media bulletin - Volvo
The Vikings are coming
13 July
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Anybody who test drives a new Volvo car nationwide will get the chance to win a double trip to Auckland to see the Volvo
Vikings exhibition at the Auckland Museum.
This major new exhibition which runs from 21 July to 8 October will tell the remarkable story of the Vikings, their
culture, achievements and place in our imagination.
Vikings treasure, artefacts and replicas have been assembled from around the world to reveal the story of these
incredible navigators, explorer's warriors, traders and artists.
Drivers who test drive a new Volvo outside Auckland before 31 August will have a chance to win the nine double return
trips to Auckland, including a night's accommodation and the use of a new Volvo, to see the exhibition. Auckland dealers
will have double or family passes to the exhibition to give away to people who test drive a new Volvo.
Over 1200 years ago the Vikings ranged out from their Scandinavian homelands – plundering, exploring and trading across
the world from North America to Baghdad.
It seems incredible, but their fiery exploits are still deeply ingrained in Western consciousness in the 21st century.
They didn’t leave written histories, very little physical evidence remains and yet the vision of these warlike people is
still with us.
The exhibition highlights the Viking instruments of war and it explores what is considered their greatest achievement:
the Viking ships; wooden double-ended shallow-draft vessels, powered by oars and sail.
In other areas Vikings considers more domestic facets of the Viking world: their social organisation, religious beliefs,
family life, and personal qualities.
Archaeological discoveries will show that the more prosperous were surprisingly stylish, wearing comfortable,
well-constructed clothing and shoes.
Star attractions will include two of the original Lewis Chessmen – world-renowned Viking-Age figures carved from walrus
ivory and found on the Scottish Isle of Lewis in the 14th century. On display will be the King and a Berserker (a
warrior in frenzy before battle, biting his shield in anticipation).
ENDS