any Viking your first class troops in any Viking Army Army Army now the situation for the Anglo-Saxons now the situation for the Anglo-Saxons now the situation for the Anglo-Saxons in England are going to be like you know in England are going to be like you know in England are going to be like you know Viking sort of organization mixed a Viking sort of organization mixed a Viking sort of organization mixed a little bit with the kind of organization little bit with the kind of organization little bit with the kind of organization that they would have in uh the Frankish that they would have in uh the Frankish that they would have in uh the Frankish territories on the continent territories on the continent territories on the continent now let's contrast this for a minute now let's contrast this for a minute now let's contrast this for a minute with something like what they do with something like what they do with something like what they do um in Charlemagne's realm or Louis the um in Charlemagne's realm or Louis the um in Charlemagne's realm or Louis the pious is around the Caroline Gene Franks pious is around the Caroline Gene Franks pious is around the Caroline Gene Franks there the central Authority is going to there the central Authority is going to there the central Authority is going to set minimum standards for people and

set minimum standards for people and set minimum standards for people and they're they're not going to give you they're they're not going to give you they're they're not going to give you equipment the way the byzantines perhaps equipment the way the byzantines perhaps equipment the way the byzantines perhaps will do for their troops they're going will do for their troops they're going will do for their troops they're going to tell you what you have to show up to tell you what you have to show up to tell you what you have to show up with and they're going to tell you if with and they're going to tell you if with and they're going to tell you if you have this much land you have to have you have this much land you have to have you have this much land you have to have this kind of equipment right so the more this kind of equipment right so the more this kind of equipment right so the more land you own the more likely it is you land you own the more likely it is you land you own the more likely it is you have to have better gear have to have better gear have to have better gear and oftentimes a bunch of people will and oftentimes a bunch of people will and oftentimes a bunch of people will sort of pool their resources to outfit sort of pool their resources to outfit sort of pool their resources to outfit one Warrior well but what that means is one Warrior well but what that means is one Warrior well but what that means is generally the carolingians are going to generally the carolingians are going to generally the carolingians are going to have better stuff have better stuff have better stuff on more of their soldiers than the on more of their soldiers than the on more of their soldiers than the Vikings they face Vikings they face Vikings they face which brings me to which brings me to which brings me to um this idea of the kind of troops that um this idea of the kind of troops that um this idea of the kind of troops that we're dealing with here Vikings have a we're dealing with here Vikings have a we're dealing with here Vikings have a fearsome reputation fearsome reputation fearsome reputation and they had the reputation at the time and they had the reputation at the time and they had the reputation at the time so there's a psychological intimidation so there's a psychological intimidation so there's a psychological intimidation question that the best units in Warfare question that the best units in Warfare question that the best units in Warfare have always possessed have always possessed have always possessed if you're looking for my boxing analogy if you're looking for my boxing analogy if you're looking for my boxing analogy on this you look at your sunny listings on this you look at your sunny listings on this you look at your sunny listings your George foremans your Mike Tyson's your George foremans your Mike Tyson's your George foremans your Mike Tyson's and boxing trainers used to say that and boxing trainers used to say that and boxing trainers used to say that some of their opponents were defeated some of their opponents were defeated some of their opponents were defeated before they even came into the ring before they even came into the ring before they even came into the ring Michael Spinks before he fought Tyson Michael Spinks before he fought Tyson Michael Spinks before he fought Tyson he's already lost the fight and the same he's already lost the fight and the same he's already lost the fight and the same is probably true on a lot of is probably true on a lot of is probably true on a lot of battlefields and in fact as many of you battlefields and in fact as many of you battlefields and in fact as many of you have emailed me there's a um sort of a have emailed me there's a um sort of a have emailed me there's a um sort of a revisionist idea going on right now revisionist idea going on right now revisionist idea going on right now about whether or not the Spartans in the about whether or not the Spartans in the about whether or not the Spartans in the ancient Greek world were as nasty ancient Greek world were as nasty ancient Greek world were as nasty Fighters and as organized and and raised Fighters and as organized and and raised Fighters and as organized and and raised the way we thought and always treated the way we thought and always treated the way we thought and always treated them or whether or not they just had a them or whether or not they just had a them or whether or not they just had a sort of a psychological Edge on their sort of a psychological Edge on their sort of a psychological Edge on their opponents

opponents opponents and the Vikings certainly had that but and the Vikings certainly had that but and the Vikings certainly had that but otherwise if you were to get an artist otherwise if you were to get an artist otherwise if you were to get an artist rendering of a Viking a well-equipped rendering of a Viking a well-equipped rendering of a Viking a well-equipped Viking Warrior and put it next to an Viking Warrior and put it next to an Viking Warrior and put it next to an artist rendering of a well-equipped artist rendering of a well-equipped artist rendering of a well-equipped Anglo-Saxon Warrior from England or a Anglo-Saxon Warrior from England or a Anglo-Saxon Warrior from England or a well-equipped well-equipped well-equipped um you know heavy cavalrymen from the um you know heavy cavalrymen from the um you know heavy cavalrymen from the Frankish one of the Frankish kingdoms Frankish one of the Frankish kingdoms Frankish one of the Frankish kingdoms put them all next to each other other put them all next to each other other put them all next to each other other than the Cosmetic differences right the than the Cosmetic differences right the than the Cosmetic differences right the hairstyles and those kinds of things and hairstyles and those kinds of things and hairstyles and those kinds of things and the clothing the clothing the clothing from a military standpoint they are from a military standpoint they are from a military standpoint they are pretty interchangeable aren't they pretty interchangeable aren't they pretty interchangeable aren't they I mean they're all going to have the I mean they're all going to have the I mean they're all going to have the round Shield that's so common in Europe round Shield that's so common in Europe round Shield that's so common in Europe in this era in this era in this era they're all going to have some they're all going to have some they're all going to have some combination of Swords Spears axes I mean combination of Swords Spears axes I mean combination of Swords Spears axes I mean their weapons are not different although their weapons are not different although their weapons are not different although the Scandinavians make somewhat more use the Scandinavians make somewhat more use the Scandinavians make somewhat more use of archery than they do on the continent of archery than they do on the continent of archery than they do on the continent or Anglo-Saxon England or Anglo-Saxon England or Anglo-Saxon England conversely on the continent they have conversely on the continent they have conversely on the continent they have true Cavalry which they do not use in true Cavalry which they do not use in true Cavalry which they do not use in England or in Scandinavia yet I mean England or in Scandinavia yet I mean England or in Scandinavia yet I mean they fight from the saddle a lot of they fight from the saddle a lot of they fight from the saddle a lot of people use horses and just dismount on people use horses and just dismount on people use horses and just dismount on the day of the battle in um you know the the day of the battle in um you know the the day of the battle in um you know the Frankish World they have Proto Knights Frankish World they have Proto Knights Frankish World they have Proto Knights a little bit on that just as an aside a little bit on that just as an aside a little bit on that just as an aside because I'm geeking out now and you're because I'm geeking out now and you're because I'm geeking out now and you're stuck with me stuck with me stuck with me um but it's a big controversy over when um but it's a big controversy over when um but it's a big controversy over when nights first begin when you can nights first begin when you can nights first begin when you can confidently label a European heavy confidently label a European heavy confidently label a European heavy cavalryman a knight cavalryman a knight cavalryman a knight I think I'm on safe ground saying that I think I'm on safe ground saying that I think I'm on safe ground saying that most people will say that the Norman most people will say that the Norman most people will say that the Norman Knights that invaded England in 1066 Knights that invaded England in 1066 Knights that invaded England in 1066 under William the Conqueror were nights

under William the Conqueror were nights under William the Conqueror were nights early nights but nights if that's the early nights but nights if that's the early nights but nights if that's the case these heavy cavalrymen from Central case these heavy cavalrymen from Central case these heavy cavalrymen from Central and Western Europe in 850 adce say and Western Europe in 850 adce say and Western Europe in 850 adce say they're proto-nights to me not as nasty they're proto-nights to me not as nasty they're proto-nights to me not as nasty as early nights and early nights were as early nights and early nights were as early nights and early nights were not as nasty as the Knights of the high not as nasty as the Knights of the high not as nasty as the Knights of the high Middle Ages but if we were going to have Middle Ages but if we were going to have Middle Ages but if we were going to have a one-on-one battle between a European a one-on-one battle between a European a one-on-one battle between a European Proto Knight in 850 and a well-equipped Proto Knight in 850 and a well-equipped Proto Knight in 850 and a well-equipped Viking Warrior in 850 I think that's a Viking Warrior in 850 I think that's a Viking Warrior in 850 I think that's a toss-up toss-up toss-up I mean these Frankish protonites are I mean these Frankish protonites are I mean these Frankish protonites are probably going to have a lot of the best probably going to have a lot of the best probably going to have a lot of the best armor and equipment that the Frankish armor and equipment that the Frankish armor and equipment that the Frankish State can provide State can provide State can provide and ironically enough the same applies and ironically enough the same applies and ironically enough the same applies to the top of the line Viking first to the top of the line Viking first to the top of the line Viking first stringers too they probably have some of stringers too they probably have some of stringers too they probably have some of the best stuff the Frankish State can the best stuff the Frankish State can the best stuff the Frankish State can provide provide provide but when troops are armed and equipped but when troops are armed and equipped but when troops are armed and equipped similarly when they fight in similar similarly when they fight in similar similarly when they fight in similar formations when the tactics are similar formations when the tactics are similar formations when the tactics are similar um you're reduced in the number of um you're reduced in the number of um you're reduced in the number of things that can impact the outcome of a things that can impact the outcome of a things that can impact the outcome of a battle which means that the things that battle which means that the things that battle which means that the things that are left over are left over are left over increase in importance right so in my increase in importance right so in my increase in importance right so in my mind the first stringers from both a mind the first stringers from both a mind the first stringers from both a viking Army and most of the enemies in viking Army and most of the enemies in viking Army and most of the enemies in the west a viking Army would face cancel the west a viking Army would face cancel the west a viking Army would face cancel each other out each other out each other out and you start talking about things like and you start talking about things like and you start talking about things like you know how many first stringers you you know how many first stringers you you know how many first stringers you have right it becomes a numerical have right it becomes a numerical have right it becomes a numerical question question question so I don't see a big Advantage for so I don't see a big Advantage for so I don't see a big Advantage for either side on the first string question either side on the first string question either side on the first string question the place where I see the Scandinavian

the place where I see the Scandinavian the place where I see the Scandinavian armies in the west having a huge armies in the west having a huge armies in the west having a huge advantage over their opponents though is advantage over their opponents though is advantage over their opponents though is when it comes to the second stringers when it comes to the second stringers when it comes to the second stringers because the Viking's second stringers because the Viking's second stringers because the Viking's second stringers seem to be a lot better than most of the seem to be a lot better than most of the seem to be a lot better than most of the second stringers they're going to second stringers they're going to second stringers they're going to encounter encounter encounter for a couple of reasons I would say the for a couple of reasons I would say the for a couple of reasons I would say the first would be a hand still Brook kind first would be a hand still Brook kind first would be a hand still Brook kind of reason he would say well you know of reason he would say well you know of reason he would say well you know these Viking second stringers are still these Viking second stringers are still these Viking second stringers are still Warriors these are people that go on Warriors these are people that go on Warriors these are people that go on raids every year raids every year raids every year that come from a society that you know that come from a society that you know that come from a society that you know requires them to carry weapons and know requires them to carry weapons and know requires them to carry weapons and know how to use them and know how to take how to use them and know how to take how to use them and know how to take care of them and care of them and care of them and celebrates their prowess in using them in their book Vikings at War authors Kim in their book Vikings at War authors Kim yardar and vigard vikka describe it this yardar and vigard vikka describe it this yardar and vigard vikka describe it this way based on you know things that the way based on you know things that the way based on you know things that the later sources laid out and they write later sources laid out and they write later sources laid out and they write quote quote quote free men in the Viking age were expected free men in the Viking age were expected free men in the Viking age were expected to carry weapons they had both a right to carry weapons they had both a right to carry weapons they had both a right and a duty to be armed and there was a and a duty to be armed and there was a and a duty to be armed and there was a strong obligation on every man to strong obligation on every man to strong obligation on every man to maintain the weapons needed for the maintain the weapons needed for the maintain the weapons needed for the defense of the land the laws required defense of the land the laws required defense of the land the laws required free men to have three basic weapons free men to have three basic weapons free men to have three basic weapons spear shield and either sword or ax if a spear shield and either sword or ax if a spear shield and either sword or ax if a man failed to attend the annual weapons man failed to attend the annual weapons man failed to attend the annual weapons inspection or if his equipment was inspection or if his equipment was inspection or if his equipment was deficient he would be fined end quote deficient he would be fined end quote deficient he would be fined end quote now while that may sound like an early now while that may sound like an early now while that may sound like an early medieval Scandinavian version

medieval Scandinavian version medieval Scandinavian version the United States is Second Amendment to the United States is Second Amendment to the United States is Second Amendment to the Constitution right the right to bear the Constitution right the right to bear the Constitution right the right to bear arms in a well-regulated militia and all arms in a well-regulated militia and all arms in a well-regulated militia and all that it really is just the sort of that it really is just the sort of that it really is just the sort of requirements that well-regulated requirements that well-regulated requirements that well-regulated militias all throughout history have militias all throughout history have militias all throughout history have always had and most armies throughout always had and most armies throughout always had and most armies throughout history probably could be classified as history probably could be classified as history probably could be classified as well-regulated militias well-regulated militias well-regulated militias I mean the ancient Greeks of the hoplite I mean the ancient Greeks of the hoplite I mean the ancient Greeks of the hoplite era that's not a warrior Society I era that's not a warrior Society I era that's not a warrior Society I wouldn't consider it one a bunch of wouldn't consider it one a bunch of wouldn't consider it one a bunch of farmers but when the collective defense farmers but when the collective defense farmers but when the collective defense required it they put on Armor took required it they put on Armor took required it they put on Armor took Spears lined up shoulder to shoulder and Spears lined up shoulder to shoulder and Spears lined up shoulder to shoulder and fought in phalanxes to protect their fought in phalanxes to protect their fought in phalanxes to protect their land land land and if somebody shows up with you know a and if somebody shows up with you know a and if somebody shows up with you know a bad spear or poor armor they endanger bad spear or poor armor they endanger bad spear or poor armor they endanger the safety of the collective whole so the safety of the collective whole so the safety of the collective whole so minimum standards in your well-regulated minimum standards in your well-regulated minimum standards in your well-regulated militia just makes sense right militia just makes sense right militia just makes sense right but clearly all militia armies are not but clearly all militia armies are not but clearly all militia armies are not created equal created equal created equal I remember reading Del Brook and he was I remember reading Del Brook and he was I remember reading Del Brook and he was talking about the Phalanx as a military talking about the Phalanx as a military talking about the Phalanx as a military formation and said that it doesn't formation and said that it doesn't formation and said that it doesn't really help very much if the people really help very much if the people really help very much if the people inside the Phalanx are all cowards inside the Phalanx are all cowards inside the Phalanx are all cowards so there's a combination between sort of so there's a combination between sort of so there's a combination between sort of the fighting attitude of the people the fighting attitude of the people the fighting attitude of the people involved and the way they fight involved and the way they fight involved and the way they fight there are obvious differences between there are obvious differences between there are obvious differences between say your Greek farmer hoplites and your say your Greek farmer hoplites and your say your Greek farmer hoplites and your Viking warriors and I would say it's Viking warriors and I would say it's Viking warriors and I would say it's very akin to the difference between say

very akin to the difference between say very akin to the difference between say an American Settler or Pioneer or Farmer an American Settler or Pioneer or Farmer an American Settler or Pioneer or Farmer in the old west who probably kept a in the old west who probably kept a in the old west who probably kept a rifle above the fireplace you know use rifle above the fireplace you know use rifle above the fireplace you know use it whenever something threatens the herd it whenever something threatens the herd it whenever something threatens the herd whether human or animal whether human or animal whether human or animal when they could be very dangerous when they could be very dangerous when they could be very dangerous against indigenous natives if push comes against indigenous natives if push comes against indigenous natives if push comes to shove but they're not Warriors by to shove but they're not Warriors by to shove but they're not Warriors by Nature they're Warriors by necessity as Nature they're Warriors by necessity as Nature they're Warriors by necessity as needed needed needed their counterparts though amongst the their counterparts though amongst the their counterparts though amongst the Native Americans often are warriors and Native Americans often are warriors and Native Americans often are warriors and it's a part of their makeup personally it's a part of their makeup personally it's a part of their makeup personally and the many steps that one goes through and the many steps that one goes through and the many steps that one goes through in terms of respectability and building in terms of respectability and building in terms of respectability and building one's reputation over time are military one's reputation over time are military one's reputation over time are military related I mean things like counting coup related I mean things like counting coup related I mean things like counting coup among the Plains Indians is a perfect among the Plains Indians is a perfect among the Plains Indians is a perfect example of something that no farmer you example of something that no farmer you example of something that no farmer you know amongst the settler population know amongst the settler population know amongst the settler population would give a hoot about but would be would give a hoot about but would be would give a hoot about but would be worth somebody risking their lives for worth somebody risking their lives for worth somebody risking their lives for amongst the Native American warriors or amongst the Native American warriors or amongst the Native American warriors or the plains right so just a whole the plains right so just a whole the plains right so just a whole different way your worldview is different way your worldview is different way your worldview is constructed and the Hop light constructed and the Hop light constructed and the Hop light farmers are principally farmers who farmers are principally farmers who farmers are principally farmers who fight whereas the Viking warriors are fight whereas the Viking warriors are fight whereas the Viking warriors are warriors who Farm warriors who Farm warriors who Farm but they have something special attached but they have something special attached but they have something special attached to them militarily speaking and I was to them militarily speaking and I was to them militarily speaking and I was trying to figure out how to get into it trying to figure out how to get into it trying to figure out how to get into it and I thought you know I could spend 15 and I thought you know I could spend 15 and I thought you know I could spend 15 or 20 minutes really trying to explain or 20 minutes really trying to explain or 20 minutes really trying to explain this or I could just use a cheap this or I could just use a cheap this or I could just use a cheap metaphor based on game mechanics that

metaphor based on game mechanics that metaphor based on game mechanics that we're all going to understand and go we're all going to understand and go we're all going to understand and go from there so of course being the from there so of course being the from there so of course being the non-professional non-historian that I am non-professional non-historian that I am non-professional non-historian that I am I chose the cheap metaphor of course and I chose the cheap metaphor of course and I chose the cheap metaphor of course and there's a macro and a micro version of there's a macro and a micro version of there's a macro and a micro version of this so we'll start with the micro this so we'll start with the micro this so we'll start with the micro version the Tactical version the version the Tactical version the version the Tactical version the individual version individual version individual version if you are playing a role-playing game if you are playing a role-playing game if you are playing a role-playing game or Dungeons and Dragons type game or you or Dungeons and Dragons type game or you or Dungeons and Dragons type game or you are playing a computer or a miniature are playing a computer or a miniature are playing a computer or a miniature figure war game and you are the Viking figure war game and you are the Viking figure war game and you are the Viking or playing the Vikings you're going to or playing the Vikings you're going to or playing the Vikings you're going to expect certain bonuses in the game expect certain bonuses in the game expect certain bonuses in the game aren't you die bonuses pluses things aren't you die bonuses pluses things aren't you die bonuses pluses things like that like that like that the special ability of the Vikings that the special ability of the Vikings that the special ability of the Vikings that acts as an equalizer to a bunch of acts as an equalizer to a bunch of acts as an equalizer to a bunch of armies that normally you wouldn't think armies that normally you wouldn't think armies that normally you wouldn't think they stood a chance against but if they stood a chance against but if they stood a chance against but if you've ever done as I have and fight you've ever done as I have and fight you've ever done as I have and fight military encounters outside of your military encounters outside of your military encounters outside of your period everybody fights with Miniatures period everybody fights with Miniatures period everybody fights with Miniatures in the old days in the pre-gun powder in the old days in the pre-gun powder in the old days in the pre-gun powder era armies from wildly different era armies from wildly different era armies from wildly different geographical areas and periods there's geographical areas and periods there's geographical areas and periods there's just nowhere around it so you'll fight just nowhere around it so you'll fight just nowhere around it so you'll fight your new kingdom Egyptians against your your new kingdom Egyptians against your your new kingdom Egyptians against your Romans and your Romans against your Romans and your Romans against your Romans and your Romans against your Knights and all that's pretty typical Knights and all that's pretty typical Knights and all that's pretty typical and if you're commanding a viking Army and if you're commanding a viking Army and if you're commanding a viking Army against Romans or Chinese or step against Romans or Chinese or step against Romans or Chinese or step peoples or Alexander the Great's army peoples or Alexander the Great's army peoples or Alexander the Great's army you're going to think to yourself well I you're going to think to yourself well I you're going to think to yourself well I stand no chance except for the great stand no chance except for the great stand no chance except for the great equalizer that the Vikings have in every equalizer that the Vikings have in every equalizer that the Vikings have in every gaming system known to man and if they gaming system known to man and if they gaming system known to man and if they didn't have it and you were playing didn't have it and you were playing didn't have it and you were playing Vikings you would think it was a crappy Vikings you would think it was a crappy Vikings you would think it was a crappy gaming system you're going to get some gaming system you're going to get some gaming system you're going to get some sort of bonus for some combination of

sort of bonus for some combination of sort of bonus for some combination of trying to think of the terms that would trying to think of the terms that would trying to think of the terms that would apply here and I came up with three and apply here and I came up with three and apply here and I came up with three and they all have to start with the letter F they all have to start with the letter F they all have to start with the letter F but I mean ferocity fanaticism and but I mean ferocity fanaticism and but I mean ferocity fanaticism and fearlessness fearlessness fearlessness some combination of those things are some combination of those things are some combination of those things are commonly associated with the Vikings and commonly associated with the Vikings and commonly associated with the Vikings and so much so that if you're playing a game so much so that if you're playing a game so much so that if you're playing a game and that game mechanism doesn't account and that game mechanism doesn't account and that game mechanism doesn't account for that you're going to think it's a for that you're going to think it's a for that you're going to think it's a bad game so it may be just bad game so it may be just bad game so it may be just conventional wisdom on all of our parts conventional wisdom on all of our parts conventional wisdom on all of our parts it may be a falsity that we've sort of it may be a falsity that we've sort of it may be a falsity that we've sort of ingrained into a sort of a stereotype or ingrained into a sort of a stereotype or ingrained into a sort of a stereotype or it may be reflective of something that it may be reflective of something that it may be reflective of something that was really there was really there was really there what is that what is that what is that get me back up and try it from the macro get me back up and try it from the macro get me back up and try it from the macro level level level another game mechanics question if another game mechanics question if another game mechanics question if you've ever played one of those World you've ever played one of those World you've ever played one of those World building Civilization games in your life building Civilization games in your life building Civilization games in your life you'll remember that at the very you'll remember that at the very you'll remember that at the very beginning you have to choose which beginning you have to choose which beginning you have to choose which civilization you're going to play as civilization you're going to play as civilization you're going to play as you might choose Russians or Iroquois or you might choose Russians or Iroquois or you might choose Russians or Iroquois or Zulu right or Aztec there's a whole Zulu right or Aztec there's a whole Zulu right or Aztec there's a whole bunch of them and they traditionally all bunch of them and they traditionally all bunch of them and they traditionally all come with some bonus right every society come with some bonus right every society come with some bonus right every society gets their advantage so this one might gets their advantage so this one might gets their advantage so this one might be plus two science and others plus be plus two science and others plus be plus two science and others plus three seafaring and others plus one three seafaring and others plus one three seafaring and others plus one Commerce whatever it might be Commerce whatever it might be Commerce whatever it might be and usually there's a couple of and usually there's a couple of and usually there's a couple of societies that the special ability that societies that the special ability that societies that the special ability that they have is that their culture produces they have is that their culture produces they have is that their culture produces a special kind of entity maybe a warrior a special kind of entity maybe a warrior a special kind of entity maybe a warrior so if you're playing Japan for example so if you're playing Japan for example so if you're playing Japan for example during a certain period you may be during a certain period you may be during a certain period you may be allowed to build a unique sort of a unit

allowed to build a unique sort of a unit allowed to build a unique sort of a unit called a samurai just like if you're called a samurai just like if you're called a samurai just like if you're playing Scandinavians during a certain playing Scandinavians during a certain playing Scandinavians during a certain era you might be able to build a certain era you might be able to build a certain era you might be able to build a certain unit called a Viking unit called a Viking unit called a Viking these are units that are a facet of the these are units that are a facet of the these are units that are a facet of the culture and that's why these societies culture and that's why these societies culture and that's why these societies get them and other societies don't get them and other societies don't get them and other societies don't that's why you don't have a that's why you don't have a that's why you don't have a German Samurai and the Japanese Viking German Samurai and the Japanese Viking German Samurai and the Japanese Viking but again what is that game mechanics but again what is that game mechanics but again what is that game mechanics element representing there right that's element representing there right that's element representing there right that's something about the culture produces a something about the culture produces a something about the culture produces a unique entity that is particularly unique entity that is particularly unique entity that is particularly feared or fearsome on the battlefield feared or fearsome on the battlefield feared or fearsome on the battlefield and it's funny because if you look at and it's funny because if you look at and it's funny because if you look at samurai or Viking I think they both samurai or Viking I think they both samurai or Viking I think they both classify as the kind of troop types you classify as the kind of troop types you classify as the kind of troop types you would give a special ability to in a would give a special ability to in a would give a special ability to in a game a bonus right and a plus four die game a bonus right and a plus four die game a bonus right and a plus four die roll for fearlessness fanaticism and roll for fearlessness fanaticism and roll for fearlessness fanaticism and ferocity even if in my mind it's like a ferocity even if in my mind it's like a ferocity even if in my mind it's like a stew with those three ingredients and stew with those three ingredients and stew with those three ingredients and the Viking stew version of the mixture the Viking stew version of the mixture the Viking stew version of the mixture is going to be somewhat different than is going to be somewhat different than is going to be somewhat different than the samurai version right different uh the samurai version right different uh the samurai version right different uh ratios of fearlessness fanaticism of ratios of fearlessness fanaticism of ratios of fearlessness fanaticism of ferocity in each and by the way the ferocity in each and by the way the ferocity in each and by the way the Japanese version isn't even really a Japanese version isn't even really a Japanese version isn't even really a period thing because I feel like it period thing because I feel like it period thing because I feel like it lasts until the end of the second World lasts until the end of the second World lasts until the end of the second World War I mean you look at an Imperial War I mean you look at an Imperial War I mean you look at an Imperial Japanese Army Force in 1942 and they are Japanese Army Force in 1942 and they are Japanese Army Force in 1942 and they are jaw-droppingly willing to sacrifice jaw-droppingly willing to sacrifice jaw-droppingly willing to sacrifice their lives and and their fearlessness their lives and and their fearlessness their lives and and their fearlessness is legendary so much so it shocked their is legendary so much so it shocked their is legendary so much so it shocked their opponents opponents opponents I mean a Japanese General gives away a

