New York – HISTORY has announced its first ever scripted series Vikings, set to premiere in 2013.

Vikings will chronicle the extraordinary and ferocious world of the mighty Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times. It follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, an historical figure, and the greatest hero of his age – and the gripping sagas of Ragnar’s band of Viking brothers and his family – as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. The series will star Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne as Earl Haraldson, a Viking leader who will challenge Ragnar Lothbrok.

Vikings is an Irish/Canadian co-production between World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. HISTORY will broadcast it domestically while MGM will serve as the international distributor outside of Ireland and Canada. Shaw Media will be the broadcast partner in Canada, airing the show on HISTORY television.

The series will be filmed at Ashford Studios, a newly built studio facility in Ireland. All post production, visual effects, sound design and music composition will take place in Canada.