Barbarian vs. Viking: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 18, 2023
A barbarian is a term historically used to describe someone perceived as uncivilized or primitive, often used in a derogatory manner. A Viking is specifically a seafaring Norseman active primarily between the late eighth and early 11th centuries.
Key Differences
The term "barbarian" is a broad label that has been used to describe people or groups considered uncivilized or primitive. This term is often pejorative, used by "civilized" societies to describe others whom they consider inferior. In contrast, a Viking refers specifically to seafaring Norsemen from the Scandinavian region, who lived between the late eighth and early 11th centuries. Vikings were not simply barbarians; they had their own complex social systems and craftsmanship.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Barbarians could belong to various tribes and regions, like the Goths, Vandals, or Mongols, and were not limited to a specific era. Vikings, on the other hand, have a particular geographical and temporal identity. They hailed from places we now know as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. While Vikings could be considered barbarians by the societies they raided, the term "Viking" has specific implications related to seafaring and exploration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
From a linguistic standpoint, "barbarian" comes from the Greek "barbaros," meaning someone who does not speak Greek, hence considered uncivilized. Vikings got their name from the Old Norse term "víkingr," signifying a pirate or raider. The plural form of barbarian is "barbarians," and for Viking, it's "Vikings."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Grammatically, both "barbarian" and "Viking" function primarily as nouns but can also be used as adjectives. For instance, one might describe an act as "barbarian cruelty" or a ship as a "Viking vessel." The terms are distinct in scope, time frame, and cultural connotations, but are often misconstrued as interchangeable.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Barbarian and Viking Definitions
Barbarian
An uncivilized or primitive person.
He viewed his enemies as barbarians.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
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Viking
A seafaring Norseman from the late 8th to early 11th century.
The Viking sailed to Greenland.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Barbarian
A non-Greek or Roman in ancient times.
The Roman Empire often fought against barbarians.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Viking
A person engaged in piracy or seafaring raids during the Viking Age.
The Viking was both a farmer and a warrior.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Barbarian
A crude or brutish individual.
His barbarian behavior shocked everyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Barbarian
A member of a community not belonging to one of the great civilizations.
Barbarians invaded the kingdom.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Viking
A pirate or raider in the Old Norse tradition.
As a Viking, he raided coastal villages.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Barbarian
An uncultured person.
She considered anyone without an education a barbarian.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Barbarian
A member of one of the non-Greek peoples in the ancient world, regarded by the ancient Greeks as culturally inferior.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Viking
One of a seafaring Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of northern and western Europe from the eighth through the tenth century.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
A member of any of various peoples living outside the Roman Empire or not fully integrated into Greco-Roman civilization.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
A member of a people considered uncivilized or culturally inferior by members of another people.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Viking
One belonging to the pirate crews from among the Northmen, who plundered the coasts of Europe in the eighth, ninth, and tenth centuries.
Of grim Vikings, and the raptureOf the sea fight, and the capture,And the life of slavery.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Viking
Any of the Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
Relating to people, countries, or customs perceived as uncivilized or inferior.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
An uncivilized or uncultured person, originally compared to the hellenistic Greco-Roman civilisation; often associated with fighting or other such shows of strength.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
(derogatory) Someone from a developing country or backward culture.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
A warrior, clad in fur or leather, associated with sword and sorcery stories.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
A cruel, savage, inhumane, brutal person; one without pity or empathy.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
(derogatory) A foreigner, especially with barbaric qualities as in the above definitions.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
A foreigner.
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
Of, or pertaining to, or resembling, barbarians; rude; uncivilized; barbarous; as, barbarian governments or nations.
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
Barbarian
Without civilizing influences;
Barbarian invaders
Barbaric practices
A savage people
Fighting is crude and uncivilized especially if the weapons are efficient
Wild tribes
Sawaira Riaz
May 21, 2023
FAQs
What's the Origin of the Word Barbarian?
It originates from the Greek word "barbaros," meaning non-Greek or uncivilized.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What is a Viking?
A Viking is a seafaring Norseman active between the late eighth and early 11th centuries.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What's the Origin of the Word Viking?
It comes from Old Norse "víkingr," meaning a pirate or raider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What Did Barbarians Do?
Activities varied, but they were often portrayed as raiders or conquerors.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Are Vikings Barbarians?
While Vikings could be considered barbarians by societies they raided, the term Viking is more specific.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What is a Barbarian?
A barbarian is often considered an uncivilized or primitive person.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Where Did Barbarians Live?
Barbarians could belong to various tribes and regions worldwide.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Were All Vikings Warriors?
Many were warriors, but they were also traders and explorers.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Are All Barbarians Warriors?
Not necessarily; the term is more about perceived civilization level.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