I mean a Japanese General gives away a I mean a Japanese General gives away a lot of advantages to an Allied Force lot of advantages to an Allied Force lot of advantages to an Allied Force right Firepower Logistics all kinds of right Firepower Logistics all kinds of right Firepower Logistics all kinds of things but the one thing he's got in his things but the one thing he's got in his things but the one thing he's got in his toolbox that's better than anything they toolbox that's better than anything they toolbox that's better than anything they have in theirs is he can order his have in theirs is he can order his have in theirs is he can order his people to do anything and they'll do it people to do anything and they'll do it people to do anything and they'll do it and they'll do it even if they know it's and they'll do it even if they know it's and they'll do it even if they know it's suicidal and they'll do it even if they suicidal and they'll do it even if they suicidal and they'll do it even if they know it will contribute to Victory not know it will contribute to Victory not know it will contribute to Victory not one iota charge that dug in American one iota charge that dug in American one iota charge that dug in American fire position sure no problem fire position sure no problem fire position sure no problem here's the interesting thing though here's the interesting thing though here's the interesting thing though while that's a great tool to have in the while that's a great tool to have in the while that's a great tool to have in the toolbox if you're a Japanese General in toolbox if you're a Japanese General in toolbox if you're a Japanese General in 1942 there's a lot of things that 1942 there's a lot of things that 1942 there's a lot of things that minimize that Advantage right Firepower minimize that Advantage right Firepower minimize that Advantage right Firepower for example the fact that your people for example the fact that your people for example the fact that your people will go charge into Firepower and die to will go charge into Firepower and die to will go charge into Firepower and die to a man might be useful but it's not a man might be useful but it's not a man might be useful but it's not effective it doesn't really change as we effective it doesn't really change as we effective it doesn't really change as we said alter the victory conditions but said alter the victory conditions but said alter the victory conditions but you take away a lot of those variables you take away a lot of those variables you take away a lot of those variables like Firepower for example and you like Firepower for example and you like Firepower for example and you equalize a bunch of other factors same equalize a bunch of other factors same equalize a bunch of other factors same armor same weapon same formation same armor same weapon same formation same armor same weapon same formation same tactics and all of a sudden what's left tactics and all of a sudden what's left tactics and all of a sudden what's left over can become exalted dominant even over can become exalted dominant even over can become exalted dominant even including this question of plus four including this question of plus four including this question of plus four bonus for fearlessness fanaticism and bonus for fearlessness fanaticism and bonus for fearlessness fanaticism and ferocity ferocity ferocity and I was trying to figure out what this and I was trying to figure out what this and I was trying to figure out what this is right this is the Twilight Zone that is right this is the Twilight Zone that is right this is the Twilight Zone that I love to play in and we always use the I love to play in and we always use the I love to play in and we always use the same example we'll say toughness right same example we'll say toughness right same example we'll say toughness right toughness because it's the same sort of toughness because it's the same sort of toughness because it's the same sort of thing it's it's this thing that keeps a thing it's it's this thing that keeps a thing it's it's this thing that keeps a foot in the foot in the foot in the in the academic discipline of the in the academic discipline of the in the academic discipline of the humanities because what is it we have no

humanities because what is it we have no humanities because what is it we have no problem calling an individual tough or problem calling an individual tough or problem calling an individual tough or the opposite but you start applying that the opposite but you start applying that the opposite but you start applying that sort of an adjective to Societies or sort of an adjective to Societies or sort of an adjective to Societies or peoples and it starts getting weird they peoples and it starts getting weird they peoples and it starts getting weird they didn't have a problem doing that a long didn't have a problem doing that a long didn't have a problem doing that a long time ago for obvious reasons they don't time ago for obvious reasons they don't time ago for obvious reasons they don't do it much anymore but we're left with do it much anymore but we're left with do it much anymore but we're left with this sort of gray area you know you this sort of gray area you know you this sort of gray area you know you don't want to use the old way of doing don't want to use the old way of doing don't want to use the old way of doing things we don't have anything that things we don't have anything that things we don't have anything that really represents with that plus four really represents with that plus four really represents with that plus four bonus is so I like talking about it even bonus is so I like talking about it even bonus is so I like talking about it even though there's no answers because I though there's no answers because I though there's no answers because I think in the case of the Vikings or think in the case of the Vikings or think in the case of the Vikings or Samurai it's pretty key issue isn't it Samurai it's pretty key issue isn't it Samurai it's pretty key issue isn't it and unlike the Japanese in 1942 charging and unlike the Japanese in 1942 charging and unlike the Japanese in 1942 charging that American fire pit suicidally in a that American fire pit suicidally in a that American fire pit suicidally in a battle between say Vikings and franks battle between say Vikings and franks battle between say Vikings and franks with all the other things that are equal with all the other things that are equal with all the other things that are equal in the battle like that like two in the battle like that like two in the battle like that like two phalanxes coming together right Farmers phalanxes coming together right Farmers phalanxes coming together right Farmers on each side no other differences what on each side no other differences what on each side no other differences what determines the outcome determines the outcome determines the outcome well if one group of people has the plus well if one group of people has the plus well if one group of people has the plus three fearlessness fanaticism and three fearlessness fanaticism and three fearlessness fanaticism and ferocity bonus and the other side ferocity bonus and the other side ferocity bonus and the other side doesn't well that sounds like it could doesn't well that sounds like it could doesn't well that sounds like it could be a pretty dominant thing and I think be a pretty dominant thing and I think be a pretty dominant thing and I think in this era it probably was in this era it probably was in this era it probably was worth also pointing out that the worth also pointing out that the worth also pointing out that the psychological advantage that happens psychological advantage that happens psychological advantage that happens after many victories would begin to after many victories would begin to after many victories would begin to build up I mean if the Vikings weren't build up I mean if the Vikings weren't build up I mean if the Vikings weren't scary enough to the people like the scary enough to the people like the scary enough to the people like the Franks when they first encountered them Franks when they first encountered them Franks when they first encountered them after losing to them a bunch of times after losing to them a bunch of times after losing to them a bunch of times you begin to fear them you begin to fear them you begin to fear them you begin to go into the fight like you begin to go into the fight like you begin to go into the fight like Michael Spinks against Tyson you begin

Michael Spinks against Tyson you begin Michael Spinks against Tyson you begin to go in not with both sides you know to go in not with both sides you know to go in not with both sides you know having an equal chance but one side having an equal chance but one side having an equal chance but one side disadvantaged psychologically before the disadvantaged psychologically before the disadvantaged psychologically before the combat even starts now now it's worth asking another key question it's worth asking another key question it's worth asking another key question about this special ability about this special ability about this special ability is it really a special ability or is it is it really a special ability or is it is it really a special ability or is it something that everyone has in Warfare something that everyone has in Warfare something that everyone has in Warfare and everyone talks about it everyone and everyone talks about it everyone and everyone talks about it everyone knows about just turned up to a very knows about just turned up to a very knows about just turned up to a very high amplitude high amplitude high amplitude I mean are we talking about something as I mean are we talking about something as I mean are we talking about something as simple and basic as morale here simple and basic as morale here simple and basic as morale here because as everyone knows morale is a because as everyone knows morale is a because as everyone knows morale is a key element in Warfare go read your Sun key element in Warfare go read your Sun key element in Warfare go read your Sun Tzu go read your Klaus wits the military Tzu go read your Klaus wits the military Tzu go read your Klaus wits the military maxims of so many generals maxims of so many generals maxims of so many generals um morale is key um morale is key um morale is key when we talk about this plus bonus for when we talk about this plus bonus for when we talk about this plus bonus for Samurai and Vikings and others like them Samurai and Vikings and others like them Samurai and Vikings and others like them is that simply because they have Sky is that simply because they have Sky is that simply because they have Sky High morale High morale High morale or is this another quality entirely or is this another quality entirely or is this another quality entirely can it exist side by side with morale can it exist side by side with morale can it exist side by side with morale one of my war game rules used to refer one of my war game rules used to refer one of my war game rules used to refer to it as impetuousness interesting to it as impetuousness interesting to it as impetuousness interesting adjective adjective adjective um Del Brook referred to it as Savage um Del Brook referred to it as Savage um Del Brook referred to it as Savage courage courage courage if this is simply morale well then that if this is simply morale well then that if this is simply morale well then that would seem to explain why Knights seem would seem to explain why Knights seem would seem to explain why Knights seem to have a similar sort of quality right to have a similar sort of quality right to have a similar sort of quality right impetuousness Savage courage impetuousness Savage courage impetuousness Savage courage some sort of die roll bonus on the some sort of die roll bonus on the some sort of die roll bonus on the fanaticism ferocity and fearlessness fanaticism ferocity and fearlessness fanaticism ferocity and fearlessness boneless

boneless boneless but I think we all know and Hollywood but I think we all know and Hollywood but I think we all know and Hollywood tells us it is so tells us it is so tells us it is so that there's more of a barbarian that there's more of a barbarian that there's more of a barbarian Borderline Crazy Edge to the Viking Borderline Crazy Edge to the Viking Borderline Crazy Edge to the Viking version of this Savage courage right the version of this Savage courage right the version of this Savage courage right the night is at least publicly with the night is at least publicly with the night is at least publicly with the public face of piousness righteousness public face of piousness righteousness public face of piousness righteousness and Justice playing his anointed role in and Justice playing his anointed role in and Justice playing his anointed role in society as the protector of the weak and society as the protector of the weak and society as the protector of the weak and all that sort of stuff and only when he all that sort of stuff and only when he all that sort of stuff and only when he rips the mask off in battle does he rips the mask off in battle does he rips the mask off in battle does he become the Pagan Savage Barbarian become the Pagan Savage Barbarian become the Pagan Savage Barbarian butcher again right we channeled that butcher again right we channeled that butcher again right we channeled that violent tendency for the good of all violent tendency for the good of all violent tendency for the good of all in this era there is no mask in the in this era there is no mask in the in this era there is no mask in the Vikings show everybody exactly what they Vikings show everybody exactly what they Vikings show everybody exactly what they are and while I was reading about the are and while I was reading about the are and while I was reading about the teeth grooves the other day and that teeth grooves the other day and that teeth grooves the other day and that would freak anybody out right they carve would freak anybody out right they carve would freak anybody out right they carve I guess would carve like grooves into I guess would carve like grooves into I guess would carve like grooves into their teeth and then fill them in with their teeth and then fill them in with their teeth and then fill them in with ink or other color ink or other color ink or other color um some of the members of certain um some of the members of certain um some of the members of certain Brotherhood see this is all the stuff Brotherhood see this is all the stuff Brotherhood see this is all the stuff that's just made for Hollywood isn't it that's just made for Hollywood isn't it that's just made for Hollywood isn't it teeth grooves but here's the part I teeth grooves but here's the part I teeth grooves but here's the part I always try to remember this isn't a always try to remember this isn't a always try to remember this isn't a specifically Viking thing very little of specifically Viking thing very little of specifically Viking thing very little of this is specifically Scandinavian stuff this is specifically Scandinavian stuff this is specifically Scandinavian stuff the Vikings are as I may have already the Vikings are as I may have already the Vikings are as I may have already said to me I see them like the American said to me I see them like the American said to me I see them like the American Bison the Buffalo that once upon a time Bison the Buffalo that once upon a time Bison the Buffalo that once upon a time these Odin worshiping types or these these Odin worshiping types or these these Odin worshiping types or these Celtic peoples who had sort of similar Celtic peoples who had sort of similar Celtic peoples who had sort of similar cultural you know values when it came to cultural you know values when it came to cultural you know values when it came to sort of military stuff had a wide range

sort of military stuff had a wide range sort of military stuff had a wide range of habitat and then over time the of habitat and then over time the of habitat and then over time the settled societies of the Mediterranean settled societies of the Mediterranean settled societies of the Mediterranean tamed them converted them co-opted them tamed them converted them co-opted them tamed them converted them co-opted them and now you're down to the last little and now you're down to the last little and now you're down to the last little Hinterlands the last holdouts the bit of Hinterlands the last holdouts the bit of Hinterlands the last holdouts the bit of habitat that has not been gobbled up yet habitat that has not been gobbled up yet habitat that has not been gobbled up yet in the colonial way and the indigenous in the colonial way and the indigenous in the colonial way and the indigenous people and culture transformed wiped out people and culture transformed wiped out people and culture transformed wiped out would be the way a member in that would be the way a member in that would be the way a member in that culture a cultural conservative may see culture a cultural conservative may see culture a cultural conservative may see it civilized might be the way that the it civilized might be the way that the it civilized might be the way that the church or the king of the Franks might church or the king of the Franks might church or the king of the Franks might have seen it or emperor of the Franks have seen it or emperor of the Franks have seen it or emperor of the Franks it's all a matter of perspective it's all a matter of perspective it's all a matter of perspective in order to prove my point there is a in order to prove my point there is a in order to prove my point there is a wonderful Source account and I'm not wonderful Source account and I'm not wonderful Source account and I'm not going to go into deeply into everything going to go into deeply into everything going to go into deeply into everything that happens when you some sort of that happens when you some sort of that happens when you some sort of source in a foreign tongue at least source in a foreign tongue at least source in a foreign tongue at least before and tongue to me arise in our before and tongue to me arise in our before and tongue to me arise in our hands and how many permutations and hands and how many permutations and hands and how many permutations and translations and fragments that are put translations and fragments that are put translations and fragments that are put together go through to make something together go through to make something together go through to make something but many of you I'm sure have read but many of you I'm sure have read but many of you I'm sure have read Maurice's strategicon because it is a Maurice's strategicon because it is a Maurice's strategicon because it is a rather singular piece of pre-modern rather singular piece of pre-modern rather singular piece of pre-modern military military military um um um gear for people like yours truly I guess gear for people like yours truly I guess gear for people like yours truly I guess you could say and what it is is it's a you could say and what it is is it's a you could say and what it is is it's a sort of a handbook if you will for it sort of a handbook if you will for it sort of a handbook if you will for it seems like a general would know more seems like a general would know more seems like a general would know more than a handbook like this would help than a handbook like this would help than a handbook like this would help them with but maybe there's something to them with but maybe there's something to them with but maybe there's something to it where either the emperor Maurice or it where either the emperor Maurice or it where either the emperor Maurice or people writing as his ghost writers I

people writing as his ghost writers I people writing as his ghost writers I guess guess guess um put this account together that is um put this account together that is um put this account together that is actually so valuable for modern day actually so valuable for modern day actually so valuable for modern day military uh historians because it military uh historians because it military uh historians because it explains a lot of stuff that no other explains a lot of stuff that no other explains a lot of stuff that no other document explains stuff like you know document explains stuff like you know document explains stuff like you know how many ranks of Fighters you want here how many ranks of Fighters you want here how many ranks of Fighters you want here and I mean I mean it's really basic and I mean I mean it's really basic and I mean I mean it's really basic stuff but they have several chapters stuff but they have several chapters stuff but they have several chapters um all dealing with different things and um all dealing with different things and um all dealing with different things and one of them is sort of advice on how to one of them is sort of advice on how to one of them is sort of advice on how to deal with particular enemies because as deal with particular enemies because as deal with particular enemies because as they say in boxing styles make fights they say in boxing styles make fights they say in boxing styles make fights same things true in Warfare there's a same things true in Warfare there's a same things true in Warfare there's a very rock paper scissors element uh to very rock paper scissors element uh to very rock paper scissors element uh to some of this stuff and in the pre-modern some of this stuff and in the pre-modern some of this stuff and in the pre-modern era it was much more diverse than it is era it was much more diverse than it is era it was much more diverse than it is now and much more tied to culture now and much more tied to culture now and much more tied to culture everybody's military is pretty everybody's military is pretty everybody's military is pretty homogenized these days the Iranian homogenized these days the Iranian homogenized these days the Iranian military and the U.S military today have military and the U.S military today have military and the U.S military today have a lot more in common than they have in a lot more in common than they have in a lot more in common than they have in terms of cultural differences everybody terms of cultural differences everybody terms of cultural differences everybody uses you know modern military gear uses you know modern military gear uses you know modern military gear everyone studies the same military everyone studies the same military everyone studies the same military manuals I mean you can find cultural manuals I mean you can find cultural manuals I mean you can find cultural differences but it's nothing like it is differences but it's nothing like it is differences but it's nothing like it is in the ancient world or the Medieval in the ancient world or the Medieval in the ancient world or the Medieval World where the society and the culture World where the society and the culture World where the society and the culture often dictates what kind of Warriors you often dictates what kind of Warriors you often dictates what kind of Warriors you have available to you and how they fight have available to you and how they fight have available to you and how they fight and the way your people fight could be and the way your people fight could be and the way your people fight could be very different than the way that people very different than the way that people very different than the way that people you're fighting fight you're fighting fight you're fighting fight a lot of time these Styles a lot of time these Styles a lot of time these Styles um last for centuries instead of um last for centuries instead of um last for centuries instead of changing all the time the way our changing all the time the way our changing all the time the way our military tactics do right every time military tactics do right every time military tactics do right every time there's a war something's changing there's a war something's changing there's a war something's changing sometimes if it's a big war entire sometimes if it's a big war entire sometimes if it's a big war entire military revolutions take place right military revolutions take place right military revolutions take place right you have to even have an acronym for

you have to even have an acronym for you have to even have an acronym for that a military a revolution military that a military a revolution military that a military a revolution military Affairs RMA uh you didn't have that very Affairs RMA uh you didn't have that very Affairs RMA uh you didn't have that very often in the pre-modern world what that often in the pre-modern world what that often in the pre-modern world what that means is the way people fought sometimes means is the way people fought sometimes means is the way people fought sometimes stayed the same or relatively the same stayed the same or relatively the same stayed the same or relatively the same for Generations for Generations for Generations and there are Regional similarities and and there are Regional similarities and and there are Regional similarities and styles styles styles racists and people like that will racists and people like that will racists and people like that will sometimes over the airas make this into sometimes over the airas make this into sometimes over the airas make this into a racial question but race has nothing a racial question but race has nothing a racial question but race has nothing to do with it it has to do with you know to do with it it has to do with you know to do with it it has to do with you know your culture where you develop how the your culture where you develop how the your culture where you develop how the people around you fight for example people around you fight for example people around you fight for example along the step which is a huge expansive along the step which is a huge expansive along the step which is a huge expansive land which as we said has Europe on one land which as we said has Europe on one land which as we said has Europe on one side and China on the other uh you have side and China on the other uh you have side and China on the other uh you have an entire vast you know gumbo of ethnic an entire vast you know gumbo of ethnic an entire vast you know gumbo of ethnic makeup every kind I mean there are Turks makeup every kind I mean there are Turks makeup every kind I mean there are Turks there are indo-europeans there are there are indo-europeans there are there are indo-europeans there are Europeans there are Asians Mongolians Europeans there are Asians Mongolians Europeans there are Asians Mongolians and all mixed together right a cultural and all mixed together right a cultural and all mixed together right a cultural Estuary and ethnic Estuary and they all Estuary and ethnic Estuary and they all Estuary and ethnic Estuary and they all fight like horse archers fight like horse archers fight like horse archers so something's going on there right well so something's going on there right well so something's going on there right well in the Strategic con there's a chapter in the Strategic con there's a chapter in the Strategic con there's a chapter just on how you fight those people and just on how you fight those people and just on how you fight those people and then there's a chapter on how you fight then there's a chapter on how you fight then there's a chapter on how you fight these people that if not the Vikings these people that if not the Vikings these people that if not the Vikings because when this was written in the because when this was written in the because when this was written in the late 500s early 600s the Vikings as the late 500s early 600s the Vikings as the late 500s early 600s the Vikings as the Vikings didn't exist yet but these Vikings didn't exist yet but these Vikings didn't exist yet but these people that would be indistinguishable people that would be indistinguishable people that would be indistinguishable if you showed a photograph of them to if you showed a photograph of them to if you showed a photograph of them to the emperor Maurice did and ironically the emperor Maurice did and ironically the emperor Maurice did and ironically one of them are the Franks long before

one of them are the Franks long before one of them are the Franks long before this Charlemagne civilized version of this Charlemagne civilized version of this Charlemagne civilized version of them know when the Franks were people them know when the Franks were people them know when the Franks were people that looked exactly like the Vikings and that looked exactly like the Vikings and that looked exactly like the Vikings and worshiped Gods with the same names worshiped Gods with the same names worshiped Gods with the same names the strategicons chapter on how you deal the strategicons chapter on how you deal the strategicons chapter on how you deal with people like that is entitled with people like that is entitled with people like that is entitled dealing with the light-haired peoples dealing with the light-haired peoples dealing with the light-haired peoples such as the Franks Lombards and others such as the Franks Lombards and others such as the Franks Lombards and others like them like them like them now let me just say others like them is now let me just say others like them is now let me just say others like them is where I would put the Scandinavians where I would put the Scandinavians where I would put the Scandinavians truthfully before this period I would truthfully before this period I would truthfully before this period I would also put the earlier Celts the people also put the earlier Celts the people also put the earlier Celts the people that Julius Caesar faced and and their that Julius Caesar faced and and their that Julius Caesar faced and and their ancestors ancestors ancestors they're not the same ethno culturally they're not the same ethno culturally they're not the same ethno culturally maybe you could say different gods and maybe you could say different gods and maybe you could say different gods and whatnot but a sort of a similar military whatnot but a sort of a similar military whatnot but a sort of a similar military style and approach to the big picture style and approach to the big picture style and approach to the big picture things right and the big picture things things right and the big picture things things right and the big picture things are where the Byzantine sort of Cliff are where the Byzantine sort of Cliff are where the Byzantine sort of Cliff Notes on how you fight these people Notes on how you fight these people Notes on how you fight these people including you know with a few asterisks including you know with a few asterisks including you know with a few asterisks I would say and maybe a couple of I would say and maybe a couple of I would say and maybe a couple of footnotes talking about a you know footnotes talking about a you know footnotes talking about a you know subtle differences will it's like we're subtle differences will it's like we're subtle differences will it's like we're dealing with indigenous native tribes dealing with indigenous native tribes dealing with indigenous native tribes here and we're talking about the here and we're talking about the here and we're talking about the differences between you know Cherokee differences between you know Cherokee differences between you know Cherokee and Crow right Ute and Comanche and Crow right Ute and Comanche and Crow right Ute and Comanche um do an outsider they may all look like um do an outsider they may all look like um do an outsider they may all look like indigenous Native Americans from North indigenous Native Americans from North indigenous Native Americans from North America but they can tell each other America but they can tell each other America but they can tell each other apart and experts can too apart and experts can too apart and experts can too but these Byzantine military Cliff Notes but these Byzantine military Cliff Notes but these Byzantine military Cliff Notes talk about you know you know an almost talk about you know you know an almost talk about you know you know an almost movie-like hero here from the Western movie-like hero here from the Western movie-like hero here from the Western perspective it sounds a little like perspective it sounds a little like perspective it sounds a little like Rambo for a while and by the way I

