At the gates of Valhalla, Odin, the God of War and Death, welcomed thebravest of the slain warriors arriving in flaming longships for their finalbattle. It is a fiery legend still celebrated annually in the Shetland Islands,150 miles north-east of Scotland, where Vikings ruled for 500 years. In the streets of Lerwick, modern-day Norse descendants form vast torchlit processions, before burning a sacrificial longship in a Festival of FirecalledUp Helly Aa!

From the late 8th century, when Viking raiders first appeared, to the endof the 11th century, Scandinavian men and women travelled to many parts of the world, from Newfoundland to Byzantium in a cultural expansion that lasted for 300 years. But tales of terrifying berserkers mayhave been the mere propaganda of contemporary Christian chroniclers. Beyond the blood and brutality of legend, Viking colonists shared their culture and craftsmanship leaving behind an enduring legacy. InVikings, historian Rodney Castleden, successfully separates the truth from Norsemyth and examines the achievements of the Viking Age â?? the people, their artistry, technological skills and seamanship.

Following on from Rodney Castleden's best-selling study Minoans, this major contribution to our understanding of the crucial Mycenaean period clearly and effectively brings together research and knowledge we have accumulated since the discovery of the remains of the civilization of Mycenae in the 1870s.

In lively prose, informed by the latest research and using a full bibliography and over 100 illustrations, this vivid study delivers the fundamentals of the Mycenaean civilization including its culture, hierarchy, economy and religion. Castleden introduces controversial views of the Mycenaean palaces as temples, and studies their impressive sea empire and their crucial interaction with the outside Bronze Age world before discussing the causes of the end of their civilization.

Providing clear, easy information and understanding, this is a perfect starting point for the study of the Greek Bronze Age.

Describes the Bronze Age civilization and culture of the ancient Minoans