AllMovie

The Vikings are haunted by a bitter reputation as vicious giants and uncouth conquerors. On the contrary, Scandinavia produced some of the greatest explorers and leaders the world has ever known. NOVA paints an astounding portrait of a misunderstood people in its two-hour program The Vikings. The first millennium was the domain of rugged sailors who waged war against much of England and Europe. United by a common enemy, the ravaged countries gained a sense of nationality. Beyond rousing resentment, the Vikings led the way in shipbuilding, trading, and art. NOVA presents replicas of the grand Scandinavian ships that carried the warriors across the Atlantic Ocean. As far north as Greenland the Vikings traveled, bringing with them their flamboyant culture. NOVA follows Leif Eriksson and Erik the Red as they sweep across the continents, founding Dublin, Istanbul, and even parts of Russia. With re-creations and the explanation of previously unseen artifacts, the Viking people come to life.