When people think about Viking exploration, they think west. Leif Erikson reaching North America. The settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows. The longships pushing across the North Atlantic into territory no European had reached before.
A broader perspective on Viking movement is starting to gain recognition in popular culture. From the parts of the History Channel series Vikings that I saw, the storyline included the eastward journeys, following Norse adventurers into the river systems of what is now Russia. Even in the limited segments I watched, it was clear that this aspect of Viking history is not often highlighted. The series showed the challenges of navigating those rivers and suggested the extensive trade and cultural connections the Norse formed in the East. It served as a brief acknowledgment of their eastern activities.
A broader perspective on Viking movement is starting to gain recognition in popular culture. From the parts of the History Channel series Vikings that I saw, the storyline included the eastward journeys, following Norse adventurers into the river systems of what is now Russia. Even in the limited segments I watched, it was clear that this aspect of Viking history is not often highlighted. The series showed the challenges of navigating those rivers and suggested the extensive trade and cultural connections the Norse formed in the East. It served as a brief acknowledgment of their eastern activities.
Great article - thanks for sharing it. LF