Vikings: The Rise and Fall

The programme traces the origins of the Vikings in Scandinavia, examining their early society, culture and motivations. It then details the historic raid on the sacred island of Lindisfarne, an event that marked the significant opening of the Viking Age.

The Road to Lindisfarne is a programme presented as an episode that investigates a crucial turning point in early medieval history, focusing on the emergence of the Vikings and their first recorded raid on English soil. Through a concise narrative, it aims to illuminate the circumstances that led to the transformation of the Norse world. The episode begins by charting the Vikings' origins in the Scandinavian region, outlining how their societies formed, what motivated their maritime ventures, and how these early developments set the stage for later incursions. It then moves to the dramatic assault on Lindisfarne, a revered religious site, showing how that single event marked the commencement of the Viking Age. By linking the two phases, the programme demonstrates the continuity between the Norse homeland and their outward expansion. In exploring the Scandinavian beginnings, the programme highlights the cultural and technological foundations that enabled the Norse peoples to become adept sailors and warriors. It examines the environment, the social structures, and the early seafaring skills that would later empower them to travel beyond their own coasts. The focus then shifts to the raid on Lindisfarne, described as a holy island that suffered a sudden and violent attack. The programme underscores how this assault signalled the onset of a new era, effectively heralding the Viking Age and altering the course of British history.