Ep 9. The Vikings

The second season of the popular show Lost Worlds takes the audience on an adventurous journey to different parts of the world, exploring ancient civilizations and their mysterious ways of life. In the ninth episode of the season, named "The Vikings," the show's attention turns towards Scandinavia and the Vikings, the fierce and notorious warriors who once roamed those lands.

The episode begins with the narrator setting the stage, describing the Viking Age as a time of exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange. He mentions the Vikings' famous longships, which were instrumental in their ability to travel long distances and raid far-off lands. The narrator also gives some background on Viking society, explaining that it was a hierarchical society with chieftains and warriors at the top, and farmers and laborers at the bottom.

The episode then takes us to the first location, Norway, where we meet a team of archaeologists who are excavating a Viking settlement on the coast. They explain that this settlement was a trading hub where the Vikings would bring goods from all over Europe and exchange them for other goods. The archaeologists show us some of the artifacts they've uncovered, including coins from Germany, pottery from France, and jewelry from the Middle East. They also show us the remains of a longhouse, the traditional dwelling of Viking chieftains and their families.

The episode then takes us to Denmark, where we meet another team of archaeologists who are studying the famous Viking fortress of Trelleborg. This fortress was built in the late 900s by the legendary Viking king Harald Bluetooth and was designed to control the traffic in the region's rivers and estuaries. The archaeologists explain how Trelleborg was constructed using advanced engineering techniques and how it served as a model for other Viking fortresses throughout Scandinavia.

Next, the episode takes us to Iceland, where we meet a group of people who are trying to keep the tradition of Viking metalworking alive. They show us how they use ancient techniques to forge swords, axes, and other weapons, and explain the religious significance of these items in Viking culture. We also learn about the Vikings' belief in the afterlife and how they would bury their dead with their most cherished possessions.

Finally, the episode takes us to Sweden, where we visit the famous Viking burial site of Birka. This site was discovered in the late 1800s and is one of the most significant Viking archaeological sites in the world. We meet some of the archaeologists who are working on the site and learn about the graves they've uncovered, including those of Viking warriors, women, and children. We also learn about the importance of the Viking trade network and how it allowed them to amass great wealth and power.

Overall, "The Vikings" is an intriguing and informative episode that provides a comprehensive overview of Viking culture and their way of life. The episode is beautifully shot and includes interviews with both modern-day experts and people who are keeping the traditions of the Vikings alive. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the Vikings, this episode of Lost Worlds is sure to be a fascinating watch.