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Chapter 3 · A long and illustrious history

Life in the UK test questions on the Vikings

Vikings from Denmark and Norway first raided Britain in AD 789 and later came to settle. King Alfred the Great defeated them, and they were confined to the Danelaw in the east and north of England, where many place names still carry Viking roots. Later Viking kings ruled England for a time, including Cnut, before Anglo-Saxon rule returned.

Below are 4 free questions on the Vikings, taken from handbook section 3.4. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise the Vikings

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Questions and answers on the Vikings

The same 4 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. Which countries did the Vikings come from?

    • France and Belgium
    • Germany and Poland
    • Spain and Portugal
    • Denmark, Norway and Sweden — correct answer

    The Vikings came from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They crossed the North Sea in longships to reach Britain. Handbook section 3.4.

  2. 2. Which king united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and defeated the Vikings?

    • Edward the Confessor
    • Alfred the Great — correct answer
    • Harold Godwinson
    • Kenneth MacAlpin

    The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms united under King Alfred the Great, who defeated the Vikings in battle. He is the only English king called the Great. Handbook section 3.4.

  3. 3. How did the Vikings reach Britain from Scandinavia?

    • In Roman galleys
    • Along the old Roman roads
    • By sea, in longships — correct answer
    • On foot across a land bridge

    The Vikings crossed the sea in longships. These were fast and shallow enough to be sailed right up on to a beach. Handbook section 3.4.

  4. 4. Why did the Vikings first come to Britain?

    • To spread Christianity
    • To help the Romans defend the coast
    • To raid coastal towns and take goods and slaves — correct answer
    • To trade wool with the Anglo-Saxons

    The Vikings first came to raid coastal towns, taking goods and slaves. Only later did they begin to settle and stay. Handbook section 3.4.

8 more questions on the Vikings

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