Did the Vikings become farmers?

Many Vikings worked as farmers. Everything had to be done by hand on a Viking farm, so life was tough. Farmers grew oats, barley and wheat. Then they ground the grain to make flour, porridge and ale.

Could the Vikings grow crops?

Typical crops included grains such as barley (a staple crop throughout the Norse lands), rye, and oats. In the most southerly regions, wheat could be grown, a luxury crop. Depending on the local climate and soil conditions, vegetables such as beans, peas, cabbage, and onions could be grown.

Did Vikings farm animals?

The Vikings kept many of the domestic animals that we are familiar with today. A typical Viking household in an agricultural area possessed cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats. In addition, there were hens, geese and ducks. Fish were also caught in the sea and seals were sometimes hunted.

Were Vikings farmers or warriors?

Vikings were skilled warriors It was a requirement that all male Vikings had completed weapons training so they could defend their villages during attacks. So when they went raiding, it wasn’t just a band of bearded farmers who roamed around; it was well-educated soldiers who knew how to handle themselves.

What did the Vikings feed their animals?

In summer sheep and cattle were taken to higher pastures. But winter was severely cold, so livestock tended to be kept indoors and fed with hay. Besides hay, archaeologists have also found evidence of grain crops like barley, rye and oats, as well as such vegetables as onions, peas and cabbages.

Did the Vikings smoke meat?

Meat and fish were preserved by smoking. While some excavated Viking-age farms appear to have had dedicated smokehouses, such as the farm at Granastaðir in north Iceland, the upper reaches of the longhouse may have been smoky enough to do the job.

Did Vikings drink a lot?

For the ancient Norsemen, drinking was much more than just consuming alcoholic beverages. Drinking ale and mead was instead part of their ancestral lifestyle and had deep cultural and religious significance. Imported Viking-Age glass and pottery drink-ware found in Lofoten .