The Science Viking

Why is this website called The Science Viking? The reason is because science is at the heart of everything all of our characters do. With a science background and a lifelong love of history, we recognise that STEM, the humanities and the arts are all interrelated and that their separation into separate subjects is a relatively modern innovation.

Superior ship technology was a big reason for the Vikings’ success and ability to raid and plunder in areas originally considered inaccessible by ship, and to colonise lands from Russia to North America, ruling the seas for over 400 years. Alchemists were the first to develop techniques still used in chemistry today. Artists had to know the chemical properties of their pigments if they weren’t to quickly degrade or interfere with each other on canvas or wood. Historians and archaeologists today rely upon scientific methods to learn the secrets of everyday life over 1000 years ago.

We specialise in weaving these stories together to paint a fascinating picture of science and technology down through the ages and bring it to life for a modern audience.

Our very busy Science of the Vikings display at the Big Bang Fair in the NEC.

Excited children unearthing a sword buried in a grave during our archaeology day at the Moorforge Viking Settlement in Cumbria, expertly guided by Adam Parsons from Blueaxe Reproductions.

Alchemical equipment and materials at Barley Hall in York. Master Albert Harvey explains how the natural world was investigated in medieval times and how their theories developed into the modern scientific method of today.

If you would like a well researched and historically accurate display at your venue or event that links Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) with the Arts and Humanities then you’ve come to the right place. We specialise in science festivals that bring the History of Science to life, and historical festivals and events that add an extra dimension to your historical journey. Plus, of course, any event that wants something a bit out of the ordinary; we’re here for you.

Bjarni demonstrating the physics of the Long Axe to postgraduate students from Nottingham University at the Moorforge Viking Settlement in Cumbria.