Viking Empires

Through new discoveries in science and archaeology, this episode explores the origins of the Vikings and how a great Viking dynasty changed history. It investigates who the Vikings were and why they left Scandinavia to plunder far-off lands.

Follows the continuing fortunes of the Vikings and reveals how they shaped modern Ireland. In 917 Ivarr’s descendants returned with a vengeance, defeating the Irish and recapturing the Viking kingdom of Dublin. We know more about Viking Dublin than any other Norse settlement outside of Scandinavia and now, archaeologists and scientists reveal the harsh realities, and unexpected sophistication in the emerging town.