History orders 'Vikings' drama series

America's History channel says it has ordered production of its first scripted drama series, "Vikings," which is to premiere next year. Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc. brought the epic to the network, which gave it a full season commitment. Created and written by Michael Hirst, the series will chronicle the world of the Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times. The show is to be filmed in Ireland and locations in Northern Europe. "This is an amazing crossroads for History embarking on our first scripted series," Nancy Dubuc, History's president and general manager, said in a statement. "People think they know about the Vikings -- we see references to them all the time in our popular culture from TV commercials to football teams -- but the reality is so much more fascinating and complex, more vivid, visceral and powerful than popular legend," Dubuc said. "We will explore the mysteries of the Vikings -- the adventures they took and the people who led them. And we will start to understand a past that is very much part of our collective DNA today." "Vikings" is an international Irish/Canadian co-production being co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. History has ordered the series to broadcast domestically. MGM will distribute internationally, outside of Ireland and Canada. No casting or filming start date were announced.