Here are the questions extracted from the text:
(a) Name one item which Vikings put into a ship burial along with the body of the dead Viking.
(b) Identify one type of activity that Vikings were involved in at Constantinople.
(c) Name one place in England that was attacked by Svein Forkbeard.
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Vikings
👑Complete Model Essay
Here are the questions extracted from the text:
(a) Name one item which Vikings put into a ship burial along with the body of the dead Viking.
(b) Identify one type of activity that Vikings were involved in at Constantinople.
(c) Name one place in England that was attacked by Svein Forkbeard.
GCSE History Essay Outline: Vikings
Question Breakdown:
The questions require specific knowledge about Viking culture, activities, and key figures. Let's break down how to approach each:
(a) Item in Ship Burial: This tests your understanding of Viking burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
(b) Activity in Constantinople: This assesses your knowledge of Viking interaction beyond raiding, particularly with the Byzantine Empire.
(c) Place Attacked by Svein Forkbeard: This requires you to recall Viking raids in England and Svein Forkbeard's role.
Model Essay:
The Vikings, hailing from Scandinavia, are often remembered for their fierce raids across Europe. However, their history is far richer, encompassing exploration, trade, and complex cultural practices.
Viking ship burials offer a glimpse into their beliefs about death and the afterlife. Weapons were commonly interred alongside the deceased. A warrior buried with his sword, axe, or spear suggests a belief that these items would be needed in the next life, perhaps for battles or hunts in Valhalla. This practice highlights the importance of martial prowess in Viking society.
While renowned for their raiding, Vikings also engaged with the Byzantine Empire, particularly in Constantinople. Many Vikings served as members of the Varangian Guard, the elite bodyguard of the Byzantine Emperors. Prized for their strength and ferocity in battle, these Viking warriors protected the emperors and played crucial roles in Byzantine military campaigns. This demonstrates the Vikings' ability to adapt and integrate into different societies, even rising to positions of power and influence far from their Scandinavian homelands.
Svein Forkbeard, a formidable Viking ruler, led numerous raids on England, instilling fear in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. In 1004 AD, he attacked the wealthy city of Norwich. Driven by the desire for plunder and revenge for the St. Brice's Day massacre of Danes in England, Svein's forces looted and burned the city. This raid highlights the brutal reality of Viking attacks and their devastating impact on English settlements during this period.
In conclusion, the Vikings were a complex people whose legacy extends beyond raiding. Their ship burials, involvement in Constantinople, and raids like those led by Svein Forkbeard illustrate their multifaceted nature as warriors, traders, and explorers who left a lasting mark on history.
Note: History Study Pack Required
Score Big with Perfectly Structured History Essays!
Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive...
History Study Pack.
✅ 1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.
✅ Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.
🍃 Free Essay Plan
GCSE History Essay Outline: Vikings
Question Breakdown:
(a) Item in Ship Burial:This requires you to recall a specific object Vikings included in ship burials.
(b) Activity in Constantinople:You need to identify an action or role Vikings played in Constantinople.
(c) Place Attacked by Svein Forkbeard:This asks for your knowledge of Viking raids and specifically, a location in England targeted by Svein Forkbeard.
Essay Plan:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Vikings, mentioning their diverse activities like raiding, trading, and exploration.
Body Paragraph 1: Ship Burials and Viking Beliefs (Address Question a)
Start with a clear topic sentence: E.g., "Viking ship burials provide valuable insights into their beliefs about the afterlife and their societal values."
Answer the question directly:State an item found in ship burials. Examples: weapons, jewelry, sacrificed animals, tools, boats.
Explain the significance:What does the item suggest about Viking beliefs or their preparation for the afterlife? Was the item meant to be used in the afterlife, signify status, or provide comfort for the journey?
Body Paragraph 2: Vikings in Constantinople (Address Question b)
Topic Sentence:Connect Vikings to Constantinople. E.g., "While known for raids, Vikings also engaged with the Byzantine Empire, particularly in Constantinople."
Identify an activity:Choose one:
Varangian Guard:Elite warriors serving the Byzantine Emperors.
Traders:Vikings exchanged goods like furs, slaves, and timber for luxury items.
Craftsmen:Some Vikings were skilled artisans, potentially finding work in Constantinople.
Provide details/context:Briefly elaborate on the chosen activity. What impact did it have? How does it add to our understanding of Vikings?
Body Paragraph 3: Svein Forkbeard's Raid (Address Question c)
Topic Sentence:Focus on Viking raids and Svein Forkbeard. E.g., "Svein Forkbeard, a formidable Viking leader, orchestrated numerous raids on England, striking fear into Anglo-Saxon kingdoms."
Name a place attacked:Choose one: London, Exeter, Norwich, Sandwich. Be specific.
Provide historical context: What was the purpose of the raid? Was it for plunder, revenge, or political power? Mention any significant outcomes of the attack.
Conclusion:
Briefly summarize the key points discussed in your essay.
Offer a final thought: E.g., How do the diverse activities discussed (burials, Constantinople, raids) demonstrate the complex nature of the Vikings?
Important Tips:
Be concise and focused: This is a short-answer question, so get straight to the point in each paragraph.
Use historical terminology accurately:Demonstrate your understanding of key terms like "ship burial," "Varangian Guard," or "raid."
Proofread carefully:Check for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
1(a)
– 1 mark for any answer that offers an historically valid response drawing on knowledge of characteristic features (AO1)
1(b)
– 1 mark for any answer that offers an historically valid response drawing on knowledge of characteristic features (AO1)
1(c)
– 1 mark for any answer that offers an historically valid response drawing on knowledge of characteristic features (AO1)