The Vikings c.750–c.1066 WJEC GCSE

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WJEC GCSE The Vikings c.750–c.1066

Written examination: 1 hour 30% of qualification 60 marks 

Unit 3: A study of a period in world history

The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of an extended historical period enabling learners to explore key concepts.

Centres can choose one of the three periods of study: medieval, early modern or modern, not repeating a period studied in Unit 1 or 2. Centres will choose one of two options within the period.

Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake a study of a period in world history.

Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.

Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
• continuity and change
• similarity and difference
• significance and impact
• cause and consequence.

Medieval

The Vikings c.750–c.1066

In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

3.1.1 The influence of the eastward expansion of the Vikings
3.1.2 The impact of the westward expansion of the Vikings
3.1.3 The extent of Viking expansion around the north of the Atlantic
3.1.4 Establishing Viking rule in the Danelaw in the British isles
3.1.5 The end of Danish rule in the British isles

with the aim of developing their understanding of how Viking expansion changed and developed across the period from c.750 to c.1066.

Content and Amplification

Background: the Viking homelands in the eighth century

Learners should be aware of:

  • the environment of Scandinavia in the eighth century
  • the nature of Viking society and Viking beliefs.

3.1.1 The influence of the eastward expansion of the Vikings

  • the establishment of Viking settlements in the lands of the Rus, including:
    • Staraya Ladoga
    • Novgorod and Kyiv
  • the extent of Viking relations with the Arab world including:
    • contact with Baghdad
    • trade along the Silk Road
  • the importance of Viking relations with the Byzantine Empire, including:
    • contact with Constantinople
    • Vikings’ role in the Varangian Guard.

3.1.2 The impact of the westward expansion of the Vikings

  • the impact of Viking attacks on the British mainland, including:
    • raids on coastal communities and monasteries
    • the Isle of Sheppey raid in 835
  • the influence of Viking involvement in Ireland, including:
    • fortified bases including Dublin
    • involvement in the wars of the Kings of Ireland
  • the effects of Viking engagements with France and Spain, including:
    • raids on the Frankish Empire
    • raids on Spain.

3.1.3 The extent of Viking expansion around the north of the Atlantic

  • the establishing of Viking settlements in Iceland, including:
    • the role of Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson
    • the Althing and Icelandic society
  • the nature of settlement of Greenland, including:
    • Eric the Red
    • the western and eastern settlements
  • the exploration of the North American coast, including:
    • Leif Erikson
    • the Leifsbudir in Vinland.

3.1.4 Establishing Viking rule in the Danelaw in the British isles

  • the nature of Viking warfare, including: 
    • battle tactics on land and at sea
    • the role of women and the debate about shield maidens
  • the Viking invasion of mainland Britain, including:
    • the Great Heathen Army
    • peace with the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia
  • life in Viking Britain
    • the nature and extent of the Danelaw
    • the Viking settlement at Eoforwic (Jorvik).

3.1.5 The end of Danish rule in the British isles

  • the changing attitudes of the Danish Vikings, including:
    • Harald Bluetooth and his conversion to Christianity
    • the response to the Massacre of St Brice’s Day
  • the establishment and collapse of the Anglo–Scandinavian (North Sea) Empire, including:
    • the reign of Svein Forkbeard
    • the reign of Cnut
  • the last of the Viking rulers, including:
    • the significance of Harthacnut
    • Harald Hardrada and the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

References for The Vikings c.750–c.1066

Resource Examples For The Vikings c.750–c.1066

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