The Vikings were a seafaring people from Scandinavia who lived from the late 8th to the mid-11th century. They were known for their raiding, trading, and exploration throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The Viking Age began with their raid on the Lindisfarne monastery in 793, which marked the start of their period of expansion and influence. The Vikings were skilled seafarers, building ships that allowed them to travel long distances and navigate difficult waters. They were also known for their advanced military tactics, which allowed them to conduct devastating raids on unsuspecting coastal communities.
Viking society was hierarchical, with kings and chieftains at the top, followed by freemen and then thralls, or slaves. They were skilled craftsmen, farmers, and traders who established trade routes and settlements in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. They traded furs, slaves, and other goods with their European and Asian neighbors, and established a settlement in North America called Vinland, which is believed to have been located in present-day Newfoundland.
Viking culture was known for its art, mythology, and literature, including the epic sagas that told stories of heroes and their battles. They believed in a pantheon of gods, with Odin, Thor, and Freyja among the most prominent. Viking art was highly decorative, featuring intricate designs and patterns, and they were skilled metalworkers, producing items such as swords, helmets, and jewelry. The Vikings also had a highly developed legal system, with a Thing, or assembly, serving as the highest authority in each community. The Vikings had a lasting impact on the cultures of the areas they settled in, and their legacy can still be seen today in the language, customs, and traditions of many modern-day Scandinavian countries.
Based in the heart of rural Somerset in the South West of England, Berkeley Chess encapsulates the best of British craft manufacturing combined with innovative designs. Utilising traditional production techniques each chess set beautifully replicates the original sculptures, painstakingly created by talented artists. The exquisite detail of the design is brought to life by careful development of a silicon mould and a unique staining and polishing technique which emphasises the fine detail of the original figures. Each piece is then finished off with the application of a protective felt base and presented in beautiful yet practical packaging.