Rambo for a while and by the way I Rambo for a while and by the way I should mention that I am using the should mention that I am using the should mention that I am using the version of the strategicon that is version of the strategicon that is version of the strategicon that is translated by George T Dennis translated by George T Dennis translated by George T Dennis and the strategicon says in fighting the and the strategicon says in fighting the and the strategicon says in fighting the light-haired people's quote the light-haired people's quote the light-haired people's quote the light-haired races Place great value on light-haired races Place great value on light-haired races Place great value on freedom they are bold and undaunted in freedom they are bold and undaunted in freedom they are bold and undaunted in battle daring and impetuous as they are battle daring and impetuous as they are battle daring and impetuous as they are they consider any timidity and even a they consider any timidity and even a they consider any timidity and even a short Retreat as a disgrace they calmly short Retreat as a disgrace they calmly short Retreat as a disgrace they calmly despise death as they fight violently in despise death as they fight violently in despise death as they fight violently in hand-to-hand combat either on Horseback hand-to-hand combat either on Horseback hand-to-hand combat either on Horseback or on foot if they are hard-pressed in or on foot if they are hard-pressed in or on foot if they are hard-pressed in Cavalry actions they Dismount at a Cavalry actions they Dismount at a Cavalry actions they Dismount at a single pre-arranged sign and line up on single pre-arranged sign and line up on single pre-arranged sign and line up on foot although only a few against many foot although only a few against many foot although only a few against many Horsemen they do not shrink from the Horsemen they do not shrink from the Horsemen they do not shrink from the fight they are armed with shields lances fight they are armed with shields lances fight they are armed with shields lances and short swords slung from their and short swords slung from their and short swords slung from their shoulders they prefer fighting on foot shoulders they prefer fighting on foot shoulders they prefer fighting on foot and Rapid charges end quote and Rapid charges end quote and Rapid charges end quote so our Rambo like character in the movie so our Rambo like character in the movie so our Rambo like character in the movie here sounds just about perfect right here sounds just about perfect right here sounds just about perfect right but the byzantines are going to start but the byzantines are going to start but the byzantines are going to start you know there's going to be a tone I you know there's going to be a tone I you know there's going to be a tone I feel like that comes into the writing feel like that comes into the writing feel like that comes into the writing here where they're making fun of The here where they're making fun of The here where they're making fun of The Barbarians who consider the byzantines Barbarians who consider the byzantines Barbarians who consider the byzantines so weak and maybe you know so so so weak and maybe you know so so so weak and maybe you know so so effeminate would be the way maybe they effeminate would be the way maybe they effeminate would be the way maybe they would think about them because they are would think about them because they are would think about them because they are clever and they don't just get up there clever and they don't just get up there clever and they don't just get up there and and you know wrestle in hand to hand and and you know wrestle in hand to hand and and you know wrestle in hand to hand mono on mono combat and the byzantines mono on mono combat and the byzantines mono on mono combat and the byzantines think that's just stupid and they're think that's just stupid and they're think that's just stupid and they're going to use all these wonderful Rambo

going to use all these wonderful Rambo going to use all these wonderful Rambo like qualities against the very like qualities against the very like qualities against the very practitioners in a very Jujitsu type practitioners in a very Jujitsu type practitioners in a very Jujitsu type fashion fashion fashion the next paragraph says quote whether on the next paragraph says quote whether on the next paragraph says quote whether on foot or on Horseback they draw up for foot or on Horseback they draw up for foot or on Horseback they draw up for battle not in any fixed measure and battle not in any fixed measure and battle not in any fixed measure and formation or in regiments or divisions formation or in regiments or divisions formation or in regiments or divisions but according to tribes their kinship but according to tribes their kinship but according to tribes their kinship with one another and common interests with one another and common interests with one another and common interests often as a result when things are not often as a result when things are not often as a result when things are not going well and their friends have been going well and their friends have been going well and their friends have been killed they will risk their lives killed they will risk their lives killed they will risk their lives fighting to avenge them end quote again fighting to avenge them end quote again fighting to avenge them end quote again it sounds like the hero in our movies it sounds like the hero in our movies it sounds like the hero in our movies being heroic right being heroic right being heroic right but you get a sense as you get farther but you get a sense as you get farther but you get a sense as you get farther into the piece that this is the into the piece that this is the into the piece that this is the byzantines just explaining what sort of byzantines just explaining what sort of byzantines just explaining what sort of cheese you can bait a trap for these cheese you can bait a trap for these cheese you can bait a trap for these people with right all you have to do is people with right all you have to do is people with right all you have to do is kill a few of your friends and they'll kill a few of your friends and they'll kill a few of your friends and they'll just throw their lives away to avenge just throw their lives away to avenge just throw their lives away to avenge them this is all stuff a general could them this is all stuff a general could them this is all stuff a general could use right this is how you play you know use right this is how you play you know use right this is how you play you know the the game of poker here and these are the the game of poker here and these are the the game of poker here and these are some inside tricks let me tell you about some inside tricks let me tell you about some inside tricks let me tell you about the guy you're playing the guy you're playing the guy you're playing it continues quote it continues quote it continues quote in combat they make the front of their in combat they make the front of their in combat they make the front of their battle line even and dense either on battle line even and dense either on battle line even and dense either on Horseback or on foot they are impetuous Horseback or on foot they are impetuous Horseback or on foot they are impetuous and undisciplined in charging as if they and undisciplined in charging as if they and undisciplined in charging as if they were the only people in the world who were the only people in the world who were the only people in the world who are not cowards they are disobedient to are not cowards they are disobedient to are not cowards they are disobedient to their leaders they're not interested in their leaders they're not interested in their leaders they're not interested in anything that is at all complicated and anything that is at all complicated and anything that is at all complicated and they pay little attention to external they pay little attention to external they pay little attention to external security and their own Advantage they

security and their own Advantage they security and their own Advantage they despise good order especially on despise good order especially on despise good order especially on Horseback they are easily corrupted by Horseback they are easily corrupted by Horseback they are easily corrupted by money greedy as they are money greedy as they are money greedy as they are end quote end quote end quote if you're a Byzantine General about to if you're a Byzantine General about to if you're a Byzantine General about to face one of these light-haired peoples face one of these light-haired peoples face one of these light-haired peoples or others like them that's some pretty or others like them that's some pretty or others like them that's some pretty good Scoop there isn't it that's good Scoop there isn't it that's good Scoop there isn't it that's something you can use something you can use something you can use the next paragraph is interesting the next paragraph is interesting the next paragraph is interesting because it defies The Stereotype because it defies The Stereotype because it defies The Stereotype especially of the Scandinavians because especially of the Scandinavians because especially of the Scandinavians because I can't believe the Scandinavians are I can't believe the Scandinavians are I can't believe the Scandinavians are more bothered by Cold than people from a more bothered by Cold than people from a more bothered by Cold than people from a warm climate like the byzantines but warm climate like the byzantines but warm climate like the byzantines but maybe they're much more bothered by heat maybe they're much more bothered by heat maybe they're much more bothered by heat but this is the next chapter on you know but this is the next chapter on you know but this is the next chapter on you know how you beat these light-haired peoples how you beat these light-haired peoples how you beat these light-haired peoples how you fight them how you fight them how you fight them quote quote quote they are hurt by suffering and fatigue they are hurt by suffering and fatigue they are hurt by suffering and fatigue although they possess bold and daring although they possess bold and daring although they possess bold and daring Spirits their bodies are pampered and Spirits their bodies are pampered and Spirits their bodies are pampered and soft and they're not able to Bear pain soft and they're not able to Bear pain soft and they're not able to Bear pain calmly in addition they are hurt by heat calmly in addition they are hurt by heat calmly in addition they are hurt by heat cold rain lack of Provisions especially cold rain lack of Provisions especially cold rain lack of Provisions especially of wine of wine of wine and postponement of battle when it comes and postponement of battle when it comes and postponement of battle when it comes to a Cavalry battle they are hindered by to a Cavalry battle they are hindered by to a Cavalry battle they are hindered by uneven and wooded terrain they are uneven and wooded terrain they are uneven and wooded terrain they are easily ambushed along the flanks into easily ambushed along the flanks into easily ambushed along the flanks into the rear of their battle line for they the rear of their battle line for they the rear of their battle line for they do not concern themselves at all with do not concern themselves at all with do not concern themselves at all with Scouts and the other security measures Scouts and the other security measures Scouts and the other security measures their ranks are easily broken by a their ranks are easily broken by a their ranks are easily broken by a simulated flight and a sudden turning simulated flight and a sudden turning simulated flight and a sudden turning back against them attacks at Night by back against them attacks at Night by back against them attacks at Night by archers often inflict damage since

archers often inflict damage since archers often inflict damage since they're very disorganized in setting up they're very disorganized in setting up they're very disorganized in setting up camp end quote camp end quote camp end quote this to me is a graded on a curved sort this to me is a graded on a curved sort this to me is a graded on a curved sort of situation because sometimes you'll of situation because sometimes you'll of situation because sometimes you'll read sources from a part of the world read sources from a part of the world read sources from a part of the world where everybody by Byzantine standards where everybody by Byzantine standards where everybody by Byzantine standards is lacks in Camp security right or is lacks in Camp security right or is lacks in Camp security right or scouting and they'll judge each other scouting and they'll judge each other scouting and they'll judge each other based on you know how did the Vikings based on you know how did the Vikings based on you know how did the Vikings compare to the Anglo-Saxons but from the compare to the Anglo-Saxons but from the compare to the Anglo-Saxons but from the Byzantine standpoint they all suck at Byzantine standpoint they all suck at Byzantine standpoint they all suck at reconnaissance right reconnaissance right reconnaissance right the next paragraph you know once again the next paragraph you know once again the next paragraph you know once again there's going to be probably more boxing there's going to be probably more boxing there's going to be probably more boxing and gaming analogies in this show than and gaming analogies in this show than and gaming analogies in this show than anyone we've done but it always lends anyone we've done but it always lends anyone we've done but it always lends itself to it there was a line Muhammad itself to it there was a line Muhammad itself to it there was a line Muhammad Ali used as one of his poems about Ali used as one of his poems about Ali used as one of his poems about fighting smoking Joe Frazier who was fighting smoking Joe Frazier who was fighting smoking Joe Frazier who was basically Mike Tyson and that's exactly basically Mike Tyson and that's exactly basically Mike Tyson and that's exactly what the Byzantine emperor or his ghost what the Byzantine emperor or his ghost what the Byzantine emperor or his ghost writers is suggesting you do with these writers is suggesting you do with these writers is suggesting you do with these people because like Joe Frazier or Mike people because like Joe Frazier or Mike people because like Joe Frazier or Mike Tyson these Western light-haired peoples Tyson these Western light-haired peoples Tyson these Western light-haired peoples are ferocious Sluggers head-on punchers are ferocious Sluggers head-on punchers are ferocious Sluggers head-on punchers who disdain any sort of cleverness or who disdain any sort of cleverness or who disdain any sort of cleverness or slickness at all right just come on up slickness at all right just come on up slickness at all right just come on up here and we'll settle it you know in an here and we'll settle it you know in an here and we'll settle it you know in an arm wrestling match or whatever and arm wrestling match or whatever and arm wrestling match or whatever and they're fighting you know more of an Ali they're fighting you know more of an Ali they're fighting you know more of an Ali type character who said of Joe Frazier type character who said of Joe Frazier type character who said of Joe Frazier I'll be pecking and poking pouring water I'll be pecking and poking pouring water I'll be pecking and poking pouring water on his smoking and that's what the on his smoking and that's what the on his smoking and that's what the Byzantine emperor says you're gonna do Byzantine emperor says you're gonna do Byzantine emperor says you're gonna do to these people but just don't get into to these people but just don't get into to these people but just don't get into a slugfest with them early take them a slugfest with them early take them a slugfest with them early take them into the later rounds and he writes into the later rounds and he writes into the later rounds and he writes quote quote quote above all therefore in warring against above all therefore in warring against above all therefore in warring against them one must avoid engaging in pitched them one must avoid engaging in pitched them one must avoid engaging in pitched battles especially in the early stages

battles especially in the early stages battles especially in the early stages instead make use of well-planned instead make use of well-planned instead make use of well-planned ambushes sneak attacks and stratagems ambushes sneak attacks and stratagems ambushes sneak attacks and stratagems delay things and ruin their delay things and ruin their delay things and ruin their opportunities pretend to come to opportunities pretend to come to opportunities pretend to come to agreements with them aim at reducing agreements with them aim at reducing agreements with them aim at reducing their boldness and Zeal by shortage of their boldness and Zeal by shortage of their boldness and Zeal by shortage of Provisions or the discomforts of heat or Provisions or the discomforts of heat or Provisions or the discomforts of heat or cold cold cold end quote end quote end quote and while these aren't specifically and while these aren't specifically and while these aren't specifically comments about Vikings and they come comments about Vikings and they come comments about Vikings and they come earlier than the Viking era they're a earlier than the Viking era they're a earlier than the Viking era they're a Byzantine accounts from right after the Byzantine accounts from right after the Byzantine accounts from right after the Viking era from people who are recent Viking era from people who are recent Viking era from people who are recent descendants of the Vikings that talk descendants of the Vikings that talk descendants of the Vikings that talk about this same sort of plus four bonus about this same sort of plus four bonus about this same sort of plus four bonus thing thing thing I mean the Byzantine Princess Anna come I mean the Byzantine Princess Anna come I mean the Byzantine Princess Anna come Nana writes about it and she talks about Nana writes about it and she talks about Nana writes about it and she talks about she calls them Celts which I think is she calls them Celts which I think is she calls them Celts which I think is wonderful because then we're recycling wonderful because then we're recycling wonderful because then we're recycling these old names again they're they could these old names again they're they could these old names again they're they could be Celts they could be Vikings they be Celts they could be Vikings they be Celts they could be Vikings they could be Franks they could be I mean could be Franks they could be I mean could be Franks they could be I mean they're just light-haired peoples right they're just light-haired peoples right they're just light-haired peoples right Latins they call them sometimes these Latins they call them sometimes these Latins they call them sometimes these Greek speaking byzantines Greek speaking byzantines Greek speaking byzantines but she basically describes it as this but she basically describes it as this but she basically describes it as this irresistible force that these Celts have irresistible force that these Celts have irresistible force that these Celts have initially but that if you can withstand initially but that if you can withstand initially but that if you can withstand that it diminishes right they get tired that it diminishes right they get tired that it diminishes right they get tired they begin to flag they get discouraged they begin to flag they get discouraged they begin to flag they get discouraged so if you can survive the initial so if you can survive the initial so if you can survive the initial impetuousness bonus impetuousness bonus impetuousness bonus they returned to sort of a normal they returned to sort of a normal they returned to sort of a normal standard of fighting after that it can standard of fighting after that it can standard of fighting after that it can be defeated in one encounter uh kemnis

be defeated in one encounter uh kemnis be defeated in one encounter uh kemnis as the emperor of the byzantines ordered as the emperor of the byzantines ordered as the emperor of the byzantines ordered his men to shoot the horses out from his men to shoot the horses out from his men to shoot the horses out from under the Celts and then once they fell under the Celts and then once they fell under the Celts and then once they fell to the ground with their big shields and to the ground with their big shields and to the ground with their big shields and their heavy Spurs they lost their their heavy Spurs they lost their their heavy Spurs they lost their impetuousness and were vulnerable so this to me shows more of a style of so this to me shows more of a style of fighting than something specifically fighting than something specifically fighting than something specifically Viking but if we want to talk about Viking but if we want to talk about Viking but if we want to talk about specifically Viking because they didn't specifically Viking because they didn't specifically Viking because they didn't fight specifically like the Franks For fight specifically like the Franks For fight specifically like the Franks For example let's turn to historian and example let's turn to historian and example let's turn to historian and Viking expert Neil price who wrote the Viking expert Neil price who wrote the Viking expert Neil price who wrote the children of Ash and almond he described children of Ash and almond he described children of Ash and almond he described it and he also it and he also it and he also taking a shot may be a little strong uh taking a shot may be a little strong uh taking a shot may be a little strong uh description here but but points out that description here but but points out that description here but but points out that so much of what's portrayed as Viking so much of what's portrayed as Viking so much of what's portrayed as Viking styles of fighting and all this sort of styles of fighting and all this sort of styles of fighting and all this sort of stuff is really based on tenuous stuff is really based on tenuous stuff is really based on tenuous information and that we know less than information and that we know less than information and that we know less than the popular culture would suggest is the popular culture would suggest is the popular culture would suggest is known he says quote known he says quote known he says quote it is hard to know what a viking age it is hard to know what a viking age it is hard to know what a viking age raid or battle was actually like several raid or battle was actually like several raid or battle was actually like several books have been written claiming to give books have been written claiming to give books have been written claiming to give detailed treatment of tactics detailed treatment of tactics detailed treatment of tactics Battlefield formations and the like but Battlefield formations and the like but Battlefield formations and the like but these are almost entirely drawn from these are almost entirely drawn from these are almost entirely drawn from later practice applied retrospectively later practice applied retrospectively later practice applied retrospectively and often from literal readings of and often from literal readings of and often from literal readings of textual sources with debatable textual sources with debatable textual sources with debatable reliability in reality he writes we know reliability in reality he writes we know reliability in reality he writes we know comparatively little other than the comparatively little other than the comparatively little other than the impressions of noise chaos and violence impressions of noise chaos and violence impressions of noise chaos and violence that are conveyed so vividly in poetry that are conveyed so vividly in poetry that are conveyed so vividly in poetry and in the names of the Valkyries

and in the names of the Valkyries and in the names of the Valkyries end quote end quote end quote then he gives a rundown of kind of what then he gives a rundown of kind of what then he gives a rundown of kind of what we do know which is sort of traditional we do know which is sort of traditional we do know which is sort of traditional foot Warfare in this era in the western foot Warfare in this era in the western foot Warfare in this era in the western Central northern Europe area and he Central northern Europe area and he Central northern Europe area and he writes quote writes quote writes quote the primary Battlefield strategy the primary Battlefield strategy the primary Battlefield strategy involved The Shield wall in which a involved The Shield wall in which a involved The Shield wall in which a force formed up in a line several men force formed up in a line several men force formed up in a line several men deep with overlapping Shields as a deep with overlapping Shields as a deep with overlapping Shields as a cohesive unit it could be used to cohesive unit it could be used to cohesive unit it could be used to advance and push opponents back by sheer advance and push opponents back by sheer advance and push opponents back by sheer impetus while Spears and knives could be impetus while Spears and knives could be impetus while Spears and knives could be employed to stab forward between the employed to stab forward between the employed to stab forward between the ranks swords and axes could also come ranks swords and axes could also come ranks swords and axes could also come into play and the legs of anyone facing into play and the legs of anyone facing into play and the legs of anyone facing a shield wall were especially vulnerable a shield wall were especially vulnerable a shield wall were especially vulnerable from the underhanded thrust the from the underhanded thrust the from the underhanded thrust the formation strength lay in unity as a formation strength lay in unity as a formation strength lay in unity as a collective and the greater degree of collective and the greater degree of collective and the greater degree of protection afforded from frontal attack protection afforded from frontal attack protection afforded from frontal attack Shields could also be raised to deflect Shields could also be raised to deflect Shields could also be raised to deflect incoming arrows end quote incoming arrows end quote incoming arrows end quote now I love a good Viking Shield wall as now I love a good Viking Shield wall as now I love a good Viking Shield wall as much as the next guy but I need to point much as the next guy but I need to point much as the next guy but I need to point out for those who might not otherwise no out for those who might not otherwise no out for those who might not otherwise no there's nothing special about a shield there's nothing special about a shield there's nothing special about a shield wall formation in fact I think it's wall formation in fact I think it's wall formation in fact I think it's probably I don't know if I'm safe to say probably I don't know if I'm safe to say probably I don't know if I'm safe to say this but probably the most common this but probably the most common this but probably the most common formation before gunpowder was invented formation before gunpowder was invented formation before gunpowder was invented worldwide all throughout history I mean worldwide all throughout history I mean worldwide all throughout history I mean there's Sumerian art that shows there's Sumerian art that shows there's Sumerian art that shows Mesopotamian Warriors in a shield wall Mesopotamian Warriors in a shield wall Mesopotamian Warriors in a shield wall and just like all militia armies aren't

and just like all militia armies aren't and just like all militia armies aren't created equal all Shield walls aren't created equal all Shield walls aren't created equal all Shield walls aren't either I mean there have been armies either I mean there have been armies either I mean there have been armies that could turn you know their entire that could turn you know their entire that could turn you know their entire force 90 degrees on command drill like force 90 degrees on command drill like force 90 degrees on command drill like fashion you know in their Shield walls fashion you know in their Shield walls fashion you know in their Shield walls these Shield walls are not those these Shield walls are not those these Shield walls are not those this is a very primitive sort of level this is a very primitive sort of level this is a very primitive sort of level of warfare but what that means is of warfare but what that means is of warfare but what that means is without anything else to differentiate without anything else to differentiate without anything else to differentiate you know one side from another what's you know one side from another what's you know one side from another what's left over becomes even more important as left over becomes even more important as left over becomes even more important as we said exalted your morale or your plus we said exalted your morale or your plus we said exalted your morale or your plus four bonuses or whatever it might be four bonuses or whatever it might be four bonuses or whatever it might be experience right Warrior Hood versus experience right Warrior Hood versus experience right Warrior Hood versus Farmers whatever it might be Farmers whatever it might be Farmers whatever it might be it's worth asking the question if it's worth asking the question if it's worth asking the question if something like this plus four bonus something like this plus four bonus something like this plus four bonus thing would account for thing would account for thing would account for uh supposed phenomena like the uh supposed phenomena like the uh supposed phenomena like the Berserkers or the berserks Berserkers or the berserks Berserkers or the berserks this is a group of uh people that's this is a group of uh people that's this is a group of uh people that's associated with Viking Warrior Hood associated with Viking Warrior Hood associated with Viking Warrior Hood let's be honest though it's a little let's be honest though it's a little let's be honest though it's a little dubious I mean it comes from the sagas dubious I mean it comes from the sagas dubious I mean it comes from the sagas and the Poetry which is you know we'll and the Poetry which is you know we'll and the Poetry which is you know we'll get into it later because it's it's you get into it later because it's it's you get into it later because it's it's you have to but in terms of the historiosity have to but in terms of the historiosity have to but in terms of the historiosity of something like this if anything it of something like this if anything it of something like this if anything it looks to me these Berserkers look like looks to me these Berserkers look like looks to me these Berserkers look like outgrowths of the sorts of things that outgrowths of the sorts of things that outgrowths of the sorts of things that the Romans would have written about the Romans would have written about the Romans would have written about Germanic tribes centuries previously in Germanic tribes centuries previously in Germanic tribes centuries previously in other words sort of a known type on the other words sort of a known type on the other words sort of a known type on the battlefield battlefield battlefield I think one could make a case that when I think one could make a case that when I think one could make a case that when you filter out all this stuff about them you filter out all this stuff about them you filter out all this stuff about them being psychotic or using hallucinogenic being psychotic or using hallucinogenic being psychotic or using hallucinogenic drugs which is still an open question drugs which is still an open question drugs which is still an open question but I think uh I think the stuff I've

but I think uh I think the stuff I've but I think uh I think the stuff I've been reading lately seems to Trend been reading lately seems to Trend been reading lately seems to Trend against it but all of this could just be against it but all of this could just be against it but all of this could just be simply the descriptions of elite units simply the descriptions of elite units simply the descriptions of elite units right on the battlefield that were right on the battlefield that were right on the battlefield that were simply known as being like the other simply known as being like the other simply known as being like the other great units but with some you know great units but with some you know great units but with some you know amplification of some of the differences amplification of some of the differences amplification of some of the differences and thinking that you are immune from and thinking that you are immune from and thinking that you are immune from the enemy's weapons and acting that way the enemy's weapons and acting that way the enemy's weapons and acting that way is a sort of a psychological uh is a sort of a psychological uh is a sort of a psychological uh self-hypnosis trick that would not be self-hypnosis trick that would not be self-hypnosis trick that would not be unique to Viking warriors right I mean I unique to Viking warriors right I mean I unique to Viking warriors right I mean I think you almost have to work yourself think you almost have to work yourself think you almost have to work yourself up into something like that sometimes to up into something like that sometimes to up into something like that sometimes to be the first ones to charge into be the first ones to charge into be the first ones to charge into somebody else's spear points but you somebody else's spear points but you somebody else's spear points but you know again know again know again nothing I know about personally nothing I know about personally nothing I know about personally I think the same holds true for the I think the same holds true for the I think the same holds true for the women warrior idea there are women women warrior idea there are women women warrior idea there are women warriors throughout history famously the warriors throughout history famously the warriors throughout history famously the ones that are called Amazons who were ones that are called Amazons who were ones that are called Amazons who were probably you know women from some of probably you know women from some of probably you know women from some of these step tribes uh that seems these step tribes uh that seems these step tribes uh that seems completely confirmed but the question of completely confirmed but the question of completely confirmed but the question of decisiveness and numbers is interesting decisiveness and numbers is interesting decisiveness and numbers is interesting I mean how common was it I would suggest I mean how common was it I would suggest I mean how common was it I would suggest from what we know now probably more from what we know now probably more from what we know now probably more common still uncommon but more common on common still uncommon but more common on common still uncommon but more common on the amongst the horse Archer tribes than the amongst the horse Archer tribes than the amongst the horse Archer tribes than in Scandinavia but they do find women in Scandinavia but they do find women in Scandinavia but they do find women buried with weapons buried with weapons buried with weapons but nothing I've read suggests that but nothing I've read suggests that but nothing I've read suggests that there would be many women warriors that there would be many women warriors that there would be many women warriors that it would be a rarity when it happened it would be a rarity when it happened it would be a rarity when it happened and neither the women warriors nor the and neither the women warriors nor the and neither the women warriors nor the berserks are likely to play pivotal berserks are likely to play pivotal berserks are likely to play pivotal roles and anything we're talking about

roles and anything we're talking about roles and anything we're talking about here but worth mentioning during this here but worth mentioning during this here but worth mentioning during this time period when we're talking about time period when we're talking about time period when we're talking about armies and stuff and some of the armies and stuff and some of the armies and stuff and some of the military side of this military side of this military side of this to me the most interesting aspects of to me the most interesting aspects of to me the most interesting aspects of the Viking military stuff though and the the Viking military stuff though and the the Viking military stuff though and the stuff that really is different to me stuff that really is different to me stuff that really is different to me obviously the ships and the naval stuff obviously the ships and the naval stuff obviously the ships and the naval stuff which we'll get into more later but the which we'll get into more later but the which we'll get into more later but the other thing is that there's this and other thing is that there's this and other thing is that there's this and this may be something that this may be something that this may be something that is an illusion from the sources but is an illusion from the sources but is an illusion from the sources but there's this untethered nature to the there's this untethered nature to the there's this untethered nature to the Viking armies and especially during this Viking armies and especially during this Viking armies and especially during this period where they seem to be able to period where they seem to be able to period where they seem to be able to defy the normal laws of things like defy the normal laws of things like defy the normal laws of things like supply lines and Logistics and all that supply lines and Logistics and all that supply lines and Logistics and all that I mean their Mobility is crazy and we I mean their Mobility is crazy and we I mean their Mobility is crazy and we think about it being a naval Mobility think about it being a naval Mobility think about it being a naval Mobility but think about it this way if you're but think about it this way if you're but think about it this way if you're looking to move an army during this time looking to move an army during this time looking to move an army during this time period there's a very sort of a period there's a very sort of a period there's a very sort of a ponderous point to point to point sort ponderous point to point to point sort ponderous point to point to point sort of approach that that an advance takes of approach that that an advance takes of approach that that an advance takes because you're moving from Supply Hub to because you're moving from Supply Hub to because you're moving from Supply Hub to supply Hub on land you want to stay on supply Hub on land you want to stay on supply Hub on land you want to stay on the road so that your your carts and the road so that your your carts and the road so that your your carts and your wagons and your pack animals can go your wagons and your pack animals can go your wagons and your pack animals can go easily with you if you're being supplied easily with you if you're being supplied easily with you if you're being supplied by rivers and stuff like that you need by rivers and stuff like that you need by rivers and stuff like that you need to be close to the barges and the ships to be close to the barges and the ships to be close to the barges and the ships but it creates a sort of a very slow but it creates a sort of a very slow but it creates a sort of a very slow point to point to connect the dots kind point to point to connect the dots kind point to point to connect the dots kind of approach the Vikings don't do any of of approach the Vikings don't do any of of approach the Vikings don't do any of this during this era this during this era this during this era Because by the middle 800s in the west Because by the middle 800s in the west Because by the middle 800s in the west they've ensconced themselves in certain they've ensconced themselves in certain they've ensconced themselves in certain places and they can't be dislodged it's places and they can't be dislodged it's places and they can't be dislodged it's like gangs when we talked about earlier like gangs when we talked about earlier like gangs when we talked about earlier the police blotter kind of an idea it's

