3D reconstruction of Viking Royal residence.

Trans: Hal=Hall

Bolig= Home

Kulthus =Cult House/Temple

Våbenoffer = Weapon Offerings

(Source: vimeo.com)

Picture: Garenin Black House Village-Isle Of Lewis

http://www.classic-sailing.co.uk/destinations/st-kilda-outer-hebrides-orkney

The Kingdom of the Isles comprised the Hebrides, the islands of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Man from the 9th to the 13th centuries AD. The islands were known to the Norse as the Suðreyjar, or “Southern Isles” as distinct from the Norðreyjar or Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. The historical record is incomplete, and the kingdom was not a continuous entity throughout the entire period. The islands concerned are sometimes referred to as the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, although only some of the later rulers claimed that title. At times the rulers were independent of external control, although for much of the period they had overlords in Norway, Ireland, England, Scotland or Orkney. At times there also appear to have been competing claims for all or parts of the territory. The islands involved have a total land area of over 8,300 square kilometres (3,205 sq mi) and extend for more than 500 kilometres (310 mi) from north to south.

Viking influence in the area commenced in the late 8th century, and whilst there is no doubt that the Uí Ímair dynasty played a prominent role in this early period, the records for the dates and details of the rulers are speculative until the mid-10th century. Hostility between the Kings of the Isles and the rulers of Ireland, and intervention by the crown of Norway (either directly or through their vassal the Earl of Orkney) were recurring themes.

Invasion by Magnus Barelegs in the late 11th century resulted in a brief period of direct Norwegian rule over the kingdom, but soon the descendants of Godred Crovan re-asserted a further period of largely independent overlordship. This came to an end with the emergence of Somerled, on whose death in 1164 the kingdom was split in two. Just over a century later the islands became part of the Kingdom of Scotland, following the 1266 Treaty of Perth.

What IS A Celt?

Actually the term “Keltoi” is of Greek origin, not Julius Caesar ( by Hecataeus of Miletus, in 517 BC ) but i still feel that this kind of “antiromanticism” is important.

Using the term “Celt” makes things easier but one should be aware of how flimsy a term it really is beyond the purely linguistic.

Ultuna viking girl by ~VendelRus

The photographers wife Kerstin.

Rus viking trader by ~VendelRus

The coat is some times deferred to as a “rus coat” or a “riding caftan” The hat is speculative. The only surviving part of the hat is the hat top. There are finds from both Sweden and Russia of this kind of hat top.

Viking Helmet by *bakabobo

Viking helmet.
I would imagine most Vikings used slightly less ornate helmets