The people that thrived in this environment developed a very strong sense of adventure as they had to be tough to survive the weather and conditions. They also created an impressive communication network via the fjords, rivers, and oceans, which was much easier than trying to traverse the mountains. This sense of adventure, knowledge of the seas, and ability to withstand great difficulties led to the Viking Age in the late 700s.
The Vikings rose to fame due to their knowledge of the seas, their ability to trade, and their willingness to expand their boundaries, but their far superior boat technology also led to pillaging, which seemed to be a much easier way to earn a living. Despite the pillaging, the Vikings also displayed an incredible sense of right versus wrong and social justice, remnants of which can still be seen today. They were one of the first people in the world to have a Parliament and representation for the people as they allowed many rights to the people and they encouraged economic growth.
As the Viking Age slowly died, Christianity and foreign rulers arrived to Norway. Both made a lasting impact on the people. Christianity is still the most populous religion in Norway and this foreign dominance helped create a more distinct Norwegian culture while making the people more worldly as Bergen became a center of trade in northern Europe.
Despite the struggles of living under foreign rulers, Norway was allowed to essentially develop in its own way. With independence in 1905 the people continued on this path as the country became quite unique from a cultural perspective, yet became more reliant on the world around them to move forward. The Norwegians have led the world in numerous realms from environmental protection and legal rights for minorities to their development of winter sports.
Today Norway remains about the people and their lands. Their major sites are fjords, glaciers, and mountains, not architectural achievements, museums, or theme parks... although Norway offers all of those as well.
Welcome to the land of the midnight sun!
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Norwegian History
Edited By Safari the Globe
The first people to make their way to Norway likely arrived in about 12,000 BC after the glaciers in the region began to recede. These glaciers also helped carve out the landscape of Norway and these early settlers faced huge physical obstacles in settlement due to the mountains, but found the coastline ideal for fishing and hunting.
As the glaciers continued to recede, the people continued to expand further north... Continue Reading
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