the police blotter kind of an idea it's the police blotter kind of an idea it's like gangs have taken over certain areas like gangs have taken over certain areas like gangs have taken over certain areas in modern day France and the Netherlands in modern day France and the Netherlands in modern day France and the Netherlands and places like that and the so the the and places like that and the so the the and places like that and the so the the powers that be can't powers that be can't powers that be can't dislodge them and they usually try to dislodge them and they usually try to dislodge them and they usually try to control these areas where they can where control these areas where they can where control these areas where they can where it's right where the rivers and the Sea it's right where the rivers and the Sea it's right where the rivers and the Sea come together so that they have easy come together so that they have easy come together so that they have easy access to the you know it's the subway access to the you know it's the subway access to the you know it's the subway turn styles of these places River turn styles of these places River turn styles of these places River Transport Systems Transport Systems Transport Systems and trying to figure out what Viking and trying to figure out what Viking and trying to figure out what Viking hosts or armies or mini armies or hosts or armies or mini armies or hosts or armies or mini armies or whatever you want to call them trying to whatever you want to call them trying to whatever you want to call them trying to figure out what they're doing is like figure out what they're doing is like figure out what they're doing is like trying to follow you know gangs around trying to follow you know gangs around trying to follow you know gangs around and during the 850s 860s these these and during the 850s 860s these these and during the 850s 860s these these groups of Vikings will actually get groups of Vikings will actually get groups of Vikings will actually get names you know they'll be the army of names you know they'll be the army of names you know they'll be the army of the same they'll be the army of the the same they'll be the army of the the same they'll be the army of the psalm eventually they'll be the great psalm eventually they'll be the great psalm eventually they'll be the great Heathen Army and the great summer Army Heathen Army and the great summer Army Heathen Army and the great summer Army and to think about these as armies is and to think about these as armies is and to think about these as armies is crazy because the first thing in any crazy because the first thing in any crazy because the first thing in any modern militaries when you sign up for a modern militaries when you sign up for a modern militaries when you sign up for a military you're in and if you leave military you're in and if you leave military you're in and if you leave without permission they may shoot you without permission they may shoot you without permission they may shoot you you're a deserter or you go AWOL that's you're a deserter or you go AWOL that's you're a deserter or you go AWOL that's not how these armies work and Kat Jarman not how these armies work and Kat Jarman not how these armies work and Kat Jarman the bioarchaeologist put it well when the bioarchaeologist put it well when the bioarchaeologist put it well when she said that these military forces she said that these military forces she said that these military forces whatever we want to call them hosts or whatever we want to call them hosts or whatever we want to call them hosts or the way the primary sources sometimes the way the primary sources sometimes the way the primary sources sometimes refer to them that they could pick up refer to them that they could pick up refer to them that they could pick up and lose members along the way and lose members along the way and lose members along the way there's going to be a core of people there's going to be a core of people there's going to be a core of people that are there because they have Oaths that are there because they have Oaths that are there because they have Oaths or responsibilities or they're members or responsibilities or they're members or responsibilities or they're members of a warlord's retinue or Entourage and of a warlord's retinue or Entourage and of a warlord's retinue or Entourage and they're gonna you know they're gonna do they're gonna you know they're gonna do they're gonna you know they're gonna do whatever they want to do uh the warlord whatever they want to do uh the warlord whatever they want to do uh the warlord says we're going to raid this area

says we're going to raid this area says we're going to raid this area you're in but there's a whole bunch of you're in but there's a whole bunch of you're in but there's a whole bunch of people that are sort of following the people that are sort of following the people that are sort of following the moving party here moving party here moving party here like the second group of people that like the second group of people that like the second group of people that show up in a gold rush or teenagers show up in a gold rush or teenagers show up in a gold rush or teenagers looking for something to do on a looking for something to do on a looking for something to do on a Saturday night and they hear rumors of Saturday night and they hear rumors of Saturday night and they hear rumors of where the latest parties are and they where the latest parties are and they where the latest parties are and they just show up just show up just show up and they break up the same way in the um and they break up the same way in the um and they break up the same way in the um primary sources of Saint Burton at one primary sources of Saint Burton at one primary sources of Saint Burton at one point he talks about armies Viking point he talks about armies Viking point he talks about armies Viking armies splitting up into several armies splitting up into several armies splitting up into several different flotillas and then he writes different flotillas and then he writes different flotillas and then he writes that they quote sailed off in different that they quote sailed off in different that they quote sailed off in different directions according to their various directions according to their various directions according to their various choices end quote what army does that choices end quote what army does that choices end quote what army does that but it's not like an army it doesn't act but it's not like an army it doesn't act but it's not like an army it doesn't act like an army it acts like a pack of like an army it acts like a pack of like an army it acts like a pack of wolves or a bunch of looters or people wolves or a bunch of looters or people wolves or a bunch of looters or people that are just running around that are just running around that are just running around um in in it's like it's like trying to um in in it's like it's like trying to um in in it's like it's like trying to be the police officer at Central Command be the police officer at Central Command be the police officer at Central Command that keeps track of all these groups and that keeps track of all these groups and that keeps track of all these groups and you have multiple groups operating I you have multiple groups operating I you have multiple groups operating I mean one of the histories I was reading mean one of the histories I was reading mean one of the histories I was reading is following one of these fleets and you is following one of these fleets and you is following one of these fleets and you can you can trace it because it'll hit can you can trace it because it'll hit can you can trace it because it'll hit things all along the way it'll hit Spain things all along the way it'll hit Spain things all along the way it'll hit Spain and then as it goes down to the and then as it goes down to the and then as it goes down to the Mediterranean it hits you know what's Mediterranean it hits you know what's Mediterranean it hits you know what's now like the southern Spanish coast and now like the southern Spanish coast and now like the southern Spanish coast and then it hits the southern French coast then it hits the southern French coast then it hits the southern French coast and then it sacs cities in Italy and you and then it sacs cities in Italy and you and then it sacs cities in Italy and you can literally follow its progress can literally follow its progress can literally follow its progress in age 61 some of these groups burn in age 61 some of these groups burn in age 61 some of these groups burn Paris Paris Paris now Paris is not as we said this great now Paris is not as we said this great now Paris is not as we said this great City during this time period it's more City during this time period it's more City during this time period it's more of a town it's not anyone's Capital but of a town it's not anyone's Capital but of a town it's not anyone's Capital but it is important

it is important it is important and it's been hit before right this is and it's been hit before right this is and it's been hit before right this is not unusual by this time period but it not unusual by this time period but it not unusual by this time period but it sounds specifically bad and Charles the sounds specifically bad and Charles the sounds specifically bad and Charles the bald who is the king of that region bald who is the king of that region bald who is the king of that region finally does something about it in in finally does something about it in in finally does something about it in in the next couple of years he has a bad the next couple of years he has a bad the next couple of years he has a bad reputation for how he handles Vikings reputation for how he handles Vikings reputation for how he handles Vikings he's Charlemagne's grandson by the way he's Charlemagne's grandson by the way he's Charlemagne's grandson by the way and in the 840s Charlemagne's grandson and in the 840s Charlemagne's grandson and in the 840s Charlemagne's grandson split up his former United empire into split up his former United empire into split up his former United empire into bunch of different parts that morph into bunch of different parts that morph into bunch of different parts that morph into modern countries Charles the bald rules modern countries Charles the bald rules modern countries Charles the bald rules frankia which will morph into France frankia which will morph into France frankia which will morph into France after Paris is burned in 861 that after Paris is burned in 861 that after Paris is burned in 861 that creates a sort of an equal and opposite creates a sort of an equal and opposite creates a sort of an equal and opposite reaction on Charles the bald's part he reaction on Charles the bald's part he reaction on Charles the bald's part he puts into place a bunch of rules that puts into place a bunch of rules that puts into place a bunch of rules that we've already covered some of the we've already covered some of the we've already covered some of the details of one of them is the creation details of one of them is the creation details of one of them is the creation of sort of a uh a ready reaction force of sort of a uh a ready reaction force of sort of a uh a ready reaction force a rapid deployment Force to try to catch a rapid deployment Force to try to catch a rapid deployment Force to try to catch these Vikings in the act and maybe these Vikings in the act and maybe these Vikings in the act and maybe either punish them or prevent them from either punish them or prevent them from either punish them or prevent them from doing what they want to do doing what they want to do doing what they want to do he prohibits the sale of weapons and he prohibits the sale of weapons and he prohibits the sale of weapons and armor to these people also because the armor to these people also because the armor to these people also because the Franks make as we said some of the best Franks make as we said some of the best Franks make as we said some of the best stuff if not the best stuff in this part stuff if not the best stuff in this part stuff if not the best stuff in this part of the world and no one wants the of the world and no one wants the of the world and no one wants the Comanches having repeater Comanches having repeater Comanches having repeater rifles except of course the Comanches rifles except of course the Comanches rifles except of course the Comanches and apparently whatever his grandfather and apparently whatever his grandfather and apparently whatever his grandfather had put into place was not strong enough had put into place was not strong enough had put into place was not strong enough because he strengthened all the because he strengthened all the because he strengthened all the penalties right now now they're going to penalties right now now they're going to penalties right now now they're going to hang you or cut your head off as we said hang you or cut your head off as we said hang you or cut your head off as we said so he puts that into play at the same so he puts that into play at the same so he puts that into play at the same time and then finally and this is time and then finally and this is time and then finally and this is fascinating to me he finally manages to fascinating to me he finally manages to fascinating to me he finally manages to get whatever needed to get done to get

get whatever needed to get done to get get whatever needed to get done to get Bridges fortified Bridges fortified Bridges fortified because he's certainly not the first because he's certainly not the first because he's certainly not the first person that ever did this but for one person that ever did this but for one person that ever did this but for one reason or another it hadn't happened now reason or another it hadn't happened now reason or another it hadn't happened now it's going to happen you burn Paris you it's going to happen you burn Paris you it's going to happen you burn Paris you get everyone's attention and fortify get everyone's attention and fortify get everyone's attention and fortify bridges are like turning bridges into bridges are like turning bridges into bridges are like turning bridges into castles you know you'll see towers and castles you know you'll see towers and castles you know you'll see towers and all sorts of fun things walls and all sorts of fun things walls and all sorts of fun things walls and battlements and if you're a viking battlements and if you're a viking battlements and if you're a viking that's the equivalent of blocking the that's the equivalent of blocking the that's the equivalent of blocking the turn styles that let you into the subway turn styles that let you into the subway turn styles that let you into the subway you put a fortified bridge in in a key you put a fortified bridge in in a key you put a fortified bridge in in a key spot and they can't get into the river spot and they can't get into the river spot and they can't get into the river system and that screws up everything system and that screws up everything system and that screws up everything when they've already sort of stolen all when they've already sort of stolen all when they've already sort of stolen all the easy stuff to steal on the coast all the easy stuff to steal on the coast all the easy stuff to steal on the coast all the good stuff's in the interior and to the good stuff's in the interior and to the good stuff's in the interior and to block these places is to frustrate and block these places is to frustrate and block these places is to frustrate and make any Viking ideas about raiding much make any Viking ideas about raiding much make any Viking ideas about raiding much more risky and costly but this doesn't more risky and costly but this doesn't more risky and costly but this doesn't make the Vikings stop it just sends them make the Vikings stop it just sends them make the Vikings stop it just sends them elsewhere if Charles the bald wants to elsewhere if Charles the bald wants to elsewhere if Charles the bald wants to play Superman and wants to get in front play Superman and wants to get in front play Superman and wants to get in front of his people and block the incoming of his people and block the incoming of his people and block the incoming Viking bullets he needs to understand or Viking bullets he needs to understand or Viking bullets he needs to understand or maybe it's not his job to care that maybe it's not his job to care that maybe it's not his job to care that those bullets might bounce off of those bullets might bounce off of those bullets might bounce off of Superman's chest and kill a bunch of Superman's chest and kill a bunch of Superman's chest and kill a bunch of innocent bystanders in a place like innocent bystanders in a place like innocent bystanders in a place like Anglo-Saxon England for example Anglo-Saxon England for example Anglo-Saxon England for example Charles the bald's response to things Charles the bald's response to things Charles the bald's response to things like this Burning of Paris in 861 is like this Burning of Paris in 861 is like this Burning of Paris in 861 is often tied into what happens in 865 866 often tied into what happens in 865 866 often tied into what happens in 865 866 in another location in another location in another location England England England Britain really the north of Britain by Britain really the north of Britain by Britain really the north of Britain by York now York now York now where they're going to get hit with where they're going to get hit with where they're going to get hit with something that all the histories portray something that all the histories portray something that all the histories portray as something out of the ordinary well up

as something out of the ordinary well up as something out of the ordinary well up until now soon to be all too ordinary until now soon to be all too ordinary until now soon to be all too ordinary a change in the way Vikings do things a change in the way Vikings do things a change in the way Vikings do things and we mentioned it earlier when we said and we mentioned it earlier when we said and we mentioned it earlier when we said that they were starting to overwinter in that they were starting to overwinter in that they were starting to overwinter in the 850s and the 850s by the way it's the 850s and the 850s by the way it's the 850s and the 850s by the way it's hard to keep track of all this stuff hard to keep track of all this stuff hard to keep track of all this stuff isn't it look at this scope of what isn't it look at this scope of what isn't it look at this scope of what they're doing in the 850s they start to they're doing in the 850s they start to they're doing in the 850s they start to take over Ireland but it's the 860s that take over Ireland but it's the 860s that take over Ireland but it's the 860s that this starts to happen in Britain this starts to happen in Britain this starts to happen in Britain and it will change the course of and it will change the course of and it will change the course of everything everything everything and once it gets going it becomes like a and once it gets going it becomes like a and once it gets going it becomes like a happening it's hard to figure out what happening it's hard to figure out what happening it's hard to figure out what these things are we mentioned earlier these things are we mentioned earlier these things are we mentioned earlier that there are these entrepreneurs and that there are these entrepreneurs and that there are these entrepreneurs and it seems like they're the ones who call it seems like they're the ones who call it seems like they're the ones who call the shots you know maybe they own 12 the shots you know maybe they own 12 the shots you know maybe they own 12 ships and they know another entrepreneur ships and they know another entrepreneur ships and they know another entrepreneur who has 10 up the coast and another one who has 10 up the coast and another one who has 10 up the coast and another one down south who's your cousin who has down south who's your cousin who has down south who's your cousin who has five ships and you get these people five ships and you get these people five ships and you get these people together they all bring their entourages together they all bring their entourages together they all bring their entourages and they sort of go to where this year's and they sort of go to where this year's and they sort of go to where this year's party is going to be and then all the party is going to be and then all the party is going to be and then all the other Vikings looking for parties or other Vikings looking for parties or other Vikings looking for parties or Japan for gold or to pick fruit in John Japan for gold or to pick fruit in John Japan for gold or to pick fruit in John Steinbeck's version you know of the Steinbeck's version you know of the Steinbeck's version you know of the people from the Dust Bowl coming to try people from the Dust Bowl coming to try people from the Dust Bowl coming to try to make a living whatever it might be to make a living whatever it might be to make a living whatever it might be those people show up they follow the those people show up they follow the those people show up they follow the party they're like Grateful Dead fans party they're like Grateful Dead fans party they're like Grateful Dead fans who go from place to place following the who go from place to place following the who go from place to place following the band band band although they look probably a little bit although they look probably a little bit although they look probably a little bit more like Motorhead fans more like Motorhead fans more like Motorhead fans in 865 866 the big party's going to be in 865 866 the big party's going to be in 865 866 the big party's going to be in northumbria and the group of people in northumbria and the group of people in northumbria and the group of people that shows up to watch and participate that shows up to watch and participate that shows up to watch and participate in that show is going to acquire a name in that show is going to acquire a name in that show is going to acquire a name which might work for some of the which might work for some of the which might work for some of the Motorhead get-togethers too they're

Motorhead get-togethers too they're Motorhead get-togethers too they're going to be called the Great Heathen going to be called the Great Heathen going to be called the Great Heathen Army the origin of the great Heathen Army is the origin of the great Heathen Army is literally legendary literally legendary literally legendary it involves at least the traditional it involves at least the traditional it involves at least the traditional story involves one of these Vikings story involves one of these Vikings story involves one of these Vikings whose name whose name whose name we have we have we have but that's a rare thing in the middle but that's a rare thing in the middle but that's a rare thing in the middle 800s believe it or not after all this 800s believe it or not after all this 800s believe it or not after all this discussion we've already gone through discussion we've already gone through discussion we've already gone through this is the early Viking age and it's this is the early Viking age and it's this is the early Viking age and it's the next hundred years when the sources the next hundred years when the sources the next hundred years when the sources are going to are going to are going to comparatively explode comparatively explode comparatively explode so even having names during this period so even having names during this period so even having names during this period to work with is a little problematic but to work with is a little problematic but to work with is a little problematic but the most famous name if you were to talk the most famous name if you were to talk the most famous name if you were to talk to people on the street who have no to people on the street who have no to people on the street who have no connection to history at all and ask connection to history at all and ask connection to history at all and ask them do you know any names of any them do you know any names of any them do you know any names of any Vikings the name you would get most of Vikings the name you would get most of Vikings the name you would get most of all because of what popular culture has all because of what popular culture has all because of what popular culture has done to this figure done to this figure done to this figure is almost certainly Ragnar Lothbrok is almost certainly Ragnar Lothbrok is almost certainly Ragnar Lothbrok and trying to get your mind around who and trying to get your mind around who and trying to get your mind around who that person was in real life in history that person was in real life in history that person was in real life in history is is is one of the many things in the story one of the many things in the story one of the many things in the story above my pay grade above my pay grade above my pay grade some people will suggest he never some people will suggest he never some people will suggest he never existed at all existed at all existed at all I think most of what I read would uh I think most of what I read would uh I think most of what I read would uh would go to the other direction and say would go to the other direction and say would go to the other direction and say that he did but like so many figures in that he did but like so many figures in that he did but like so many figures in early history you know ancient or early history you know ancient or early history you know ancient or medieval history he was one of these medieval history he was one of these medieval history he was one of these figures that over time maybe got turned

figures that over time maybe got turned figures that over time maybe got turned into something like a demigod into something like a demigod into something like a demigod a person whose name shows up here and a person whose name shows up here and a person whose name shows up here and there in historical Chronicles but is there in historical Chronicles but is there in historical Chronicles but is most known because of things written most known because of things written most known because of things written about him in sagas and the Epic about him in sagas and the Epic about him in sagas and the Epic etic and scaldic poetry of Scandinavia etic and scaldic poetry of Scandinavia etic and scaldic poetry of Scandinavia which is what allows the Viking side of which is what allows the Viking side of which is what allows the Viking side of this story any interplay in it at all this story any interplay in it at all this story any interplay in it at all even with all of its problems more on even with all of its problems more on even with all of its problems more on that later that later that later but so who this Ragnar Lothbrok guy is but so who this Ragnar Lothbrok guy is but so who this Ragnar Lothbrok guy is is hard to figure he's supposed to have is hard to figure he's supposed to have is hard to figure he's supposed to have been one of the leaders in the great been one of the leaders in the great been one of the leaders in the great attack on Paris in the Middle 840s where attack on Paris in the Middle 840s where attack on Paris in the Middle 840s where those guys were slaughtered by the those guys were slaughtered by the those guys were slaughtered by the Vikings you know hanged in front of Vikings you know hanged in front of Vikings you know hanged in front of their compatriots but on an island in their compatriots but on an island in their compatriots but on an island in the same river he was one of those guys the same river he was one of those guys the same river he was one of those guys this is a couple decades later and the this is a couple decades later and the this is a couple decades later and the way this story starts and remember way this story starts and remember way this story starts and remember ancient and medieval people love these ancient and medieval people love these ancient and medieval people love these kinds of things where whole geopolitical kinds of things where whole geopolitical kinds of things where whole geopolitical conflicts start because somebody steals conflicts start because somebody steals conflicts start because somebody steals another guy's wife or something another guy's wife or something another guy's wife or something but this supposedly starts because of but this supposedly starts because of but this supposedly starts because of something done to Ragnar Lothbrok and something done to Ragnar Lothbrok and something done to Ragnar Lothbrok and because of the thing that was done to because of the thing that was done to because of the thing that was done to him his sons come looking for payback him his sons come looking for payback him his sons come looking for payback and in a society like Scandinavia known and in a society like Scandinavia known and in a society like Scandinavia known for its blood feuds during this era for its blood feuds during this era for its blood feuds during this era that's not hard to believe that's not hard to believe that's not hard to believe but what they kick off if that has any but what they kick off if that has any but what they kick off if that has any connection to Truth at all connection to Truth at all connection to Truth at all is one of the most important is one of the most important is one of the most important geopolitical events in the Viking age geopolitical events in the Viking age geopolitical events in the Viking age and one that's always taken to sort of and one that's always taken to sort of and one that's always taken to sort of um kick off a new era in the Viking

um kick off a new era in the Viking um kick off a new era in the Viking story although a case can be made that story although a case can be made that story although a case can be made that this is sort of just things sliding into this is sort of just things sliding into this is sort of just things sliding into one another historically speaking right one another historically speaking right one another historically speaking right what happened the last five years moves what happened the last five years moves what happened the last five years moves into what happens in the next five years into what happens in the next five years into what happens in the next five years and it just sort of slides to this and it just sort of slides to this and it just sort of slides to this destination destination destination but regardless when I was growing up I but regardless when I was growing up I but regardless when I was growing up I was reading things like a history of the was reading things like a history of the was reading things like a history of the Vikings by Gwen Jones and here's the way Vikings by Gwen Jones and here's the way Vikings by Gwen Jones and here's the way Jones describes this era and Ragnar's Jones describes this era and Ragnar's Jones describes this era and Ragnar's involvement in it and writes quote involvement in it and writes quote involvement in it and writes quote we've already seen the nuisance raids of we've already seen the nuisance raids of we've already seen the nuisance raids of individual leaders develop into big individual leaders develop into big individual leaders develop into big well-organized Expeditions which well-organized Expeditions which well-organized Expeditions which exploited local divisions and lived off exploited local divisions and lived off exploited local divisions and lived off the invaded country for lengthening the invaded country for lengthening the invaded country for lengthening periods of time a new stage he writes periods of time a new stage he writes periods of time a new stage he writes that of conquest and residence now that of conquest and residence now that of conquest and residence now followed in 865 a big Heathen host or followed in 865 a big Heathen host or followed in 865 a big Heathen host or Horde at a guess 500 to a thousand men Horde at a guess 500 to a thousand men Horde at a guess 500 to a thousand men arrived in England to initiate a more arrived in England to initiate a more arrived in England to initiate a more sustained and coherent assault than had sustained and coherent assault than had sustained and coherent assault than had yet been attempted their leaders were yet been attempted their leaders were yet been attempted their leaders were Ivar called the Boneless Abba and Ivar called the Boneless Abba and Ivar called the Boneless Abba and halftan Legend tells us that they came halftan Legend tells us that they came halftan Legend tells us that they came from Scandinavian Ireland to avenge the from Scandinavian Ireland to avenge the from Scandinavian Ireland to avenge the death of their father Ragnar about whom death of their father Ragnar about whom death of their father Ragnar about whom we know nothing very much after his we know nothing very much after his we know nothing very much after his withdrawal from the saying in 845. that withdrawal from the saying in 845. that withdrawal from the saying in 845. that was the attack on Paris in 845 which he was the attack on Paris in 845 which he was the attack on Paris in 845 which he was supposed to be one of the leaders of was supposed to be one of the leaders of was supposed to be one of the leaders of with seven thousand pounds of silver with seven thousand pounds of silver with seven thousand pounds of silver over and the seeds of plague in his army

over and the seeds of plague in his army over and the seeds of plague in his army say that he was reputed to have come to say that he was reputed to have come to say that he was reputed to have come to England with two ships Crews and been England with two ships Crews and been England with two ships Crews and been defeated by King Ella of northumbria who defeated by King Ella of northumbria who defeated by King Ella of northumbria who had him thrown into a pit and stung to had him thrown into a pit and stung to had him thrown into a pit and stung to death by snakes before he died he was death by snakes before he died he was death by snakes before he died he was heard to say prophetically the piglings heard to say prophetically the piglings heard to say prophetically the piglings would be grunting if they knew the would be grunting if they knew the would be grunting if they knew the plight of the boar and suddenly here plight of the boar and suddenly here plight of the boar and suddenly here they were they were they were snouting and tusking in England end snouting and tusking in England end snouting and tusking in England end quote quote quote that's a great story how much of it is that's a great story how much of it is that's a great story how much of it is true is completely open to question true is completely open to question true is completely open to question the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of course is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of course is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of course is much more dry this is not a saga this is much more dry this is not a saga this is much more dry this is not a saga this is not you know the the scaldic Poetry this not you know the the scaldic Poetry this not you know the the scaldic Poetry this is just the facts ma'am and in 865 is just the facts ma'am and in 865 is just the facts ma'am and in 865 according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle here were the facts quote here were the facts quote here were the facts quote this year sat the Heathen Army in the this year sat the Heathen Army in the this year sat the Heathen Army in the Isle of thanet and made peace with the Isle of thanet and made peace with the Isle of thanet and made peace with the men of Kent who promised money therewith men of Kent who promised money therewith men of Kent who promised money therewith but under the security of peace and the but under the security of peace and the but under the security of peace and the promise of money the Army in the night promise of money the Army in the night promise of money the Army in the night stole up the country and overran all stole up the country and overran all stole up the country and overran all Kent Eastward end quote Kent Eastward end quote Kent Eastward end quote the next year is also the next year is also the next year is also um a continuation of what's going on and um a continuation of what's going on and um a continuation of what's going on and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says for 866 the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says for 866 the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says for 866 quote and by the way when they're quote and by the way when they're quote and by the way when they're talking about Ethel red and Ethel birth talking about Ethel red and Ethel birth talking about Ethel red and Ethel birth they're talking about Kings of one of

