HOW THE VIKINGS LIVED
Despite their fearsome reputation, the Vikings did not spend the entire year raiding and invading. In fact, only in summer did the call of the sea, and the treasures that awaited, lure them away from home. Most of the year revolved around fishing, farming and tending to the land.
Society was split into three classes:, who were wealthy in property, treasure and had a loyal group of followers. They acted as local chieftains, but the more powerful among them could become a king. The vast majority of Vikings belonged to the next class, the – freemen and land owners who worked as fishermen, farmers, merchants, craftsmen and warriors. If a karl grew successful or wealthy enough, they could achieve jarl status. But they could also lose everything and end up at the bottom of society as a slave – a class known as .
