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Danegeld: The Vikings' sword-powered tax system
Long before Don Corleone made people an offer they couldn't refuse, the Vikings were in the extortion racket. The Danegeld – a form of tax or protection money – was extracted, by the point of a sword – by Vikings from the Baltic to the Black Sea, from the British Isles to Baghdad.1 month ago — Trade -
What you need to know about Viking King Guthred and his remarkable journey from slavery to kingship
In what is undoubtedly one of the medieval period’s most fantastical rags to riches stories, Guthred rose from being a slave to the second King of Northumbria during the late 9th century CE.1 month ago — History -
All you need to know about the Great Heathen Army
Vikings raided British coasts in 789 CE, but in 865 CE, a large force arrived with the goal of conquering all Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and taking over "Englaland." This was the Great Heathen Army, and its arrival had a significant impact on European history.6 months ago — History -
What was the Danelaw?
Aside from great football teams, even better beer, and horrible weather, what else do parts of the English Midlands, North, and North East have in common? They were part of the Danelaw.1 year ago — History -
Who was Alfred the Great, the Saxon king who defeated the Vikings?
The fourth son of a King, Alfred, had to wait his turn to rule his kingdom. However, when he finally ascended to the throne of the West Saxons, he certainly made up for the lost time.1 year ago — History -
Who was Ubba Ragnarsson, the Viking commander of the Great Heathen Army?
During the 9th century, a series of Viking armies swept across the seas and invaded Anglo-Saxon England. These armies were made up of warriors from Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Northern Europe and were skilfully led, or so the legend goes, by Ubba Ragnarsson.1 year ago — History -
The Great Heathen Army: What was it, and how did it unite the Vikings?
The Great Heathen Army was a coalition of Scandinavian raiders and warriors who invaded England around 865 AD.1 year ago — History