they're talking about Kings of one of they're talking about Kings of one of these kingdoms that make up these kingdoms that make up these kingdoms that make up you know the British Isles during this you know the British Isles during this you know the British Isles during this period quote this year Ethel red brother period quote this year Ethel red brother period quote this year Ethel red brother of ethelbert took to the West Saxon of ethelbert took to the West Saxon of ethelbert took to the West Saxon government and the same year came a government and the same year came a government and the same year came a large Heathen Army into England and large Heathen Army into England and large Heathen Army into England and fixed their winter quarters in East fixed their winter quarters in East fixed their winter quarters in East Anglia where they were soon horsed and Anglia where they were soon horsed and Anglia where they were soon horsed and the inhabitants made peace with them end the inhabitants made peace with them end the inhabitants made peace with them end quote quote quote Horst that's a great term isn't it what Horst that's a great term isn't it what Horst that's a great term isn't it what it means is that deals were struck the it means is that deals were struck the it means is that deals were struck the Vikings have this quality of you know Vikings have this quality of you know Vikings have this quality of you know people who show up in your neighborhood people who show up in your neighborhood people who show up in your neighborhood and say something like you know nice and say something like you know nice and say something like you know nice Kingdom you have here be ashamed if Kingdom you have here be ashamed if Kingdom you have here be ashamed if something happened to it something happened to it something happened to it if we had some horses maybe nothing if we had some horses maybe nothing if we had some horses maybe nothing would go bad for you would go bad for you would go bad for you um um um the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has this great the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has this great the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has this great line and the people here or there made line and the people here or there made line and the people here or there made peace with the Vikings well they didn't peace with the Vikings well they didn't peace with the Vikings well they didn't just say you know you don't hurt us we just say you know you don't hurt us we just say you know you don't hurt us we won't hurt you made peace with the won't hurt you made peace with the won't hurt you made peace with the Vikings means you know you say what do Vikings means you know you say what do Vikings means you know you say what do we need to give you for you to go we need to give you for you to go we need to give you for you to go somewhere else and and they tell them somewhere else and and they tell them somewhere else and and they tell them and they land in Kent but they quickly and they land in Kent but they quickly and they land in Kent but they quickly move up into another one of these move up into another one of these move up into another one of these Kingdoms at the time called northumbria Kingdoms at the time called northumbria Kingdoms at the time called northumbria you know right around where the major you know right around where the major you know right around where the major city of York is uh they're using the city of York is uh they're using the city of York is uh they're using the Roman roads too isn't it wonderful that Roman roads too isn't it wonderful that Roman roads too isn't it wonderful that they can just sort of uh adopt the uh they can just sort of uh adopt the uh they can just sort of uh adopt the uh you know the way that the locals get you know the way that the locals get you know the way that the locals get from place to place on these wonderful from place to place on these wonderful from place to place on these wonderful roads that were made by people centuries roads that were made by people centuries roads that were made by people centuries ago and they just use them to get up to ago and they just use them to get up to ago and they just use them to get up to northumbria where the Vikings wonderful

northumbria where the Vikings wonderful northumbria where the Vikings wonderful intelligence that they always seem to intelligence that they always seem to intelligence that they always seem to have has told them that there's you know have has told them that there's you know have has told them that there's you know Civil War problems up north right a Civil War problems up north right a Civil War problems up north right a dynastic struggle things are going to be dynastic struggle things are going to be dynastic struggle things are going to be disorganized chaotic and that's just the disorganized chaotic and that's just the disorganized chaotic and that's just the kind of thing that Vikings enjoy kind of thing that Vikings enjoy kind of thing that Vikings enjoy you know when they're looking for a you know when they're looking for a you know when they're looking for a place to strike right number one thing place to strike right number one thing place to strike right number one thing we're looking for you're not ready and we're looking for you're not ready and we're looking for you're not ready and it's a bad time for us to do this and in it's a bad time for us to do this and in it's a bad time for us to do this and in 865 866 it's a bad time for the people 865 866 it's a bad time for the people 865 866 it's a bad time for the people of northumbria to get hit with a viking of northumbria to get hit with a viking of northumbria to get hit with a viking attack which coincidentally is exactly attack which coincidentally is exactly attack which coincidentally is exactly when it happens when it happens when it happens the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles entry for the the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles entry for the the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles entry for the year 867 talks about this sort of year 867 talks about this sort of year 867 talks about this sort of dissension in the Royal House of dissension in the Royal House of dissension in the Royal House of northumbria northumbria northumbria mentions that the Rival claimants to the mentions that the Rival claimants to the mentions that the Rival claimants to the throne decide to unite though in the throne decide to unite though in the throne decide to unite though in the face of the Viking threat somehow and it face of the Viking threat somehow and it face of the Viking threat somehow and it doesn't tell you how this happens the doesn't tell you how this happens the doesn't tell you how this happens the Vikings get inside the big city or the Vikings get inside the big city or the Vikings get inside the big city or the major city in that part of Britain York major city in that part of Britain York major city in that part of Britain York within the walls occupying the city and within the walls occupying the city and within the walls occupying the city and then these northumbrian claimants to the then these northumbrian claimants to the then these northumbrian claimants to the throne have to unite and try to retake throne have to unite and try to retake throne have to unite and try to retake their own City somehow their own City somehow their own City somehow I should say that when the Anglo-Saxon I should say that when the Anglo-Saxon I should say that when the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle during this period says the Chronicle during this period says the Chronicle during this period says the army they mean the great Heathen Army army they mean the great Heathen Army army they mean the great Heathen Army until later when they'll start calling until later when they'll start calling until later when they'll start calling it The Danes which will just get more it The Danes which will just get more it The Danes which will just get more confusing confusing confusing so according to the Anglo-Saxon so according to the Anglo-Saxon so according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle though these rival claimants Chronicle though these rival claimants Chronicle though these rival claimants to the throne to the throne to the throne quote return to their allegiance and quote return to their allegiance and quote return to their allegiance and they were now fighting against the

they were now fighting against the they were now fighting against the common enemy having collected a vast common enemy having collected a vast common enemy having collected a vast force with which they fought the Army at force with which they fought the Army at force with which they fought the Army at York beneath the great Army and breaking York beneath the great Army and breaking York beneath the great Army and breaking open the town some of them entered in open the town some of them entered in open the town some of them entered in then there was an immense Slaughter of then there was an immense Slaughter of then there was an immense Slaughter of the northumbrians some within and some the northumbrians some within and some the northumbrians some within and some without of the walls and both the kings without of the walls and both the kings without of the walls and both the kings were slain on the spot the survivors were slain on the spot the survivors were slain on the spot the survivors made peace with the army made peace with the army made peace with the army end quote the survivors made peace with end quote the survivors made peace with end quote the survivors made peace with the great Heathen Army the great Heathen Army the great Heathen Army this is one of those moments though that this is one of those moments though that this is one of those moments though that you really get these sorts of things in you really get these sorts of things in you really get these sorts of things in early medieval warfare where the Kings early medieval warfare where the Kings early medieval warfare where the Kings fight and at the end of the battle you fight and at the end of the battle you fight and at the end of the battle you have dead Kings on the battlefield or have dead Kings on the battlefield or have dead Kings on the battlefield or whatever passes for Kings as we said the whatever passes for Kings as we said the whatever passes for Kings as we said the whole King thing gets a little bit more whole King thing gets a little bit more whole King thing gets a little bit more exclusive when you get to the high exclusive when you get to the high exclusive when you get to the high Middle Ages in this period is a little Middle Ages in this period is a little Middle Ages in this period is a little bit more democratized more often uh you bit more democratized more often uh you bit more democratized more often uh you ran into Kings in this era but still ran into Kings in this era but still ran into Kings in this era but still King's dead on the battlefield two King's dead on the battlefield two King's dead on the battlefield two northumbrian claimants to the throne northumbrian claimants to the throne northumbrian claimants to the throne dead on the battlefield in 867 at the dead on the battlefield in 867 at the dead on the battlefield in 867 at the hands of the Vikings is shocking and hands of the Vikings is shocking and hands of the Vikings is shocking and gives them control of northumbria which gives them control of northumbria which gives them control of northumbria which is a very different thing than deciding is a very different thing than deciding is a very different thing than deciding you're going to smash and grab and leave you're going to smash and grab and leave you're going to smash and grab and leave or you're going to overwinter in a or you're going to overwinter in a or you're going to overwinter in a little fortified you know long port on little fortified you know long port on little fortified you know long port on the coast this is Conquest and there's always been some sort of and there's always been some sort of inference that some of these King's inference that some of these King's inference that some of these King's deaths at the hands of the Vikings are deaths at the hands of the Vikings are deaths at the hands of the Vikings are not in battle but maybe more like not in battle but maybe more like not in battle but maybe more like executions you know on the field of

executions you know on the field of executions you know on the field of battle afterwards In Cold Blood battle afterwards In Cold Blood battle afterwards In Cold Blood and several of these kings that the and several of these kings that the and several of these kings that the Vikings will kill over their course of Vikings will kill over their course of Vikings will kill over their course of time in Britain will be executed perhaps time in Britain will be executed perhaps time in Britain will be executed perhaps uh some in the sagas for example if if uh some in the sagas for example if if uh some in the sagas for example if if this is the Ragnar story as it was this is the Ragnar story as it was this is the Ragnar story as it was traditionally told then one of these traditionally told then one of these traditionally told then one of these Kings from northumbria who dies here is Kings from northumbria who dies here is Kings from northumbria who dies here is the guy who threw Ragnar into the snake the guy who threw Ragnar into the snake the guy who threw Ragnar into the snake pit so his sons find him and carve the pit so his sons find him and carve the pit so his sons find him and carve the old blood eagle on his back I split his old blood eagle on his back I split his old blood eagle on his back I split his rib cage from behind pull his lungs out rib cage from behind pull his lungs out rib cage from behind pull his lungs out it kind of looks like a Birds wingspan it kind of looks like a Birds wingspan it kind of looks like a Birds wingspan I was reading Max Adams he had a I was reading Max Adams he had a I was reading Max Adams he had a footnote that just said most historians footnote that just said most historians footnote that just said most historians are very skeptical of anything like that are very skeptical of anything like that are very skeptical of anything like that ever happening but certainly one would ever happening but certainly one would ever happening but certainly one would imagine given you know Behavior after imagine given you know Behavior after imagine given you know Behavior after this event that it would be in keeping this event that it would be in keeping this event that it would be in keeping if the Vikings got their hands on one of if the Vikings got their hands on one of if the Vikings got their hands on one of these kings that they would kill them on these kings that they would kill them on these kings that they would kill them on the spot the spot the spot we should go into how many people were we should go into how many people were we should go into how many people were talking about here since my early 1960s talking about here since my early 1960s talking about here since my early 1960s Gwen Jones quote there a moment ago said Gwen Jones quote there a moment ago said Gwen Jones quote there a moment ago said 500 to a thousand in his mind 500 to a thousand in his mind 500 to a thousand in his mind um I think those numbers are obsolete um I think those numbers are obsolete um I think those numbers are obsolete the closer numbers that I've seen you the closer numbers that I've seen you the closer numbers that I've seen you know with my own biases thrown in right know with my own biases thrown in right know with my own biases thrown in right but but people throw around 4 000 or 5 but but people throw around 4 000 or 5 but but people throw around 4 000 or 5 000 Vikings and that seems logical for 000 Vikings and that seems logical for 000 Vikings and that seems logical for all sorts of different reasons all sorts of different reasons all sorts of different reasons um but that's a lot of Vikings in one um but that's a lot of Vikings in one um but that's a lot of Vikings in one place at one time even though that's a place at one time even though that's a place at one time even though that's a minuscule Army throughout most of minuscule Army throughout most of minuscule Army throughout most of History again a sign of the level of

History again a sign of the level of History again a sign of the level of warfare and of warfare and of warfare and of you know infrastructure and capabilities you know infrastructure and capabilities you know infrastructure and capabilities and capacities in the Early Middle Ages and capacities in the Early Middle Ages and capacities in the Early Middle Ages in this part of the world where a you in this part of the world where a you in this part of the world where a you know 5 000 man Viking Army is know 5 000 man Viking Army is know 5 000 man Viking Army is Unstoppable the Contemporary leadership of a place the Contemporary leadership of a place like China like China like China or you know the empires in India or the or you know the empires in India or the or you know the empires in India or the Islamic world would consider that number Islamic world would consider that number Islamic world would consider that number to be something you dealt with as part to be something you dealt with as part to be something you dealt with as part of a police action of a police action of a police action in this part of the world it is in this part of the world it is in this part of the world it is overwhelming I have read multiple accounts from I have read multiple accounts from multiple good people multiple good people multiple good people who have different takes on what this is who have different takes on what this is who have different takes on what this is we used our analogy of a roving party we used our analogy of a roving party we used our analogy of a roving party led by some uh you know very organized led by some uh you know very organized led by some uh you know very organized and targeted and logistically sound and targeted and logistically sound and targeted and logistically sound leadership but there are people that leadership but there are people that leadership but there are people that will suggest everything from this is a will suggest everything from this is a will suggest everything from this is a Giant Raid for looting that just keeps Giant Raid for looting that just keeps Giant Raid for looting that just keeps going right until until it gets any going right until until it gets any going right until until it gets any natural pushback it just keeps flowing natural pushback it just keeps flowing natural pushback it just keeps flowing forward and others who suggest that this forward and others who suggest that this forward and others who suggest that this is an outright attempted Conquest is an outright attempted Conquest is an outright attempted Conquest conceived as such planned as such and conceived as such planned as such and conceived as such planned as such and carried out as such now there's another theory that was now there's another theory that was floated around for a couple of decades floated around for a couple of decades floated around for a couple of decades pretty strongly in the last 30 or 40 pretty strongly in the last 30 or 40 pretty strongly in the last 30 or 40 years and that's the idea that maybe the years and that's the idea that maybe the years and that's the idea that maybe the violence has been overemphasized in this

violence has been overemphasized in this violence has been overemphasized in this whole Viking thing and that maybe they whole Viking thing and that maybe they whole Viking thing and that maybe they came more as sort of peaceful settlers came more as sort of peaceful settlers came more as sort of peaceful settlers or immigrants or whatnot I think that's or immigrants or whatnot I think that's or immigrants or whatnot I think that's been discounted at least to a certain been discounted at least to a certain been discounted at least to a certain degree but I like the way Neil price degree but I like the way Neil price degree but I like the way Neil price sort of fuses the traditional view of sort of fuses the traditional view of sort of fuses the traditional view of the Vikings as these you know Conquest the Vikings as these you know Conquest the Vikings as these you know Conquest oriented Super Raiders and people who oriented Super Raiders and people who oriented Super Raiders and people who are you know looking for more of a are you know looking for more of a are you know looking for more of a migration and a new life and he calls it migration and a new life and he calls it migration and a new life and he calls it sort of an armed family migration and I sort of an armed family migration and I sort of an armed family migration and I thought to myself there's a lot of times thought to myself there's a lot of times thought to myself there's a lot of times in history where you could describe in history where you could describe in history where you could describe something as an armed family migration something as an armed family migration something as an armed family migration and they are definitely at least in my and they are definitely at least in my and they are definitely at least in my mind seem to be Echoes of you know the mind seem to be Echoes of you know the mind seem to be Echoes of you know the American mythology of the pioneer American mythology of the pioneer American mythology of the pioneer conquest of the West you know with the conquest of the West you know with the conquest of the West you know with the covered wagon and all that and covered wagon and all that and covered wagon and all that and substitute a viking longship for the substitute a viking longship for the substitute a viking longship for the covered wagon and like I said you could covered wagon and like I said you could covered wagon and like I said you could almost do a little bit bit of mad living almost do a little bit bit of mad living almost do a little bit bit of mad living here a little plug and play with those here a little plug and play with those here a little plug and play with those two societies two societies two societies price also has this absolutely price also has this absolutely price also has this absolutely fascinating and difficult to explain fascinating and difficult to explain fascinating and difficult to explain easily idea of this being kind of a easily idea of this being kind of a easily idea of this being kind of a social experiment perhaps these are social experiment perhaps these are social experiment perhaps these are theories I mean he acknowledges all of theories I mean he acknowledges all of theories I mean he acknowledges all of this but a social experiment in the same this but a social experiment in the same this but a social experiment in the same way that someone you know traveling out way that someone you know traveling out way that someone you know traveling out west in the old American you know west in the old American you know west in the old American you know mythology might see it as a kind of a mythology might see it as a kind of a mythology might see it as a kind of a social experiment you know we're going social experiment you know we're going social experiment you know we're going to start a new country we're going to do to start a new country we're going to do to start a new country we're going to do whatever it might be and his his idea whatever it might be and his his idea whatever it might be and his his idea was that during this period as we've was that during this period as we've was that during this period as we've mentioned where governmental systems are mentioned where governmental systems are mentioned where governmental systems are changing and today we would look at it changing and today we would look at it changing and today we would look at it and say that personal freedom was you and say that personal freedom was you and say that personal freedom was you know being under threat because all of

know being under threat because all of know being under threat because all of these people that were used to having a these people that were used to having a these people that were used to having a sort of decentralized farmer base but sort of decentralized farmer base but sort of decentralized farmer base but everybody sort of gets a vote in the all everybody sort of gets a vote in the all everybody sort of gets a vote in the all thing get together uh was being thing get together uh was being thing get together uh was being threatened by consolidation and threatened by consolidation and threatened by consolidation and Scandinavia was going to go all European Scandinavia was going to go all European Scandinavia was going to go all European and become a kingship and well we're out and become a kingship and well we're out and become a kingship and well we're out of there we're fleeing to the new world of there we're fleeing to the new world of there we're fleeing to the new world and for then the new world is and for then the new world is and for then the new world is Anglo-Saxon England amongst other places Anglo-Saxon England amongst other places Anglo-Saxon England amongst other places and they will keep just like the and they will keep just like the and they will keep just like the settlers in the old American West settlers in the old American West settlers in the old American West they'll keep going farther west won't they'll keep going farther west won't they'll keep going farther west won't they as time goes on they as time goes on they as time goes on it's also very possible that this starts it's also very possible that this starts it's also very possible that this starts one way and morphs into something else one way and morphs into something else one way and morphs into something else that you get an A Clash of armed forces that you get an A Clash of armed forces that you get an A Clash of armed forces here for a while and then once things here for a while and then once things here for a while and then once things settle down the Vikings who are in settle down the Vikings who are in settle down the Vikings who are in Anglo-Saxon England send for their Anglo-Saxon England send for their Anglo-Saxon England send for their relatives you know we've got a little relatives you know we've got a little relatives you know we've got a little land taken we're off here in New York land taken we're off here in New York land taken we're off here in New York it's wonderful it's beautiful there's no it's wonderful it's beautiful there's no it's wonderful it's beautiful there's no glaciers anywhere to be seen come on glaciers anywhere to be seen come on glaciers anywhere to be seen come on over and bring some of your friends over and bring some of your friends over and bring some of your friends right we're going to settle this area right we're going to settle this area right we're going to settle this area this area initially is going to be this area initially is going to be this area initially is going to be northumbria that the Vikings have just northumbria that the Vikings have just northumbria that the Vikings have just captured captured captured and northumbria is going to be sort of and northumbria is going to be sort of and northumbria is going to be sort of Ground Zero for vikingdom in this in the Ground Zero for vikingdom in this in the Ground Zero for vikingdom in this in the British Isles for quite some time it's a British Isles for quite some time it's a British Isles for quite some time it's a great sort of striking out spot to hit great sort of striking out spot to hit great sort of striking out spot to hit other places and during this time period other places and during this time period other places and during this time period there were four main kingdoms that make there were four main kingdoms that make there were four main kingdoms that make up Britain northumbria which the Vikings up Britain northumbria which the Vikings up Britain northumbria which the Vikings have just taken south of that Mercia have just taken south of that Mercia have just taken south of that Mercia over to the east of that East Anglia over to the east of that East Anglia over to the east of that East Anglia where the Vikings had originally landed where the Vikings had originally landed where the Vikings had originally landed made some sort of deal and became a

made some sort of deal and became a made some sort of deal and became a horse and then Wessex ruled by King horse and then Wessex ruled by King horse and then Wessex ruled by King Ethel red Ethel red Ethel red in 868 which is the year after the in 868 which is the year after the in 868 which is the year after the initial taking of northumbria they try initial taking of northumbria they try initial taking of northumbria they try to take the next Kingdom over Murcia to take the next Kingdom over Murcia to take the next Kingdom over Murcia they do this by a method the Anglo-Saxon they do this by a method the Anglo-Saxon they do this by a method the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is going to say that they do Chronicle is going to say that they do Chronicle is going to say that they do over and over again fixing their winter over and over again fixing their winter over and over again fixing their winter quarters they call it it's essentially quarters they call it it's essentially quarters they call it it's essentially the moving of the concert venue in the the moving of the concert venue in the the moving of the concert venue in the sort of Grateful Dead Motorhead analogy sort of Grateful Dead Motorhead analogy sort of Grateful Dead Motorhead analogy thing we have going and everyone comes thing we have going and everyone comes thing we have going and everyone comes in they fortify a camp sort of rather in they fortify a camp sort of rather in they fortify a camp sort of rather quickly and then the crowd moves in and quickly and then the crowd moves in and quickly and then the crowd moves in and then there they are right in the middle then there they are right in the middle then there they are right in the middle of your neighborhood in a fortified camp of your neighborhood in a fortified camp of your neighborhood in a fortified camp the interesting thing about these camps the interesting thing about these camps the interesting thing about these camps is that they would give no trouble at is that they would give no trouble at is that they would give no trouble at all to any of the major powers during all to any of the major powers during all to any of the major powers during this era or any earlier ones it's not this era or any earlier ones it's not this era or any earlier ones it's not that sophisticated but in this time that sophisticated but in this time that sophisticated but in this time period and in this geographical area period and in this geographical area period and in this geographical area Siege Warfare is sort of you know at a Siege Warfare is sort of you know at a Siege Warfare is sort of you know at a low point and if the Vikings decide to low point and if the Vikings decide to low point and if the Vikings decide to you know put up some uh Earthen mounds you know put up some uh Earthen mounds you know put up some uh Earthen mounds and some wood plashing on top of that and some wood plashing on top of that and some wood plashing on top of that you might as well just negotiate with you might as well just negotiate with you might as well just negotiate with them in 868 uh the king of Mercia who them in 868 uh the king of Mercia who them in 868 uh the king of Mercia who had asked for help from the king of had asked for help from the king of had asked for help from the king of Wessex and who brought his army and said Wessex and who brought his army and said Wessex and who brought his army and said that both their armies sort of Face Off that both their armies sort of Face Off that both their armies sort of Face Off with the Vikings but the Vikings won't with the Vikings but the Vikings won't with the Vikings but the Vikings won't come out and play so the mercians pay come out and play so the mercians pay come out and play so the mercians pay them to leave and the Anglo-Saxon them to leave and the Anglo-Saxon them to leave and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle gives the you know devastating Chronicle gives the you know devastating Chronicle gives the you know devastating you know sentence where it says over and you know sentence where it says over and you know sentence where it says over and over again by the way in its um Pages over again by the way in its um Pages over again by the way in its um Pages the mercians made peace with the army

the mercians made peace with the army the mercians made peace with the army so the Vikings go back to their main so the Vikings go back to their main so the Vikings go back to their main base which is now northumbria they'd put base which is now northumbria they'd put base which is now northumbria they'd put a puppet King on the throne but they do a puppet King on the throne but they do a puppet King on the throne but they do whatever they want whatever they want whatever they want the next year they sort of rest the the next year they sort of rest the the next year they sort of rest the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says in 869 this Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says in 869 this Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says in 869 this year the Army went back to York and sat year the Army went back to York and sat year the Army went back to York and sat there a year I have one history book there a year I have one history book there a year I have one history book that says this was the a key time period that says this was the a key time period that says this was the a key time period for the second wave of this Invasion to for the second wave of this Invasion to for the second wave of this Invasion to happen right the people that are going happen right the people that are going happen right the people that are going to turn Conquest into country to turn Conquest into country to turn Conquest into country come and create the infrastructure come and create the infrastructure come and create the infrastructure providing me women children the whole providing me women children the whole providing me women children the whole thing right thing right thing right movable wealth who knows then in 870 the Viking army sets out then in 870 the Viking army sets out from York crosses over Murcia from York crosses over Murcia from York crosses over Murcia and attacks the place where they and attacks the place where they and attacks the place where they originally landed East Anglia where they originally landed East Anglia where they originally landed East Anglia where they were hoarsed so maybe the the deal were hoarsed so maybe the the deal were hoarsed so maybe the the deal lapsed by now whatever they were paid or lapsed by now whatever they were paid or lapsed by now whatever they were paid or maybe this is just a Breaking of maybe this is just a Breaking of maybe this is just a Breaking of whatever Arrangement they had and the whatever Arrangement they had and the whatever Arrangement they had and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that in 870 Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that in 870 Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that in 870 quote this year the Army rode over quote this year the Army rode over quote this year the Army rode over Murcia into East Anglia and there fixed Murcia into East Anglia and there fixed Murcia into East Anglia and there fixed their winter Quarters at Thetford and in their winter Quarters at Thetford and in their winter Quarters at Thetford and in the winter King Edmund fought with them the winter King Edmund fought with them the winter King Edmund fought with them but the Danes gained the Victory and but the Danes gained the Victory and but the Danes gained the Victory and slew the king whereupon they overran all slew the king whereupon they overran all slew the king whereupon they overran all that land and destroyed all the that land and destroyed all the that land and destroyed all the monasteries to which they came the names monasteries to which they came the names monasteries to which they came the names of the leaders who slew the king were of the leaders who slew the king were of the leaders who slew the king were hingvar and hubba and at the same time

hingvar and hubba and at the same time hingvar and hubba and at the same time they came to medimstead burning and they came to medimstead burning and they came to medimstead burning and breaking and slaying Abbott and monks breaking and slaying Abbott and monks breaking and slaying Abbott and monks and all that they there found they made and all that they there found they made and all that they there found they made such a Havoc there that a monastery such a Havoc there that a monastery such a Havoc there that a monastery which was before full Rich was now which was before full Rich was now which was before full Rich was now reduced to nothing end quote reduced to nothing end quote reduced to nothing end quote so they kill another king here the so they kill another king here the so they kill another king here the traditional story for this guy who he traditional story for this guy who he traditional story for this guy who he will be canonized and turned into a will be canonized and turned into a will be canonized and turned into a saint I believe is that he was tied up saint I believe is that he was tied up saint I believe is that he was tied up uh they the Vikings demanded that he uh they the Vikings demanded that he uh they the Vikings demanded that he renounces Christian faith when he did renounces Christian faith when he did renounces Christian faith when he did and they shot him full of arrows and cut and they shot him full of arrows and cut and they shot him full of arrows and cut his head off as is usual for this era the evidence is as is usual for this era the evidence is fragmentary on the details fragmentary on the details fragmentary on the details but what's clear is the Vikings have but what's clear is the Vikings have but what's clear is the Vikings have killed yet another king in Britain and killed yet another king in Britain and killed yet another king in Britain and taken yet another territory so they now taken yet another territory so they now taken yet another territory so they now have northumbria and East Anglia and now have northumbria and East Anglia and now have northumbria and East Anglia and now they set their sights on Wessex they set their sights on Wessex they set their sights on Wessex before they do in 870 the great Heathen before they do in 870 the great Heathen before they do in 870 the great Heathen Army breaks up or at least one chunk of Army breaks up or at least one chunk of Army breaks up or at least one chunk of it moves away it moves away it moves away that's the chunk that goes northward that's the chunk that goes northward that's the chunk that goes northward maybe under Ivar you hear sometimes maybe under Ivar you hear sometimes maybe under Ivar you hear sometimes attacks the Scottish kingdoms and will attacks the Scottish kingdoms and will attacks the Scottish kingdoms and will eventually end up in Ireland fighting eventually end up in Ireland fighting eventually end up in Ireland fighting against other Vikings against other Vikings against other Vikings It's a Wonderful part of the story The It's a Wonderful part of the story The It's a Wonderful part of the story The Irish as I may have said I don't know Irish as I may have said I don't know Irish as I may have said I don't know that they have names for the different that they have names for the different that they have names for the different Vikings that they run into because Vikings that they run into because Vikings that they run into because Ireland is originally one of these

