Year 6 - History
The artefacts of Viking York
The Vikings: how do we know so much about Viking York?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the archaeological discoveries made at Coppergate in York. They find out how archaeologists and historians have used artefacts to build a picture of what Viking York would have been like.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain some of the things archaeologists have learnt from key artefacts found in Viking York.
Key Notes
- At Coppergate, archaeologists found a metal padlock and key, which suggests the owner was rich.
- Whoever owned them would have controlled access to the home and to valuables that were locked away.
- They also found 42 pairs of ice skates, made from horse or cattle leg bones, and used for transportation and leisure.
- A discovered wooden gaming board with walrus ivory pieces tells us that the Vikings liked to play boardgames.
- A discovered coin die with a design referencing St Peter and Thor shows how religious beliefs blended in Viking York.
Vocabulary To Learn
- artefact: an artefact is an object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest
- coin die: a coin die is a metal stamp used to imprint a design on a coin
- Thor: Thor was the Viking god of thunder
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may think that what archaeologists learn from artefacts is definitive knowledge.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
At Coppergate, archaeologists found a metal padlock and key, which suggests the owner was rich. Whoever owned them would have controlled access to the home and to valuables that were locked away.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'artefact'
an artefact is an object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Pupils may think that what archaeologists learn from artefacts is definitive knowledge. Correction: Archaeologists carefully study artefacts to learn how people lived in specific times and places. New knowledge can be discovered and can change their understanding of how people lived.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 6 History guide library.