Discover 3

March 2018^ DISCOVER^25

The

Secret History

of the

Vikings

New DNA-driven research reveals

untold stories — and stirs controversy.

BY GEMMA TARLACH

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANE REBENSCHIED

M

ore than a thousand years ago,

the Vikings arrived on the world

stage as swiftly as their longships

cut through the waves. They raided and

traded, conquered and colonized. They left

their mark on four continents — not just at

archaeological sites, but also in the flora and

fauna, the languages and local populations.

The Viking Age did not last long — it’s

generally defined as beginning in the late

eighth century and ending in most areas by

the early 12th century — but the explorers

still capture our imagination today.