Ireland is originally one of these Ireland is originally one of these places that's uh heavy duty Norwegian places that's uh heavy duty Norwegian places that's uh heavy duty Norwegian Viking territory and there's a lot of Viking territory and there's a lot of Viking territory and there's a lot of crossover I mean these raiding parties crossover I mean these raiding parties crossover I mean these raiding parties often involve people who are just often involve people who are just often involve people who are just interested in fighting and they come interested in fighting and they come interested in fighting and they come from all over the place but basically from all over the place but basically from all over the place but basically Norwegians in Ireland and then Danes Norwegians in Ireland and then Danes Norwegians in Ireland and then Danes show up and the the Vikings are known to show up and the the Vikings are known to show up and the the Vikings are known to the Irish as the light-haired pagans or the Irish as the light-haired pagans or the Irish as the light-haired pagans or the dark-haired pagans and the the dark-haired pagans and the the dark-haired pagans and the light-haired pagans are the Norse and light-haired pagans are the Norse and light-haired pagans are the Norse and the dark-haired pagans or the Danes but the dark-haired pagans or the Danes but the dark-haired pagans or the Danes but they both involve themselves in Irish they both involve themselves in Irish they both involve themselves in Irish politics we'll fight each other I mean politics we'll fight each other I mean politics we'll fight each other I mean the kings of Dublin are Norwegian the kings of Dublin are Norwegian the kings of Dublin are Norwegian Brothers I believe and this part of the Brothers I believe and this part of the Brothers I believe and this part of the Great Heathen Army will head on over to Great Heathen Army will head on over to Great Heathen Army will head on over to Ireland and fight there Ireland and fight there Ireland and fight there the remaining part will be reinforced the remaining part will be reinforced the remaining part will be reinforced there's going to be another group that there's going to be another group that there's going to be another group that shows up called the Great summer Army shows up called the Great summer Army shows up called the Great summer Army and these people head on over into and these people head on over into and these people head on over into Wessex to take on what will turn out to Wessex to take on what will turn out to Wessex to take on what will turn out to be the most formidable of all the be the most formidable of all the be the most formidable of all the kingdoms in Britain kingdoms in Britain kingdoms in Britain and 871 is going to be a key year in the and 871 is going to be a key year in the and 871 is going to be a key year in the whole Affair it's known as the year of whole Affair it's known as the year of whole Affair it's known as the year of nine engagements and that gives you an nine engagements and that gives you an nine engagements and that gives you an idea of how many battles are fought the Vikings established their camp at a the Vikings established their camp at a place called reading and then they start facing off against and then they start facing off against the king of this region called Ethel red the king of this region called Ethel red the king of this region called Ethel red and his younger brother Alfred now the and his younger brother Alfred now the and his younger brother Alfred now the sheer fact that they're mentioning the sheer fact that they're mentioning the sheer fact that they're mentioning the younger brother of the king as often as younger brother of the king as often as younger brother of the king as often as they're going to in this document should

they're going to in this document should they're going to in this document should give us a clue that this document is not give us a clue that this document is not give us a clue that this document is not exactly an unbiased Source it will exactly an unbiased Source it will exactly an unbiased Source it will actually be compiled a couple of decades actually be compiled a couple of decades actually be compiled a couple of decades after this era and the person who's after this era and the person who's after this era and the person who's going to be involved in its compiling is going to be involved in its compiling is going to be involved in its compiling is this Alfred guy so you already get a this Alfred guy so you already get a this Alfred guy so you already get a sense of you know we're shoving a very sense of you know we're shoving a very sense of you know we're shoving a very important person in this later story important person in this later story important person in this later story into this earlier story and making sure into this earlier story and making sure into this earlier story and making sure you know where he is in the earlier you know where he is in the earlier you know where he is in the earlier story story story here's the way the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle here's the way the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle here's the way the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has its entry for 871 which as you might has its entry for 871 which as you might has its entry for 871 which as you might imagine is one of its longer entries it imagine is one of its longer entries it imagine is one of its longer entries it goes on for a minute and then it says goes on for a minute and then it says goes on for a minute and then it says quote about four nights after this King quote about four nights after this King quote about four nights after this King Alpha red and Alfred his brother LED Alpha red and Alfred his brother LED Alpha red and Alfred his brother LED their main Army to reading where they their main Army to reading where they their main Army to reading where they fought with the Enemy and there was much fought with the Enemy and there was much fought with the Enemy and there was much Slaughter on either hand Alderman Slaughter on either hand Alderman Slaughter on either hand Alderman ethawolf being among the slain but the ethawolf being among the slain but the ethawolf being among the slain but the Danes kept possession of the field and Danes kept possession of the field and Danes kept possession of the field and about four nights after this King Ethel about four nights after this King Ethel about four nights after this King Ethel read and Alfred his brother fought with read and Alfred his brother fought with read and Alfred his brother fought with all the Army on Ashdown and the Danes all the Army on Ashdown and the Danes all the Army on Ashdown and the Danes were overcome were overcome were overcome end quote end quote end quote then goes on to explain you know the then goes on to explain you know the then goes on to explain you know the tactics of this battle and apparently tactics of this battle and apparently tactics of this battle and apparently the Vikings got The High Ground first the Vikings got The High Ground first the Vikings got The High Ground first and separated into two separate and separated into two separate and separated into two separate divisions you know two separate Shield divisions you know two separate Shield divisions you know two separate Shield walls and so this was emulated on the walls and so this was emulated on the walls and so this was emulated on the other side and Ethel red commands one other side and Ethel red commands one other side and Ethel red commands one Shield wall and Alfred the other Shield wall and Alfred the other Shield wall and Alfred the other as I was reading this story it has a as I was reading this story it has a as I was reading this story it has a sort of uh you know Alfred's a very sort of uh you know Alfred's a very sort of uh you know Alfred's a very important figure in British history important figure in British history important figure in British history arguably the most important I mean you

arguably the most important I mean you arguably the most important I mean you could make a case this is the the father could make a case this is the the father could make a case this is the the father of England of England of England and his story is in so many places and his story is in so many places and his story is in so many places positively churchillion you know the positively churchillion you know the positively churchillion you know the 1940 version of Churchill we will fight 1940 version of Churchill we will fight 1940 version of Churchill we will fight on the beaches on The Landings you know on the beaches on The Landings you know on the beaches on The Landings you know with the Vikings playing the parts of with the Vikings playing the parts of with the Vikings playing the parts of the Germans and I all of a sudden the Germans and I all of a sudden the Germans and I all of a sudden remembered the Churchill actually wrote remembered the Churchill actually wrote remembered the Churchill actually wrote about this era he published something about this era he published something about this era he published something called a history of the English-speaking called a history of the English-speaking called a history of the English-speaking peoples and he covered Alfred the Great peoples and he covered Alfred the Great peoples and he covered Alfred the Great in it and so I thought well I wonder if in it and so I thought well I wonder if in it and so I thought well I wonder if Winston Churchill's portrayal of Alfred Winston Churchill's portrayal of Alfred Winston Churchill's portrayal of Alfred the Great in history is churchillion the Great in history is churchillion the Great in history is churchillion turns out it is this is Winston turns out it is this is Winston turns out it is this is Winston Churchill talking about Alfred the Great Churchill talking about Alfred the Great Churchill talking about Alfred the Great and it sounds like he could be talking and it sounds like he could be talking and it sounds like he could be talking about himself about himself about himself he writes quote he writes quote he writes quote the results of this Victory did not the results of this Victory did not the results of this Victory did not break the power of the Danish Army in a break the power of the Danish Army in a break the power of the Danish Army in a fortnight they were again in the field fortnight they were again in the field fortnight they were again in the field but the Battle of Ashdown justly takes but the Battle of Ashdown justly takes but the Battle of Ashdown justly takes its place among historic encounters its place among historic encounters its place among historic encounters because of the greatness of the issue if because of the greatness of the issue if because of the greatness of the issue if the West Saxons had been beaten all the West Saxons had been beaten all the West Saxons had been beaten all England would have sunk into Heathen England would have sunk into Heathen England would have sunk into Heathen Anarchy since they were victorious the Anarchy since they were victorious the Anarchy since they were victorious the Hope still burned for a civilized Hope still burned for a civilized Hope still burned for a civilized Christian existence in this island this Christian existence in this island this Christian existence in this island this was the first time the Invaders had been was the first time the Invaders had been was the first time the Invaders had been beaten in the field the last of the beaten in the field the last of the beaten in the field the last of the Saxon kingdoms had withstood the assault Saxon kingdoms had withstood the assault Saxon kingdoms had withstood the assault upon it Alfred had made the Saxons feel upon it Alfred had made the Saxons feel upon it Alfred had made the Saxons feel confidence in themselves again they confidence in themselves again they confidence in themselves again they could hold their own in an open fight

could hold their own in an open fight could hold their own in an open fight the story of this conflicted Ashdown was the story of this conflicted Ashdown was the story of this conflicted Ashdown was for Generations a treasured memory of for Generations a treasured memory of for Generations a treasured memory of the Saxon writers it was Alfred's first the Saxon writers it was Alfred's first the Saxon writers it was Alfred's first battle battle battle end quote end quote end quote it will hardly be his last it will hardly be his last it will hardly be his last in his classic 1950s work the age of in his classic 1950s work the age of in his classic 1950s work the age of Faith historian will Durant gives his Faith historian will Durant gives his Faith historian will Durant gives his life the quick rundown when he says life the quick rundown when he says life the quick rundown when he says quote Alfred mounted the Throne of West quote Alfred mounted the Throne of West quote Alfred mounted the Throne of West Saxony at the age of 22. Asser a Saxony at the age of 22. Asser a Saxony at the age of 22. Asser a chronicler describes him as then chronicler describes him as then chronicler describes him as then illiteratus which could mean either illiteratus which could mean either illiteratus which could mean either illiterate or latinless he was illiterate or latinless he was illiterate or latinless he was apparently epileptic and suffered a apparently epileptic and suffered a apparently epileptic and suffered a seizure at his wedding Feast but he is seizure at his wedding Feast but he is seizure at his wedding Feast but he is pictured as a vigorous Hunter handsome pictured as a vigorous Hunter handsome pictured as a vigorous Hunter handsome and graceful and surpassing his brothers and graceful and surpassing his brothers and graceful and surpassing his brothers in wisdom and Marshall's skill a month in wisdom and Marshall's skill a month in wisdom and Marshall's skill a month after his a session he led his little after his a session he led his little after his a session he led his little Army against the Danes at Wilton and was Army against the Danes at Wilton and was Army against the Danes at Wilton and was so badly defeated that to save his so badly defeated that to save his so badly defeated that to save his throne he had to buy peace from the foe throne he had to buy peace from the foe throne he had to buy peace from the foe but in 878 he won a decisive victory at but in 878 he won a decisive victory at but in 878 he won a decisive victory at ethendon Eddington he says half the ethendon Eddington he says half the ethendon Eddington he says half the Danish host crossed the channel to raid Danish host crossed the channel to raid Danish host crossed the channel to raid weakened France the Rest by the piece of weakened France the Rest by the piece of weakened France the Rest by the piece of wedmore agreed to confine themselves to wedmore agreed to confine themselves to wedmore agreed to confine themselves to Northeastern England in what came to be Northeastern England in what came to be Northeastern England in what came to be called the Dane law called the Dane law called the Dane law end quote end quote end quote I admired Durant's brevity there but the I admired Durant's brevity there but the I admired Durant's brevity there but the truth of the matter is the rest of truth of the matter is the rest of truth of the matter is the rest of Alfred the Great's life is going to be

Alfred the Great's life is going to be Alfred the Great's life is going to be trying to deal with this arch nemesis of trying to deal with this arch nemesis of trying to deal with this arch nemesis of his these Viking peoples either his these Viking peoples either his these Viking peoples either defending his territory from them or defending his territory from them or defending his territory from them or trying to reconquer the lands that they trying to reconquer the lands that they trying to reconquer the lands that they took from the English some of the Vikings at this time settle some of the Vikings at this time settle down and the sources talk about the down and the sources talk about the down and the sources talk about the Viking rulers in these territories Viking rulers in these territories Viking rulers in these territories parceling up the land and handing them parceling up the land and handing them parceling up the land and handing them out to you know members of these Viking out to you know members of these Viking out to you know members of these Viking groups that are like Oklahoma Sooners groups that are like Oklahoma Sooners groups that are like Oklahoma Sooners and the ones that want to settle down and the ones that want to settle down and the ones that want to settle down get a farm start a family do so the ones get a farm start a family do so the ones get a farm start a family do so the ones who want to continue living the who want to continue living the who want to continue living the Scandinavian version of La Vida Loca Scandinavian version of La Vida Loca Scandinavian version of La Vida Loca just sort of cross the channel looking just sort of cross the channel looking just sort of cross the channel looking for softer targets for softer targets for softer targets and as fate would have it just as and as fate would have it just as and as fate would have it just as Anglo-Saxon England's getting tougher Anglo-Saxon England's getting tougher Anglo-Saxon England's getting tougher the places that drove them there in the the places that drove them there in the the places that drove them there in the first place when Charles the bald played first place when Charles the bald played first place when Charles the bald played Superman and let those bullets bounce Superman and let those bullets bounce Superman and let those bullets bounce off his chest and hit Alfred's Kingdom off his chest and hit Alfred's Kingdom off his chest and hit Alfred's Kingdom now Ricochet off of Alfred right back to now Ricochet off of Alfred right back to now Ricochet off of Alfred right back to where they originally came from where they originally came from where they originally came from there are some primary source entries there are some primary source entries there are some primary source entries and most of the history books I have and most of the history books I have and most of the history books I have have suggested that the great Heathen have suggested that the great Heathen have suggested that the great Heathen Army can be tracked as it goes back over Army can be tracked as it goes back over Army can be tracked as it goes back over the English Channel to the continent and the English Channel to the continent and the English Channel to the continent and raises hell over there I've got some raises hell over there I've got some raises hell over there I've got some other histories that suggest that after other histories that suggest that after other histories that suggest that after the Alfred the Great treaty you the Alfred the Great treaty you the Alfred the Great treaty you shouldn't call whatever's left the great shouldn't call whatever's left the great shouldn't call whatever's left the great Heathen Army anymore Heathen Army anymore Heathen Army anymore because of course as we said these because of course as we said these because of course as we said these Viking hosts have an organic sort of Viking hosts have an organic sort of Viking hosts have an organic sort of flash mob kind of feel to them and pick

flash mob kind of feel to them and pick flash mob kind of feel to them and pick up members and lose members all the time up members and lose members all the time up members and lose members all the time make alliances with other groups of make alliances with other groups of make alliances with other groups of Vikings that are squatting you know in Vikings that are squatting you know in Vikings that are squatting you know in territories that they move to these territories that they move to these territories that they move to these groups are very fluid and hard to you groups are very fluid and hard to you groups are very fluid and hard to you know keep track of what they're doing know keep track of what they're doing know keep track of what they're doing but when these Vikings make peace and but when these Vikings make peace and but when these Vikings make peace and Anglo-Saxon England and this is the Anglo-Saxon England and this is the Anglo-Saxon England and this is the pattern it the violence just crops up pattern it the violence just crops up pattern it the violence just crops up elsewhere elsewhere elsewhere whether it's the same band doing this or whether it's the same band doing this or whether it's the same band doing this or it just so happens I don't know maybe it just so happens I don't know maybe it just so happens I don't know maybe it's all the roving people looking for it's all the roving people looking for it's all the roving people looking for the next you know where's the next Oil the next you know where's the next Oil the next you know where's the next Oil strike right where's the next Gold Rush strike right where's the next Gold Rush strike right where's the next Gold Rush um but in the early 880s you see it back um but in the early 880s you see it back um but in the early 880s you see it back in frisia again and freesia is always in frisia again and freesia is always in frisia again and freesia is always getting hit right because it's the getting hit right because it's the getting hit right because it's the modern day Netherlands as we said it's modern day Netherlands as we said it's modern day Netherlands as we said it's right by Denmark so you're right there right by Denmark so you're right there right by Denmark so you're right there but this time in the early 880s the but this time in the early 880s the but this time in the early 880s the raids moved down into Germany way down raids moved down into Germany way down raids moved down into Germany way down into Germany I mean places like cologne into Germany I mean places like cologne into Germany I mean places like cologne and Trier get hit famously ironically and Trier get hit famously ironically and Trier get hit famously ironically and symbolically the Vikings will stable and symbolically the Vikings will stable and symbolically the Vikings will stable their horses in the Royal Palace at their horses in the Royal Palace at their horses in the Royal Palace at aachen where Charlemagne you know used aachen where Charlemagne you know used aachen where Charlemagne you know used to rule to rule to rule all this was recorded by Adam of Bremen all this was recorded by Adam of Bremen all this was recorded by Adam of Bremen a couple hundred years later he had a couple hundred years later he had a couple hundred years later he had access to a Danish King and supposedly access to a Danish King and supposedly access to a Danish King and supposedly you know this is what the Dane history you know this is what the Dane history you know this is what the Dane history said from a couple hundred years said from a couple hundred years said from a couple hundred years previously but the description follows a previously but the description follows a previously but the description follows a similar sort of an account that you similar sort of an account that you similar sort of an account that you would have heard in many of the places would have heard in many of the places would have heard in many of the places struck by the Vikings and Adam of Bremen struck by the Vikings and Adam of Bremen struck by the Vikings and Adam of Bremen writes quote then was Saxony laid waste

writes quote then was Saxony laid waste writes quote then was Saxony laid waste by the Danes in North men Duke Bruno was by the Danes in North men Duke Bruno was by the Danes in North men Duke Bruno was killed with 12 other counts and Bishops killed with 12 other counts and Bishops killed with 12 other counts and Bishops diet hard and markvard were slain at diet hard and markvard were slain at diet hard and markvard were slain at that time frisia was depopulated and the that time frisia was depopulated and the that time frisia was depopulated and the City of Utrecht raised Saint radbad City of Utrecht raised Saint radbad City of Utrecht raised Saint radbad Bishop of the Town retired before the Bishop of the Town retired before the Bishop of the Town retired before the persecution fixed his sea at devanter persecution fixed his sea at devanter persecution fixed his sea at devanter and taking his stand there took and taking his stand there took and taking his stand there took Vengeance on the pagans with the sword Vengeance on the pagans with the sword Vengeance on the pagans with the sword of anathema of anathema of anathema then the Pirates set fire to cologne and then the Pirates set fire to cologne and then the Pirates set fire to cologne and Trier they stabled their horses in the Trier they stabled their horses in the Trier they stabled their horses in the palace at aachen palace at aachen palace at aachen the people of Mainz began to erect the people of Mainz began to erect the people of Mainz began to erect fortifications for fear of The fortifications for fear of The fortifications for fear of The Barbarians why say more Barbarians why say more Barbarians why say more cities with their inhabitants Bishops cities with their inhabitants Bishops cities with their inhabitants Bishops with their whole flocks were struck down with their whole flocks were struck down with their whole flocks were struck down at one time stately churches were burned at one time stately churches were burned at one time stately churches were burned with the faithful end quote now this is an interesting period in now this is an interesting period in carolingian history at this same time carolingian history at this same time carolingian history at this same time because this is the end of carolingian because this is the end of carolingian because this is the end of carolingian History you get the last guy who tries History you get the last guy who tries History you get the last guy who tries to put Humpty Dumpty back together again to put Humpty Dumpty back together again to put Humpty Dumpty back together again his name is Charles the fat and Charles his name is Charles the fat and Charles his name is Charles the fat and Charles the fat gets an army together goes up to the fat gets an army together goes up to the fat gets an army together goes up to this area confronts the Vikings in this area confronts the Vikings in this area confronts the Vikings in Germany and gives them like 24 2500 Germany and gives them like 24 2500 Germany and gives them like 24 2500 pounds of silver to stop pounds of silver to stop pounds of silver to stop oh and some land to settle on and oh and some land to settle on and oh and some land to settle on and they're going to convert to Christianity they're going to convert to Christianity they're going to convert to Christianity if you happen to be a person from if you happen to be a person from if you happen to be a person from cologne for example or Trier or any one

cologne for example or Trier or any one cologne for example or Trier or any one of these places who's just had their of these places who's just had their of these places who's just had their Farm destroyed all your stuff stolen Farm destroyed all your stuff stolen Farm destroyed all your stuff stolen family members killed others taken into family members killed others taken into family members killed others taken into slavery and the emperor shows up with an slavery and the emperor shows up with an slavery and the emperor shows up with an army that can really deal with these army that can really deal with these army that can really deal with these people and I don't care what size Viking people and I don't care what size Viking people and I don't care what size Viking Army you have they do not want to deal Army you have they do not want to deal Army you have they do not want to deal with anybody's Royal Army if they can with anybody's Royal Army if they can with anybody's Royal Army if they can avoid it avoid it avoid it I'm thinking this is the chance to show I'm thinking this is the chance to show I'm thinking this is the chance to show you what you get when you mess right you what you get when you mess right you what you get when you mess right with my people right it's payback time with my people right it's payback time with my people right it's payback time and Charles the fat essentially looking and Charles the fat essentially looking and Charles the fat essentially looking like he Knuckles under here like he Knuckles under here like he Knuckles under here obviously he's not going to play well obviously he's not going to play well obviously he's not going to play well now there is a sort of a back channel now there is a sort of a back channel now there is a sort of a back channel that there's always been a historical that there's always been a historical that there's always been a historical thought that maybe Charles the fat had thought that maybe Charles the fat had thought that maybe Charles the fat had something going on here that we don't something going on here that we don't something going on here that we don't know about and that maybe this is know about and that maybe this is know about and that maybe this is intelligent Behavior if you understood intelligent Behavior if you understood intelligent Behavior if you understood his position at the time in a way that his position at the time in a way that his position at the time in a way that our sources don't allow us to understand our sources don't allow us to understand our sources don't allow us to understand it now I don't know but he's got a bad it now I don't know but he's got a bad it now I don't know but he's got a bad rap rap rap at least some people have said that uh at least some people have said that uh at least some people have said that uh he is the one of the most maligned he is the one of the most maligned he is the one of the most maligned figures in all viking history because by figures in all viking history because by figures in all viking history because by paying off these Vikings like that uh it paying off these Vikings like that uh it paying off these Vikings like that uh it just displays weakness and as the just displays weakness and as the just displays weakness and as the evidence has already shown as it just evidence has already shown as it just evidence has already shown as it just showed an Anglo-Saxon England if you showed an Anglo-Saxon England if you showed an Anglo-Saxon England if you calm things down in one area they're calm things down in one area they're calm things down in one area they're just gonna go somewhere else and it just gonna go somewhere else and it just gonna go somewhere else and it turns out that somewhere else is in turns out that somewhere else is in turns out that somewhere else is in Charles the fats Empire also so all he's Charles the fats Empire also so all he's Charles the fats Empire also so all he's done is remove a problem from one area done is remove a problem from one area done is remove a problem from one area and send it to Paris this time and Paris and send it to Paris this time and Paris and send it to Paris this time and Paris is part of his realm too

