For example, compare social-cultural behaviour at the highways: When you drive by car from Holland to Italy. From Northern Europe to South, status of a car gets more important.
- First, all drivers behave like they all have the same rights to drive in the left lane, although not speeding up or having the right lanes empty no matter the size of a car.
- Going south, drivers with bigger cars get more irritated about this phenomenon and little cars choose the most right lane, driving less fast and dwelling in their step on the ladder of hierarchy.
- When you cross the Alpes, the biggest cars rule the left lane giving signals with car headlights to the others to move from their lane.
- Passing the Apennine Mountains, don't be supprised to be pushed from the left lane using horns to remind the less fortunate of their lower status at the highway.
In the Netherlands the egalitarian system of administration is ascribed to the struggle against the water. The oldest form of democratic goverment -still exist today- is that of the "Waterschappen" (water management): Common interest to keep dykes in good condition and keep the water out. Everyone has to contribute and maintain their part of the dyke, no matter what status. If just one doesn't, everyone suffers the consequenses. We call it the "polder model": a lot of talking, listen to each others opinions and compromise so anyone could benefit.
Don't know if Vikings ever did interfere. I do understand why the protestant religion got popular in such a community as the Netherlands.
Auris Arrectibus