Blood of the Vikings

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In several BBC episodes of *Meet the Ancestors*, Julian Richards enthusiastically explores the past and advocates for imaginative reconstructions of ancient lives. In *Blood of the Vikings*, the companion book to another BBC series, he delves into the reality behind the common perception of Vikings as savage warriors who ruthlessly raided settlements in the 9th and 10th centuries. The book reflects his travels for the TV series, featuring his inquisitive presence in various locations, including a Norwegian replica of a Viking house, the Orkneys, and Dublin, where Viking legacies persist. However, it transcends being merely a series companion. As an archaeologist primarily focused on prehistoric Britain, Richards admits he began the project with limited knowledge of Vikings but quickly became well-versed. At its core, the book offers more than just a narrative of his journeys to Viking sites; it presents an engaging and personal account of Viking history and culture, particularly the conflict between Danish Vikings and King Alfred's Wessex, which significantly influenced the formation of an "English" identity. It also illustrates, alongside DNA findings, that a trace of Viking heritage exists in all British bloodlines.