is part of his realm too is part of his realm too and Paris as we had said had already and Paris as we had said had already and Paris as we had said had already been hit multiple times in 845 the been hit multiple times in 845 the been hit multiple times in 845 the middle 840s Maybe by Ragnar Lothbrok middle 840s Maybe by Ragnar Lothbrok middle 840s Maybe by Ragnar Lothbrok the 860s it gets hit a couple of times the 860s it gets hit a couple of times the 860s it gets hit a couple of times but the so-called Siege of Paris from but the so-called Siege of Paris from but the so-called Siege of Paris from 885 to 886 is one of the more famous 885 to 886 is one of the more famous 885 to 886 is one of the more famous Viking incidents ever Viking incidents ever Viking incidents ever it is also one where we have an it is also one where we have an it is also one where we have an eyewitness account but it's a really eyewitness account but it's a really eyewitness account but it's a really difficult eyewitness account to use difficult eyewitness account to use difficult eyewitness account to use it's from a guy a monk actually called it's from a guy a monk actually called it's from a guy a monk actually called and he writes a piece that the and he writes a piece that the and he writes a piece that the translator of the version that I have translator of the version that I have translator of the version that I have calls a piece of magical realism calls a piece of magical realism calls a piece of magical realism where the ordinary he says becomes fully where the ordinary he says becomes fully where the ordinary he says becomes fully charged with the otherworldly but that's charged with the otherworldly but that's charged with the otherworldly but that's not abnormal for the literature of the not abnormal for the literature of the not abnormal for the literature of the time period And this is a poem actually time period And this is a poem actually time period And this is a poem actually but it's a poem by a guy who watched The but it's a poem by a guy who watched The but it's a poem by a guy who watched The Siege of Paris it's the first eyewitness Siege of Paris it's the first eyewitness Siege of Paris it's the first eyewitness account we have account we have account we have but it's not all that trustworthy I mean but it's not all that trustworthy I mean but it's not all that trustworthy I mean when the battle goes bad and the reason when the battle goes bad and the reason when the battle goes bad and the reason it turns around is because a couple of it turns around is because a couple of it turns around is because a couple of saints intervene well you know you need saints intervene well you know you need saints intervene well you know you need to take it maybe with a grain of salt to take it maybe with a grain of salt to take it maybe with a grain of salt right a piece of magical realism but the right a piece of magical realism but the right a piece of magical realism but the only piece of magical realism by an only piece of magical realism by an only piece of magical realism by an eyewitness so for example when eyewitness so for example when eyewitness so for example when describes a viking climbing up a ladder describes a viking climbing up a ladder describes a viking climbing up a ladder getting a mixture of tar wax and oil getting a mixture of tar wax and oil getting a mixture of tar wax and oil that has been boiled poured on his head

that has been boiled poured on his head that has been boiled poured on his head and his head explodes one can say that and his head explodes one can say that and his head explodes one can say that that's the sort of thing an eyewitness that's the sort of thing an eyewitness that's the sort of thing an eyewitness would know that maybe we can tease out would know that maybe we can tease out would know that maybe we can tease out of the rest of the story that might be a of the rest of the story that might be a of the rest of the story that might be a little unbelievable little unbelievable little unbelievable but if you want to see the you know but if you want to see the you know but if you want to see the you know dilemma facing the Vikings here just go dilemma facing the Vikings here just go dilemma facing the Vikings here just go look at a satellite photo right now the look at a satellite photo right now the look at a satellite photo right now the island in the middle of the scene it's island in the middle of the scene it's island in the middle of the scene it's the part of Paris that's the really old the part of Paris that's the really old the part of Paris that's the really old part where Notre Dame is and everything part where Notre Dame is and everything part where Notre Dame is and everything else and it's an island right in the else and it's an island right in the else and it's an island right in the middle of this River middle of this River middle of this River it's an ancient Place recognized as it's an ancient Place recognized as it's an ancient Place recognized as important I mean important I mean important I mean Clovis the first king of the Franks had Clovis the first king of the Franks had Clovis the first king of the Franks had his throne there I believe I mean it's his throne there I believe I mean it's his throne there I believe I mean it's it's sort of a seed of power area main it's sort of a seed of power area main it's sort of a seed of power area main sort of center of Paris even back during sort of center of Paris even back during sort of center of Paris even back during this time period this time period this time period and for 20 years ever since Charles the and for 20 years ever since Charles the and for 20 years ever since Charles the bald had said you know we're going to bald had said you know we're going to bald had said you know we're going to start a ready reaction force we're going start a ready reaction force we're going start a ready reaction force we're going to stop selling uh best weapons to the to stop selling uh best weapons to the to stop selling uh best weapons to the pagans and we're going to create pagans and we're going to create pagans and we're going to create fortified Bridges they've been working fortified Bridges they've been working fortified Bridges they've been working on four to five Bridges right and on four to five Bridges right and on four to five Bridges right and there's one almost done here and there's there's one almost done here and there's there's one almost done here and there's another one made of wood that is done another one made of wood that is done another one made of wood that is done and those two connect this island in the and those two connect this island in the and those two connect this island in the same to the two banks of the river same to the two banks of the river same to the two banks of the river and the Vikings want through there now and the Vikings want through there now and the Vikings want through there now is called by some a surreal is called by some a surreal is called by some a surreal exaggerator uh Del Brook is merciless in exaggerator uh Del Brook is merciless in exaggerator uh Del Brook is merciless in saying his convoluted hexameters are not saying his convoluted hexameters are not saying his convoluted hexameters are not to be believed in any way shape or form to be believed in any way shape or form to be believed in any way shape or form but as I said sometimes you can pull out

but as I said sometimes you can pull out but as I said sometimes you can pull out the little nuggets like what happens to the little nuggets like what happens to the little nuggets like what happens to someone's head when you pour boiling oil someone's head when you pour boiling oil someone's head when you pour boiling oil on it on it on it he says 700 ships show up in the river he says 700 ships show up in the river he says 700 ships show up in the river uh which is a huge exaggeration no uh which is a huge exaggeration no uh which is a huge exaggeration no matter how you slice it but these matter how you slice it but these matter how you slice it but these Vikings were making deals with local uh Vikings were making deals with local uh Vikings were making deals with local uh Viking groups on the scene and they Viking groups on the scene and they Viking groups on the scene and they often did these sort of joint Expedition often did these sort of joint Expedition often did these sort of joint Expedition arrangements and there may have been arrangements and there may have been arrangements and there may have been eight ten thousand Vikings which you eight ten thousand Vikings which you eight ten thousand Vikings which you know that's a ton of Vikings know that's a ton of Vikings know that's a ton of Vikings um supposedly they just want passage um supposedly they just want passage um supposedly they just want passage right to raid down river and according right to raid down river and according right to raid down river and according to Abba who may have been in the room to Abba who may have been in the room to Abba who may have been in the room again what can we trust what can't we again what can we trust what can't we again what can we trust what can't we trust he's got his own reasons for trust he's got his own reasons for trust he's got his own reasons for writing this he says that the Viking writing this he says that the Viking writing this he says that the Viking warlord who he says is not a king but warlord who he says is not a king but warlord who he says is not a king but does command a lot of Warriors shows up does command a lot of Warriors shows up does command a lot of Warriors shows up and and asks for the deal and and asks for the deal and and asks for the deal and um and um and um my translation of the Viking attacks on my translation of the Viking attacks on my translation of the Viking attacks on Paris is by uh Dr Nirmal Das and in it Paris is by uh Dr Nirmal Das and in it Paris is by uh Dr Nirmal Das and in it um the bishop spelled differently I'm um the bishop spelled differently I'm um the bishop spelled differently I'm just going to give him his traditional just going to give him his traditional just going to give him his traditional name which is Jocelyn the other person name which is Jocelyn the other person name which is Jocelyn the other person in the stories count Odo who's important in the stories count Odo who's important in the stories count Odo who's important to it and then the Viking leader to it and then the Viking leader to it and then the Viking leader zigfried and zigfried and zigfried and in the poem Abba says of this in the poem Abba says of this in the poem Abba says of this conversation where the Viking leader conversation where the Viking leader conversation where the Viking leader shows up and basically says don't be a shows up and basically says don't be a shows up and basically says don't be a fool just let us go by we don't want any fool just let us go by we don't want any fool just let us go by we don't want any trouble with you I should also point out trouble with you I should also point out trouble with you I should also point out that ABBA doesn't describe these Vikings that ABBA doesn't describe these Vikings that ABBA doesn't describe these Vikings as sort of any sort of stereotypical as sort of any sort of stereotypical as sort of any sort of stereotypical barbarian's loudish drunk brutes you barbarian's loudish drunk brutes you barbarian's loudish drunk brutes you know uh in uproarus I mean he calls them know uh in uproarus I mean he calls them know uh in uproarus I mean he calls them Grim several times that's the

Grim several times that's the Grim several times that's the translation Grim men translation Grim men translation Grim men and he writes quote and he writes quote and he writes quote and when in two days these ships made and when in two days these ships made and when in two days these ships made landfall hard by the city zigfried did landfall hard by the city zigfried did landfall hard by the city zigfried did make his way to the Great Hall of the make his way to the Great Hall of the make his way to the Great Hall of the famed Shepherd though King in name only famed Shepherd though King in name only famed Shepherd though King in name only he still commanded many warriors after he still commanded many warriors after he still commanded many warriors after bowing his head he addressed the bishop bowing his head he addressed the bishop bowing his head he addressed the bishop in these words oh Jocelyn show Mercy to in these words oh Jocelyn show Mercy to in these words oh Jocelyn show Mercy to yourself and the flock given you that yourself and the flock given you that yourself and the flock given you that you may not come to ruin grant our plea you may not come to ruin grant our plea you may not come to ruin grant our plea we ask you give us your consent that we we ask you give us your consent that we we ask you give us your consent that we might go our way well beyond this city might go our way well beyond this city might go our way well beyond this city nothing in it shall we touch but shall nothing in it shall we touch but shall nothing in it shall we touch but shall preserve and Safeguard all the Honors preserve and Safeguard all the Honors preserve and Safeguard all the Honors that belong to you and Odo meaning that belong to you and Odo meaning that belong to you and Odo meaning countodo who is the noblest of all countodo who is the noblest of all countodo who is the noblest of all counts and who is the Future King counts and who is the Future King counts and who is the Future King end quote end quote end quote that should tell you right there that that should tell you right there that that should tell you right there that maybe you shouldn't trust this totally maybe you shouldn't trust this totally maybe you shouldn't trust this totally because you know how does Siegfried know because you know how does Siegfried know because you know how does Siegfried know that countoddo is the Future King that countoddo is the Future King that countoddo is the Future King nonetheless it gives you a sense of the nonetheless it gives you a sense of the nonetheless it gives you a sense of the feeling and as we said Apple may have feeling and as we said Apple may have feeling and as we said Apple may have been there been there been there the response from Bishop Jocelyn and the response from Bishop Jocelyn and the response from Bishop Jocelyn and count Otto is part of the French count Otto is part of the French count Otto is part of the French tradition that's similar in vibe to the tradition that's similar in vibe to the tradition that's similar in vibe to the Alfred tradition in Britain right these Alfred tradition in Britain right these Alfred tradition in Britain right these are the heroes that stand up to the are the heroes that stand up to the are the heroes that stand up to the Vikings when the major authorities like Vikings when the major authorities like Vikings when the major authorities like Charles the fat won't right this is Charles the fat won't right this is Charles the fat won't right this is Batman Batman Batman and this is the French version of the and this is the French version of the and this is the French version of the time period and it's interesting that time period and it's interesting that time period and it's interesting that they are contemporaries of Alfred right

they are contemporaries of Alfred right they are contemporaries of Alfred right and Abba writes the response and Abba writes the response and Abba writes the response the bishop and Odo have to this Viking the bishop and Odo have to this Viking the bishop and Odo have to this Viking this Grim man's demand is quote this Grim man's demand is quote this Grim man's demand is quote then the Lord's Bishop in greatest then the Lord's Bishop in greatest then the Lord's Bishop in greatest loyalty offered these words by our King loyalty offered these words by our King loyalty offered these words by our King Charles have we been given this city to Charles have we been given this city to Charles have we been given this city to guard by him whose Majestic realm guard by him whose Majestic realm guard by him whose Majestic realm spreads almost over the whole Earth by spreads almost over the whole Earth by spreads almost over the whole Earth by the Lord's will and who is King and the Lord's will and who is King and the Lord's will and who is King and master of the Mighty the realm must not master of the Mighty the realm must not master of the Mighty the realm must not suffer by the destruction of this city suffer by the destruction of this city suffer by the destruction of this city but rather this city must save the realm but rather this city must save the realm but rather this city must save the realm and preserve the peace now if by chance and preserve the peace now if by chance and preserve the peace now if by chance these walls were entrusted to you as these walls were entrusted to you as these walls were entrusted to you as they are to us and you were asked to do they are to us and you were asked to do they are to us and you were asked to do all that you have asked of us would you all that you have asked of us would you all that you have asked of us would you deem it right and agree deem it right and agree deem it right and agree and then Siegfried answers and then Siegfried answers and then Siegfried answers by my honor rather my head were lopped by my honor rather my head were lopped by my honor rather my head were lopped off by a sword and thrown to the dogs off by a sword and thrown to the dogs off by a sword and thrown to the dogs however if you do not agree to my however if you do not agree to my however if you do not agree to my requests we shall have our Siege engines requests we shall have our Siege engines requests we shall have our Siege engines at Daybreak hurl poisoned darts at you at Daybreak hurl poisoned darts at you at Daybreak hurl poisoned darts at you with sunset you shall no hunger's curse with sunset you shall no hunger's curse with sunset you shall no hunger's curse it shall go on for years it shall go on for years it shall go on for years thus having spoken he went his way and thus having spoken he went his way and thus having spoken he went his way and assembled his men assembled his men assembled his men end quote end quote end quote historians have no idea how many people historians have no idea how many people historians have no idea how many people this warlord commands the translator for this warlord commands the translator for this warlord commands the translator for my says that the number gives my says that the number gives my says that the number gives his 40 000 Vikings versus 200 Defenders

his 40 000 Vikings versus 200 Defenders his 40 000 Vikings versus 200 Defenders should be discounted it's a religiously should be discounted it's a religiously should be discounted it's a religiously symbolic number not to be taken symbolic number not to be taken symbolic number not to be taken literally but once again that leaves us literally but once again that leaves us literally but once again that leaves us with no numbers with no numbers with no numbers my encyclopedia military history says my encyclopedia military history says my encyclopedia military history says this is the high water mark of Viking this is the high water mark of Viking this is the high water mark of Viking attacks on the continent you know attacks on the continent you know attacks on the continent you know against the formerly or current Frankish against the formerly or current Frankish against the formerly or current Frankish Empire Empire Empire I don't know if that's exactly true but I don't know if that's exactly true but I don't know if that's exactly true but it's pretty safe to say that this is one it's pretty safe to say that this is one it's pretty safe to say that this is one of the largest groupings of Vikings that of the largest groupings of Vikings that of the largest groupings of Vikings that the world has ever seen and eight to ten the world has ever seen and eight to ten the world has ever seen and eight to ten thousand seems very possible and that's thousand seems very possible and that's thousand seems very possible and that's a lot of Vikings a lot of Vikings a lot of Vikings they have a camp nearby we are told by they have a camp nearby we are told by they have a camp nearby we are told by albo that they are raping pillaging albo that they are raping pillaging albo that they are raping pillaging taking slaves killing everybody in the taking slaves killing everybody in the taking slaves killing everybody in the vicinity he makes them sound over and vicinity he makes them sound over and vicinity he makes them sound over and over again like tolkien's Orcs there's a over again like tolkien's Orcs there's a over again like tolkien's Orcs there's a lot of Tolkien in this actually lot of Tolkien in this actually lot of Tolkien in this actually in the defense of the Vikings though in the defense of the Vikings though in the defense of the Vikings though this is standard operating procedure in this is standard operating procedure in this is standard operating procedure in the pre-modern world much more normal to the pre-modern world much more normal to the pre-modern world much more normal to have this happen in a Siege situation have this happen in a Siege situation have this happen in a Siege situation than not go back to your ancient Greece than not go back to your ancient Greece than not go back to your ancient Greece right where the traditional hoplite deal right where the traditional hoplite deal right where the traditional hoplite deal Unwritten agreement is that if you hide Unwritten agreement is that if you hide Unwritten agreement is that if you hide behind your walls and say come and get behind your walls and say come and get behind your walls and say come and get us we can scour your territory right us we can scour your territory right us we can scour your territory right until you decide to come out and fight until you decide to come out and fight until you decide to come out and fight for it the other thing in defense of the for it the other thing in defense of the for it the other thing in defense of the Vikings here is that this is an army Vikings here is that this is an army Vikings here is that this is an army that has to feed itself where are they that has to feed itself where are they that has to feed itself where are they going to get the food from these aren't going to get the food from these aren't going to get the food from these aren't Roman troops or Chinese troops or you Roman troops or Chinese troops or you Roman troops or Chinese troops or you know troops that are going to have long know troops that are going to have long know troops that are going to have long Supply chains that continually feed them Supply chains that continually feed them Supply chains that continually feed them from continually reinforced Supply from continually reinforced Supply from continually reinforced Supply Depots these people live off the land Depots these people live off the land Depots these people live off the land ask Napoleon and his revolutionary

ask Napoleon and his revolutionary ask Napoleon and his revolutionary troops what that does to the land troops what that does to the land troops what that does to the land but these people in Paris are kind of but these people in Paris are kind of but these people in Paris are kind of shut up especially in the one central shut up especially in the one central shut up especially in the one central island which we should imagine having an island which we should imagine having an island which we should imagine having an entire sort of early medieval stone wall entire sort of early medieval stone wall entire sort of early medieval stone wall around it with those two bridges that we around it with those two bridges that we around it with those two bridges that we talked about and the Vikings are going talked about and the Vikings are going talked about and the Vikings are going to fight essentially a battle against to fight essentially a battle against to fight essentially a battle against fortifications fortifications fortifications and fortifications are as we all know a and fortifications are as we all know a and fortifications are as we all know a force multiplier so if they outnumber force multiplier so if they outnumber force multiplier so if they outnumber the Defenders by quite a bit it's not as the Defenders by quite a bit it's not as the Defenders by quite a bit it's not as big of a deal as if we were talking big of a deal as if we were talking big of a deal as if we were talking about a field battle here about a field battle here about a field battle here and in October November 885 the Vikings and in October November 885 the Vikings and in October November 885 the Vikings assault these defenses and if you want a assault these defenses and if you want a assault these defenses and if you want a sense of the Rhythm the rhythm is is sense of the Rhythm the rhythm is is sense of the Rhythm the rhythm is is that there are several big pushes over that there are several big pushes over that there are several big pushes over the next 11 months and in between those the next 11 months and in between those the next 11 months and in between those pushes it settles down to sort of a pushes it settles down to sort of a pushes it settles down to sort of a typical blockade situation typical blockade situation typical blockade situation there's a lot of innovation that happens there's a lot of innovation that happens there's a lot of innovation that happens and a lot of it involves fire at one and a lot of it involves fire at one and a lot of it involves fire at one point the Vikings will take I think the point the Vikings will take I think the point the Vikings will take I think the sources say three big ships load them sources say three big ships load them sources say three big ships load them with incendiary material light them on with incendiary material light them on with incendiary material light them on fire guide them down the river with fire guide them down the river with fire guide them down the river with ropes you know on both Banks and try to ropes you know on both Banks and try to ropes you know on both Banks and try to steer it into the bridge and at least steer it into the bridge and at least steer it into the bridge and at least burn up all the Defenders burn up all the Defenders burn up all the Defenders there may be a clue into the building there may be a clue into the building there may be a clue into the building practices of the Early Middle Ages when practices of the Early Middle Ages when practices of the Early Middle Ages when we find out that they've been working on we find out that they've been working on we find out that they've been working on the defenses here from for 20 plus years the defenses here from for 20 plus years the defenses here from for 20 plus years and they're still not totally completed and they're still not totally completed and they're still not totally completed they build them really well but maybe it they build them really well but maybe it they build them really well but maybe it takes a long time the stone tower on the takes a long time the stone tower on the takes a long time the stone tower on the stone bridge is not quite done yet and stone bridge is not quite done yet and stone bridge is not quite done yet and this becomes a focal point in the early this becomes a focal point in the early this becomes a focal point in the early battle

but you will read albo says about you'll but you will read albo says about you'll read about them essentially dropping read about them essentially dropping read about them essentially dropping things on the Vikings all the time as things on the Vikings all the time as things on the Vikings all the time as the Vikings have ladders or on ships the Vikings have ladders or on ships the Vikings have ladders or on ships below the bridge and they're trying to below the bridge and they're trying to below the bridge and they're trying to make their way up at one point that make their way up at one point that make their way up at one point that giant wheel and it makes it sound like giant wheel and it makes it sound like giant wheel and it makes it sound like it's massive is thrown over the side it's massive is thrown over the side it's massive is thrown over the side nabo says it crushes six Vikings who are nabo says it crushes six Vikings who are nabo says it crushes six Vikings who are then dragged back to the boats where then dragged back to the boats where then dragged back to the boats where they're apparently keeping the Corpses the mixture of pitch wax and oil that is the mixture of pitch wax and oil that is boiled and thrown over the side we boiled and thrown over the side we boiled and thrown over the side we talked about it earlier to me the most talked about it earlier to me the most talked about it earlier to me the most interesting part of that part of Abo's interesting part of that part of Abo's interesting part of that part of Abo's poem is that the soldiers on both sides poem is that the soldiers on both sides poem is that the soldiers on both sides talk to each other during the fighting talk to each other during the fighting talk to each other during the fighting and I forget that this happens but in an and I forget that this happens but in an and I forget that this happens but in an era where people were close enough to do era where people were close enough to do era where people were close enough to do that I guess it's only natural what that I guess it's only natural what that I guess it's only natural what would you say to somebody you were would you say to somebody you were would you say to somebody you were trying to kill or that was trying to trying to kill or that was trying to trying to kill or that was trying to kill you an Apple has another kill you an Apple has another kill you an Apple has another interesting one I had to read the interesting one I had to read the interesting one I had to read the translation several times and I hope I translation several times and I hope I translation several times and I hope I got it right but I had thought it was got it right but I had thought it was got it right but I had thought it was one person that was yelling stuff from one person that was yelling stuff from one person that was yelling stuff from the Christian side of the Viking side the Christian side of the Viking side the Christian side of the Viking side but Avo makes it pretty clear that this but Avo makes it pretty clear that this but Avo makes it pretty clear that this is like a group chant which begs the is like a group chant which begs the is like a group chant which begs the question how do these people know what question how do these people know what question how do these people know what to say so they must have said it to say so they must have said it to say so they must have said it multiple times and it and the way he multiple times and it and the way he multiple times and it and the way he writes it makes it sound almost like a writes it makes it sound almost like a writes it makes it sound almost like a sports chat like a soccer chant and like sports chat like a soccer chant and like sports chat like a soccer chant and like every time that they throw The Cauldron every time that they throw The Cauldron every time that they throw The Cauldron of boiling you know pitch or whatever of boiling you know pitch or whatever of boiling you know pitch or whatever over the side and Scorch a viking they over the side and Scorch a viking they over the side and Scorch a viking they all yell the same thing all yell the same thing all yell the same thing here's a taste of the battle as here's a taste of the battle as here's a taste of the battle as describes it talking about the Viking describes it talking about the Viking describes it talking about the Viking assault on that unfinished Tower and assault on that unfinished Tower and assault on that unfinished Tower and they made a lot of progress one day and they made a lot of progress one day and they made a lot of progress one day and then they go to sleep come back for the then they go to sleep come back for the then they go to sleep come back for the next day to continue where they left off next day to continue where they left off next day to continue where they left off only to find that the people of Paris

only to find that the people of Paris only to find that the people of Paris have come out with their Hammers and have come out with their Hammers and have come out with their Hammers and chisels and nails and everything and chisels and nails and everything and chisels and nails and everything and with wood instead of stone rebuilt a lot with wood instead of stone rebuilt a lot with wood instead of stone rebuilt a lot of what the Vikings destroyed the day of what the Vikings destroyed the day of what the Vikings destroyed the day before so here's how the story goes from before so here's how the story goes from before so here's how the story goes from quote quote quote now the tower did not shine forth with now the tower did not shine forth with now the tower did not shine forth with all its magnificence for it was far from all its magnificence for it was far from all its magnificence for it was far from finished but its foundations were solid finished but its foundations were solid finished but its foundations were solid and stood firmly grounded proudly it and stood firmly grounded proudly it and stood firmly grounded proudly it Rose its crennels were sound during the Rose its crennels were sound during the Rose its crennels were sound during the night that followed after the battle had night that followed after the battle had night that followed after the battle had ended a wooden tear was built all the ended a wooden tear was built all the ended a wooden tear was built all the way around the tower raised Atop The Old way around the tower raised Atop The Old way around the tower raised Atop The Old Bastion and half as high as before thus Bastion and half as high as before thus Bastion and half as high as before thus together the sun and the Danes beheld together the sun and the Danes beheld together the sun and the Danes beheld this new tower the latter were soon this new tower the latter were soon this new tower the latter were soon locked in a frightful fight with the locked in a frightful fight with the locked in a frightful fight with the faithful meaning the Christians arrows faithful meaning the Christians arrows faithful meaning the Christians arrows flew here there through the air blood flew here there through the air blood flew here there through the air blood gushed and flowed darts stones and gushed and flowed darts stones and gushed and flowed darts stones and javelins were hurled by ballista and javelins were hurled by ballista and javelins were hurled by ballista and slingshots nothing was seen Between slingshots nothing was seen Between slingshots nothing was seen Between Heaven and Earth but these projectiles Heaven and Earth but these projectiles Heaven and Earth but these projectiles the many arrows made the Tower built in the many arrows made the Tower built in the many arrows made the Tower built in the night grown out the night grown out the night grown out it was the night that gave it birth as I it was the night that gave it birth as I it was the night that gave it birth as I have chanted above fear sees the city have chanted above fear sees the city have chanted above fear sees the city people screamed battle horns resounded people screamed battle horns resounded people screamed battle horns resounded calling everyone to come and protect the calling everyone to come and protect the calling everyone to come and protect the trembling Tower Christians fought and trembling Tower Christians fought and trembling Tower Christians fought and ran about trying to resist the assault ran about trying to resist the assault ran about trying to resist the assault end quote he then talks about how end quote he then talks about how end quote he then talks about how amazing Victorious Odo as he calls the amazing Victorious Odo as he calls the amazing Victorious Odo as he calls the count was again this is Batman stepping count was again this is Batman stepping count was again this is Batman stepping in when the central Authority is either

