The Viking Age was from 793AD - 1066AD. It began with a raid on the Lindesfarne Monastery in the Northern British Isles:
- AD. 793. This year came dreadful fore-warnings over the land of the Northumbrians, terrifying the people most woefully: these were immense sheets of light rushing through the air, and whirlwinds, and fiery dragons flying across the firmament. These tremendous tokens were soon followed by a great famine: and not long after, on the sixth day before the ides of January in the same year, the harrowing inroads of heathen men made lamentable havoc in the church of God in Holy-island (Lindisfarne), by rapine and slaughter." -Anglo Saxon Chronicle.
The Vikings were more than just bloodthirsty raiders, in fact, most were not Vikings at all. The word "Viking" (derived from "Vik" meaning bay, creek, or inlet in Old Norse) came to be synonymous with naval expedition, or a person on a naval expedition. As such, the majority of the people who lived during the Viking Age in northern Europe would not have been "Vikings". The true Vikings were those who traveled on their dreaded long ships and fought in wars, raids, or just for survival.
The bulk of the Northern European populace were known collectively as the Norse. The Norse (or Northmen) were farmers, traders, craftsmen, and musicians, as well as, feared warriors. They were known for their naval prowess and swift longboats, that could easily carry a raiding force inland on a shallow river or across a vast sea. For almost 400 years the Norse spread across most of Europe and were the first Europeans to set foot on North American soil.
The Viking Age ended as violently as it began, at the Battle of Hastings, between the King of Norway, Harald III Sigurdsson (Haraldr haršrįši), and Harold Godwinson King of the Anglo-Saxons.
The impact of the Norse can still be felt in some of our holiday celebrations, and even in names of the days of the week (e.g. Thursday is Thor's Day).
Viking Invasion has worked to create a little vision of Viking life to celebrate the Scandinavian-Norse heritage that so many US citizens have.
An authentic Viking encampment was the backdrop for a Living History display that was very popular with adults
and children alike. Whether it was learning how Vikings forged weapons at the blacksmith's forge or how
they traveled and navigated in their famed long ships, the experience was a mix of education and entertainment
that was truly unique!
Pictures in the Gallery section show the members of Viking Invasion, hailing from all over the USA (even Alaska) and European countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, UK, Iceland and Poland. A truly spectacular mix of Scand-Norse people's that brought with them a a little of their own cultures.
The members of Viking Invasion truly put their hearts into this and every event they do. They are able to have fun and at the same time entertain and educate.
The Story of Our Organization!
Viking Invasion is a confederation of many Viking Age reenactors from around the globe.
What started as the authentic reenacment part of a mundane festival became a separate entity known as Viking Invasion. We work to bring the public, whether at schools, museums or festivals, the best of the Viking Age.
In 2004, the Jomsvikings came to Waco, Texas for the first Viking market in the US. Philip Burthem, Jarl of the Jomsvikings, used his professional expertise to make Viking Invasion a great success. Along with John Mitchell he founded the Texas Jomsborgelag, to carry on the martial tradition of the greater Jomsborg Army. Joined by The Ansteorran Longship Company and other Viking reenactment groups from around the globe, it was well recieved as part of the mundane event. In 2006 we separated from the mundane group and made our event in Waco bigger and better.
We continue now to participate events in the Texas Area as educators and re-enactors as well as our annual Viking Invasion. If you are interested in having us as part of your event please contact our Styrsman.
If you wish to attend any of our events, see our Calendar.
For Re-enactors:
There are requirements for taking part in the camp as a re-enactor or as a fighter in the shows.Authenticity:
All participants are required to have proper kit ( clothes, gear, weapons, etc. ). For more information on authentic kit,
please contact our Authenticity Officer for our official guidelines on kit go to our Authenticity Bylaws. For guides on the different types of kit we use go to our Authenticity Guide.
Please Note: These pages are meant as guides, consult our Authenticity Officer before making any purchases for your kit.
Combat and Training:
To be a fighter and take place in shows or any combat reenactment, one must
be trained in the Jomsviking System and approved by our Training Officer. This is the fighting system developed by Phil Burthem
and used by most rebated steel reenactors around the world. DVD and VHS copies of the basic training guide can be
purchased to give new fighters a start by contacting Information.
Our Training Officer can help with more questions about our training and training schedules. Our official training requirements for our active members are located on our Training Bylaws page.
Non-combatants and Vendors:
Contact our Styrsman for information on participating in the encampment or for vendor requirements.
Click here for more information about The Texas Jomsborgelag.
Viking Invasion is a non profit 501(c)3 organization