in when the central Authority is either in when the central Authority is either you know too corrupt too ignorant or too you know too corrupt too ignorant or too you know too corrupt too ignorant or too hapless to step in and do their job and hapless to step in and do their job and hapless to step in and do their job and he comes in and he's he's everywhere to he comes in and he's he's everywhere to he comes in and he's he's everywhere to be seen once Bishop Jocelyn dies be seen once Bishop Jocelyn dies be seen once Bishop Jocelyn dies apparently of disease it's Odo all the apparently of disease it's Odo all the apparently of disease it's Odo all the time he's as we said a little bit like time he's as we said a little bit like time he's as we said a little bit like Alfred the Great in England at this Alfred the Great in England at this Alfred the Great in England at this moment moment moment says of him quote he fortified those says of him quote he fortified those says of him quote he fortified those who were exhausted revived their who were exhausted revived their who were exhausted revived their strength and rushed on about the tower strength and rushed on about the tower strength and rushed on about the tower striking down the enemy as for those who striking down the enemy as for those who striking down the enemy as for those who sought to dig beneath the walls with sought to dig beneath the walls with sought to dig beneath the walls with iron picks he served them up with oil iron picks he served them up with oil iron picks he served them up with oil and wax and Pitch which was all mixed up and wax and Pitch which was all mixed up and wax and Pitch which was all mixed up together and made into a hot liquid on a together and made into a hot liquid on a together and made into a hot liquid on a furnace which burned the hair of the furnace which burned the hair of the furnace which burned the hair of the Danes made their skulls split open Danes made their skulls split open Danes made their skulls split open Indeed many of them died and others went Indeed many of them died and others went Indeed many of them died and others went and sought out the river and then our and sought out the river and then our and sought out the river and then our men with one voice my emphasis with one men with one voice my emphasis with one men with one voice my emphasis with one voice loudly exclaimed right badly voice loudly exclaimed right badly voice loudly exclaimed right badly scorched are you scorched are you scorched are you end quote end quote end quote to make matters worse if you were a to make matters worse if you were a to make matters worse if you were a blistering dying Viking and you retire blistering dying Viking and you retire blistering dying Viking and you retire towards your ships in the hopes you can towards your ships in the hopes you can towards your ships in the hopes you can get a little medical attention or get a little medical attention or get a little medical attention or whatnot it turns out albo says their whatnot it turns out albo says their whatnot it turns out albo says their wives are there but instead of being in wives are there but instead of being in wives are there but instead of being in a mood to you know moisten their brow a mood to you know moisten their brow a mood to you know moisten their brow give them some water you know and give them some water you know and give them some water you know and comfort them they're heckling them comfort them they're heckling them comfort them they're heckling them basically saying what the heck is this basically saying what the heck is this basically saying what the heck is this why are you coming back here get back in why are you coming back here get back in why are you coming back here get back in the fight you wimp you know that kind of the fight you wimp you know that kind of the fight you wimp you know that kind of thing thing thing now you'd be inclined to Discount this now you'd be inclined to Discount this now you'd be inclined to Discount this as some sort of exaggeration or weird as some sort of exaggeration or weird as some sort of exaggeration or weird invention of albums except it actually

invention of albums except it actually invention of albums except it actually fits as a data point in a long-running fits as a data point in a long-running fits as a data point in a long-running amount of historical evidence we have amount of historical evidence we have amount of historical evidence we have for at least Pagan Germanic women doing for at least Pagan Germanic women doing for at least Pagan Germanic women doing this and maybe even a broader section of this and maybe even a broader section of this and maybe even a broader section of Europeans going back to Celtic times Europeans going back to Celtic times Europeans going back to Celtic times doing this where the the wives and the doing this where the the wives and the doing this where the the wives and the women of the group are there at the women of the group are there at the women of the group are there at the battle in fact the Icelandic sagas of battle in fact the Icelandic sagas of battle in fact the Icelandic sagas of the Viking era from later in this period the Viking era from later in this period the Viking era from later in this period actually say the same thing so this is actually say the same thing so this is actually say the same thing so this is another data point that suggests that another data point that suggests that another data point that suggests that the wives are there and in the old the wives are there and in the old the wives are there and in the old Germanic Tales by the Romans there were Germanic Tales by the Romans there were Germanic Tales by the Romans there were wagons that were behind the battlefield wagons that were behind the battlefield wagons that were behind the battlefield and the wives were there here it's the and the wives were there here it's the and the wives were there here it's the ships that play the same role and the ships that play the same role and the ships that play the same role and the women have several different approaches women have several different approaches women have several different approaches they can use this is the the one you see they can use this is the the one you see they can use this is the the one you see all the time the heckling but they also all the time the heckling but they also all the time the heckling but they also have the ones you know in the Roman have the ones you know in the Roman have the ones you know in the Roman things they would bare their breasts and things they would bare their breasts and things they would bare their breasts and tell their loved ones what would happen tell their loved ones what would happen tell their loved ones what would happen to them if they lost this battle and the to them if they lost this battle and the to them if they lost this battle and the other side conquered them right think other side conquered them right think other side conquered them right think about what will happen to your family about what will happen to your family about what will happen to your family that's here I mean would you fight that's here I mean would you fight that's here I mean would you fight harder if your family was at the harder if your family was at the harder if your family was at the battlefield you were fighting on battlefield you were fighting on battlefield you were fighting on and finally the last thing that and finally the last thing that and finally the last thing that sometimes the women in these situations sometimes the women in these situations sometimes the women in these situations do is actually do what you would hope if do is actually do what you would hope if do is actually do what you would hope if you were a Viking that they would do you were a Viking that they would do you were a Viking that they would do moisten your brow give you something moisten your brow give you something moisten your brow give you something cool to drink and maybe give you some cool to drink and maybe give you some cool to drink and maybe give you some food and and nurse your injuries but not food and and nurse your injuries but not food and and nurse your injuries but not this time says that they're heckling this time says that they're heckling this time says that they're heckling sort of goaded the men back into the sort of goaded the men back into the sort of goaded the men back into the cauldron and the fight cauldron and the fight cauldron and the fight there is a ton of almost like Commando there is a ton of almost like Commando there is a ton of almost like Commando activity maybe is the best way to activity maybe is the best way to activity maybe is the best way to describe it that happens between the big describe it that happens between the big describe it that happens between the big attacks you know people will scale the attacks you know people will scale the attacks you know people will scale the walls in one spot you know a couple

walls in one spot you know a couple walls in one spot you know a couple dozen and then a couple dozen of the dozen and then a couple dozen of the dozen and then a couple dozen of the Defenders have to take them on so Defenders have to take them on so Defenders have to take them on so there's a bunch of force 10 from there's a bunch of force 10 from there's a bunch of force 10 from Navarone stuff in this including the Navarone stuff in this including the Navarone stuff in this including the way that they eventually solve the way that they eventually solve the way that they eventually solve the problem because the Batman count Otto problem because the Batman count Otto problem because the Batman count Otto character is going to slip out of the character is going to slip out of the character is going to slip out of the blockade get all the way back to the blockade get all the way back to the blockade get all the way back to the command Palace of you know the emperor command Palace of you know the emperor command Palace of you know the emperor himself Charles the factor if you want himself Charles the factor if you want himself Charles the factor if you want to be a little Kinder Charles the Stout to be a little Kinder Charles the Stout to be a little Kinder Charles the Stout says please come and help Paris he's says please come and help Paris he's says please come and help Paris he's inclined not to the sources say but has inclined not to the sources say but has inclined not to the sources say but has some advisors say it would look really some advisors say it would look really some advisors say it would look really bad if you just let the Vikings do this bad if you just let the Vikings do this bad if you just let the Vikings do this so he goes through the laborious slow so he goes through the laborious slow so he goes through the laborious slow process of putting a royal Army together process of putting a royal Army together process of putting a royal Army together the laborious slow process of having it the laborious slow process of having it the laborious slow process of having it make having it make its way up to where make having it make its way up to where make having it make its way up to where the battle is happening then they the battle is happening then they the battle is happening then they establish a camp there and they start establish a camp there and they start establish a camp there and they start killing every Viking that they find killing every Viking that they find killing every Viking that they find Outside The Viking camp and now you you Outside The Viking camp and now you you Outside The Viking camp and now you you have a bit of a Face-Off right Royal have a bit of a Face-Off right Royal have a bit of a Face-Off right Royal camp with Charles the fat viking camp with Charles the fat viking camp with Charles the fat viking enclosure nearby and then of course you enclosure nearby and then of course you enclosure nearby and then of course you know Paris Under Siege and bodies know Paris Under Siege and bodies know Paris Under Siege and bodies rotting in the sun which is going to rotting in the sun which is going to rotting in the sun which is going to equal disease you're not going to want equal disease you're not going to want equal disease you're not going to want to have to sit there very long uh to have to sit there very long uh to have to sit there very long uh waiting for something to happen when waiting for something to happen when waiting for something to happen when people are dying as I said Bishop people are dying as I said Bishop people are dying as I said Bishop Jocelyn supposedly dies from disease Jocelyn supposedly dies from disease Jocelyn supposedly dies from disease so the Vikings make a deal with Charles so the Vikings make a deal with Charles so the Vikings make a deal with Charles the fact the fact the fact and it's the exact same sort of deal it and it's the exact same sort of deal it and it's the exact same sort of deal it sounds like that they asked for before sounds like that they asked for before sounds like that they asked for before this entire 11-month Siege even started this entire 11-month Siege even started this entire 11-month Siege even started in other words the Vikings got the same in other words the Vikings got the same in other words the Vikings got the same deal that they asked for originally and deal that they asked for originally and deal that they asked for originally and the emperor gives it to them can you the emperor gives it to them can you the emperor gives it to them can you imagine how the people of Paris having

imagine how the people of Paris having imagine how the people of Paris having endured 11 months of this feel when the endured 11 months of this feel when the endured 11 months of this feel when the Royal Army finally shows up and you have Royal Army finally shows up and you have Royal Army finally shows up and you have a chance to chastise the people who've a chance to chastise the people who've a chance to chastise the people who've inflicted this pain and suffering on you inflicted this pain and suffering on you inflicted this pain and suffering on you and instead he gives them a bunch of and instead he gives them a bunch of and instead he gives them a bunch of silver and lets them continue down past silver and lets them continue down past silver and lets them continue down past the now broken and destroyed bridges of the now broken and destroyed bridges of the now broken and destroyed bridges of Paris down the scene to raise Havoc Paris down the scene to raise Havoc Paris down the scene to raise Havoc deeper into the interior of France right deeper into the interior of France right deeper into the interior of France right the things that Bishop Jocelyn says the things that Bishop Jocelyn says the things that Bishop Jocelyn says had said we have a responsibility we had said we have a responsibility we had said we have a responsibility we have to protect France and the deal the have to protect France and the deal the have to protect France and the deal the emperor says is I'll give you a bunch of emperor says is I'll give you a bunch of emperor says is I'll give you a bunch of silver and you can go raid these people silver and you can go raid these people silver and you can go raid these people in burgundy who are in revolt against me in burgundy who are in revolt against me in burgundy who are in revolt against me anyway anyway anyway this will contribute to the fall this will contribute to the fall this will contribute to the fall eventually of Charles the fat whose eventually of Charles the fat whose eventually of Charles the fat whose Empire is going to Splinter into Empire is going to Splinter into Empire is going to Splinter into multiple kingdoms and the guy who gets multiple kingdoms and the guy who gets multiple kingdoms and the guy who gets to be the king of this part of the to be the king of this part of the to be the king of this part of the former carolingian Empire is going to be former carolingian Empire is going to be former carolingian Empire is going to be count Hodo who is going to start his own count Hodo who is going to start his own count Hodo who is going to start his own Royal Line in French history which is it Royal Line in French history which is it Royal Line in French history which is it one of the mo again one can make a case one of the mo again one can make a case one of the mo again one can make a case that this is like the founding that this is like the founding that this is like the founding foundations of France foundations of France foundations of France Charlemagne would be another one of Charlemagne would be another one of Charlemagne would be another one of those possible candidates for that title those possible candidates for that title those possible candidates for that title by the time count Odo becomes king Odo by the time count Odo becomes king Odo by the time count Odo becomes king Odo in France in the late 880s the spike in in France in the late 880s the spike in in France in the late 880s the spike in the piracy stock market that we call the the piracy stock market that we call the the piracy stock market that we call the Viking age had been going on for a Viking age had been going on for a Viking age had been going on for a hundred years hundred years hundred years and the economic costs are and the economic costs are and the economic costs are unquantifiable if we want to get a unquantifiable if we want to get a unquantifiable if we want to get a little teeny window into what the cost

little teeny window into what the cost little teeny window into what the cost might look like historian Dan Jones in might look like historian Dan Jones in might look like historian Dan Jones in his book powers and Thrones quotes his book powers and Thrones quotes his book powers and Thrones quotes another historian who estimates that 14 another historian who estimates that 14 another historian who estimates that 14 of all the silver pennies minted by the of all the silver pennies minted by the of all the silver pennies minted by the entire Frankish Empire over the entire entire Frankish Empire over the entire entire Frankish Empire over the entire Century of the 800s went to pay off the Century of the 800s went to pay off the Century of the 800s went to pay off the Vikings just for protection money Vikings just for protection money Vikings just for protection money just for go away funds right doesn't just for go away funds right doesn't just for go away funds right doesn't include any of the money the Vikings include any of the money the Vikings include any of the money the Vikings directly stole or looted in their many directly stole or looted in their many directly stole or looted in their many many attacks many attacks many attacks doesn't include any of the money that doesn't include any of the money that doesn't include any of the money that the Empire had to spend to defend the Empire had to spend to defend the Empire had to spend to defend themselves or themselves or themselves or fight the Vikings doesn't include any of fight the Vikings doesn't include any of fight the Vikings doesn't include any of the Lost productivity or emotional costs the Lost productivity or emotional costs the Lost productivity or emotional costs of all the people the Vikings killed or of all the people the Vikings killed or of all the people the Vikings killed or stole and sold into slavery 14 of all stole and sold into slavery 14 of all stole and sold into slavery 14 of all the silver pennies in direct payments the silver pennies in direct payments the silver pennies in direct payments for protection for protection for protection sometimes when you see estimates of what sometimes when you see estimates of what sometimes when you see estimates of what organized crime drains away from a organized crime drains away from a organized crime drains away from a society's economy kind of looks similar society's economy kind of looks similar society's economy kind of looks similar doesn't it in some societies anyway doesn't it in some societies anyway doesn't it in some societies anyway nonetheless you would think that with nonetheless you would think that with nonetheless you would think that with the nine hundreds approaching that the nine hundreds approaching that the nine hundreds approaching that finally after a hundred years of steel finally after a hundred years of steel finally after a hundred years of steel sharpening steel and weeding out the sharpening steel and weeding out the sharpening steel and weeding out the incompetence and bringing the effective incompetence and bringing the effective incompetence and bringing the effective people to the fore that things would people to the fore that things would people to the fore that things would look good for the traditional opponents look good for the traditional opponents look good for the traditional opponents of the Vikings here right King Odo and of the Vikings here right King Odo and of the Vikings here right King Odo and France and Alfred in Anglo-Saxon England France and Alfred in Anglo-Saxon England France and Alfred in Anglo-Saxon England but by about 900 901 902 both guys are but by about 900 901 902 both guys are but by about 900 901 902 both guys are dead dead dead and in fact you know the Batman that is and in fact you know the Batman that is and in fact you know the Batman that is King Odo will live to eventually see the

King Odo will live to eventually see the King Odo will live to eventually see the hero become the villain when he will hero become the villain when he will hero become the villain when he will disappoint his Fanboy and pay off disappoint his Fanboy and pay off disappoint his Fanboy and pay off the Vikings himself at one point right the Vikings himself at one point right the Vikings himself at one point right pulling a Charles the fat if you will it pulling a Charles the fat if you will it pulling a Charles the fat if you will it just shows how unavoidable it was just shows how unavoidable it was just shows how unavoidable it was sometimes sometimes sometimes but if you're looking at this in 900 you but if you're looking at this in 900 you but if you're looking at this in 900 you can't help but notice that these Viking can't help but notice that these Viking can't help but notice that these Viking groups that had been disjointed groups that had been disjointed groups that had been disjointed fragmentary groups of people under fragmentary groups of people under fragmentary groups of people under Warlords or Chieftains are starting more Warlords or Chieftains are starting more Warlords or Chieftains are starting more and more to unite into more and more to unite into more and more to unite into more viable larger economic and political viable larger economic and political viable larger economic and political entities they're in the process of State entities they're in the process of State entities they're in the process of State Building and they're getting stronger Building and they're getting stronger Building and they're getting stronger all the time it's almost like you can all the time it's almost like you can all the time it's almost like you can hear the ominous Darth Vader music in hear the ominous Darth Vader music in hear the ominous Darth Vader music in the distance approaching Alfred dead Odo the distance approaching Alfred dead Odo the distance approaching Alfred dead Odo dead the Vikings consolidating the 900s dead the Vikings consolidating the 900s dead the Vikings consolidating the 900s looks particularly scary if you are a looks particularly scary if you are a looks particularly scary if you are a viking opponent viking opponent viking opponent the weird part about this era though is the weird part about this era though is the weird part about this era though is you could also apply a sort of a you could also apply a sort of a you could also apply a sort of a rashamon lens here and say that if rashamon lens here and say that if rashamon lens here and say that if you're a viking you may be hearing you're a viking you may be hearing you're a viking you may be hearing ominous Darth Vader music going into the ominous Darth Vader music going into the ominous Darth Vader music going into the 900s as well 900s as well 900s as well we quoted a couple of recent historians we quoted a couple of recent historians we quoted a couple of recent historians who point out that the Vikings in this who point out that the Vikings in this who point out that the Vikings in this period were well aware that their period were well aware that their period were well aware that their culture and belief system and way of culture and belief system and way of culture and belief system and way of life was Under Siege life was Under Siege life was Under Siege they are by 900 an endangered species they are by 900 an endangered species they are by 900 an endangered species the cultural equivalent of a white rhino the cultural equivalent of a white rhino the cultural equivalent of a white rhino a representation of a style of Germanic

a representation of a style of Germanic a representation of a style of Germanic language paganism on its way out language paganism on its way out language paganism on its way out in the last convulsions of its dying in the last convulsions of its dying in the last convulsions of its dying days days days soon to see its values supplanted soon to see its values supplanted soon to see its values supplanted and it's God's abandoned but even if you have mortally wounded a but even if you have mortally wounded a white rhino white rhino white rhino doesn't mean you still can't be gored so far as far as we've been discussing so far as far as we've been discussing elves and trolls and sorcery elves and trolls and sorcery elves and trolls and sorcery and female Spirits inhabiting all viking and female Spirits inhabiting all viking and female Spirits inhabiting all viking peoples peoples peoples don't seem to have played a huge role in don't seem to have played a huge role in don't seem to have played a huge role in the story but if that's the framework the story but if that's the framework the story but if that's the framework that your reality is constructed upon that your reality is constructed upon that your reality is constructed upon it's hard to tease out exactly what kind it's hard to tease out exactly what kind it's hard to tease out exactly what kind of an important role it plays in the of an important role it plays in the of an important role it plays in the world view of a people world view of a people world view of a people who in some cases are fighting to who in some cases are fighting to who in some cases are fighting to preserve a world view the nine hundreds in the period were the nine hundreds in the period were entering in now is in books like Gwen entering in now is in books like Gwen entering in now is in books like Gwen Jones's Viking history book the one I Jones's Viking history book the one I Jones's Viking history book the one I grew up with this is the period where he grew up with this is the period where he grew up with this is the period where he really starts the conversation and really starts the conversation and really starts the conversation and everything we've already talked about is everything we've already talked about is everything we've already talked about is almost like prehistory which should tell almost like prehistory which should tell almost like prehistory which should tell you something in part two we'll get into a little bit in part two we'll get into a little bit of the material troubling difficult

of the material troubling difficult of the material troubling difficult um um um as strange as it is as strange as it is as strange as it is that gives the Viking Soul at least a that gives the Viking Soul at least a that gives the Viking Soul at least a little bit of a chance to sing little bit of a chance to sing little bit of a chance to sing that and some runes and that and some runes and that and some runes and a long ship or two and you can get very a long ship or two and you can get very a long ship or two and you can get very far in the world and in part two we'll far in the world and in part two we'll far in the world and in part two we'll see exactly how far the Vikings get see exactly how far the Vikings get see exactly how far the Vikings get before that wave breaks and is rolled before that wave breaks and is rolled before that wave breaks and is rolled over by over by over by the exact same opponent that rolled over the exact same opponent that rolled over the exact same opponent that rolled over all of these people's precursors all of these people's precursors all of these people's precursors the end of a process that's been going the end of a process that's been going the end of a process that's been going on since the Roman Republic all that and more all that and more in part two of Twilight of the icer I've always said I'm an uncomfortable I've always said I'm an uncomfortable pitch man because I really need to like pitch man because I really need to like pitch man because I really need to like or use whatever it is that I'm talking or use whatever it is that I'm talking or use whatever it is that I'm talking about and I seem to like or use few about and I seem to like or use few about and I seem to like or use few things these days but I do use this or things these days but I do use this or things these days but I do use this or at least I use the first version of this at least I use the first version of this at least I use the first version of this then I use the second version of this then I use the second version of this then I use the second version of this and in February 2023 the third version and in February 2023 the third version and in February 2023 the third version of this is coming out and I will of this is coming out and I will of this is coming out and I will instantly snap it up sight unseen instantly snap it up sight unseen instantly snap it up sight unseen and I haven't seen it I've got a list of and I haven't seen it I've got a list of and I haven't seen it I've got a list of features that are going to be involved features that are going to be involved features that are going to be involved with it but it doesn't matter to me I with it but it doesn't matter to me I with it but it doesn't matter to me I know I know what I'm getting here I know I know what I'm getting here I know I know what I'm getting here I almost feel like this ad should just be almost feel like this ad should just be almost feel like this ad should just be me saying hey Company of Heroes 3 is me saying hey Company of Heroes 3 is me saying hey Company of Heroes 3 is coming out in February 2023 coming out in February 2023 coming out in February 2023 some some products sell themselves and

some some products sell themselves and some some products sell themselves and to me this is one of those games that at to me this is one of those games that at to me this is one of those games that at least from my standpoint I can't stop least from my standpoint I can't stop least from my standpoint I can't stop playing I mean the Company of Heroes 2 playing I mean the Company of Heroes 2 playing I mean the Company of Heroes 2 has been around quite a while and I'm has been around quite a while and I'm has been around quite a while and I'm still playing it and they have all these still playing it and they have all these still playing it and they have all these mods that people create so there's this mods that people create so there's this mods that people create so there's this endless sort of growth tree that comes endless sort of growth tree that comes endless sort of growth tree that comes off of at least you know one and two off of at least you know one and two off of at least you know one and two where it just seems to never get a never where it just seems to never get a never where it just seems to never get a never get stale and once you have sort of your get stale and once you have sort of your get stale and once you have sort of your base Foundation there you can play it base Foundation there you can play it base Foundation there you can play it for years and I'm living proof of that I for years and I'm living proof of that I for years and I'm living proof of that I mean I'm told that the graphics are mean I'm told that the graphics are mean I'm told that the graphics are better I like the graphics on too I'm better I like the graphics on too I'm better I like the graphics on too I'm gonna like the graphics on three uh gonna like the graphics on three uh gonna like the graphics on three uh legendary battles that they're including legendary battles that they're including legendary battles that they're including are going to be like llma Maine The are going to be like llma Maine The are going to be like llma Maine The Landings at anzio the Monte Casino Landings at anzio the Monte Casino Landings at anzio the Monte Casino struggle in in the central Italy area struggle in in the central Italy area struggle in in the central Italy area they have some things that I don't know they have some things that I don't know they have some things that I don't know what they do but I'm excited about them what they do but I'm excited about them what they do but I'm excited about them a turn-based dynamic campaign map so a turn-based dynamic campaign map so a turn-based dynamic campaign map so that sounds strategic to me that'll be that sounds strategic to me that'll be that sounds strategic to me that'll be fun uh something that they call a full fun uh something that they call a full fun uh something that they call a full tactical pause feature again I'm all tactical pause feature again I'm all tactical pause feature again I'm all ears ears ears they have one thing um under a heading they have one thing um under a heading they have one thing um under a heading here and I'm just going to read it here and I'm just going to read it here and I'm just going to read it verbatim it says lead both the deutsches verbatim it says lead both the deutsches verbatim it says lead both the deutsches Africa core in their assault across Africa core in their assault across Africa core in their assault across Libya and the Allied war effort to Libya and the Allied war effort to Libya and the Allied war effort to liberate the Italian peninsula in our liberate the Italian peninsula in our liberate the Italian peninsula in our biggest single player offering to date biggest single player offering to date biggest single player offering to date excited about that I'm easy too excited excited about that I'm easy too excited excited about that I'm easy too excited about this game though like I said I've about this game though like I said I've about this game though like I said I've been playing it for years and I played been playing it for years and I played been playing it for years and I played the precursors to this game which are the precursors to this game which are the precursors to this game which are some of the greatest games that have some of the greatest games that have some of the greatest games that have ever been invented for PC platforms ever been invented for PC platforms ever been invented for PC platforms anywhere so anywhere so anywhere so um like I said I feel like I should just um like I said I feel like I should just um like I said I feel like I should just be saying that it's coming out February

be saying that it's coming out February be saying that it's coming out February 23 get yours in February 23 get yours in February 23 get yours in February there's a tease here for the graphics I there's a tease here for the graphics I there's a tease here for the graphics I think when it says battle from the think when it says battle from the think when it says battle from the sweeping deserts and Oasis of North sweeping deserts and Oasis of North sweeping deserts and Oasis of North Africa to the Sleepy fishing villages Africa to the Sleepy fishing villages Africa to the Sleepy fishing villages and rolling mountains of Italy okay I'm and rolling mountains of Italy okay I'm and rolling mountains of Italy okay I'm in Company of Heroes three you'll be out in Company of Heroes three you'll be out in Company of Heroes three you'll be out in February 2023 get yours and let me in February 2023 get yours and let me in February 2023 get yours and let me know what you think and um know what you think and um know what you think and um you know I should have I should have you know I should have I should have you know I should have I should have mine by February right mine by February right mine by February right I'm not wait until March