The Vikings have a long history of warfare, although some may have been lost to the sands of time, many have been recorded. Who did they fight? When? Where? And which are the greatest? Let us show you the history of the Vikings.

10. Battle of the Holme (902)

Aethelwold’s revolt is smashed. Aethelwold ultimately found his death in battle, he died alongside many Danish nobles defending their conquered territory. What's fascinating about this specific battle is how little is known about the battle itself, all is known that the Danes won against the Saxons, but they lost all their leadership. 

9. Battle of Clontarf (1014)

The Irish clash against the Vikings. This battle helped to define Brian Boru as he defended his homeland and showed such great nobility that some Vikings even joined his side. Although technically an internal battle for the throne, it still proved to be a significant moment in Irish history.

8. Battle of Ashdown (871)

The English natives of Wessex fight against Scandinavian invaders. After the Vikings were able to chase the English they found themselves pushed back twice and forced to retreat. A relatively small skirmish in comparison to some other battles, the Vikings fought valiantly but the young Alfred the great proved to be too much for them.

The life of a Viking was violent and brutal.
 

7. Battle of Maldon (991)

Byrhtnoth leads his army against the Vikings. Sometimes all it takes is to be able to block the enemy’s path as the Vikings were isolated on an island and only a small strip could be used to reach the mainland. Despite this Byrthtnoth allowed the Vikings to reach the mainland to have a fair battle, but this proved his downfall as his forces were defeated.

6. Battle of Eddington (878)

Alfred the Great defeated the army led by the Viking Guthrum. The decisive battle of Wessex, long and grueling as it lasted two days, the Saxons showed their own brutality as they slaughtered many Vikings. Realizing the Dane's proficiency at defending their fortified positions, Alfred decided to change tactics and instead focus on pushing them back to their fortress, and waiting them out as their food ran scarce. 

5. Battle of Brunanburh (937) 

An alliance is formed to defeat King Aethelstan. Two shield walls struggled against each other and the battle was drawn out, but ultimately once the alliance’s shield wall was broken through, their men lost heart and retreated. With their leaders beaten and forces pushed back, Aethelstan's rule continued. 

4. Battle of Assandun (1016)

Cnut battle against Edmond and the fate of the crown of England is decided. The Vikings showed ferocity as they clashed against the English even as it looked like they were going to lose.  The great conclusion to the conquest of England. 

3.Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066)

The battle between King Harold and the forces of Hadrada and Tostig. One Viking can change the course of a battle, as a lone Viking showed his might by holding the bridge against Harold’s forces, despite not being able to stop them he surprisingly still held them off. Eventually, the two forces met, and unfortunately, they were beaten with reinforcements coming too late. 

2. Battle of York (867)

The Viking Ivar led his army in the conquest of Northumbria. Two Anglo-Saxon Kings, Aella and Osberth, united against the Viking invaders, some accounts claim that they were executed by the Vikings, others that they were slain in battle. Despite managing to gain the upper hand by breaking through the walls, and outnumbering their enemies, the Northumbrians were no match for the experienced and brutal Vikings

1. Battle of Hastings (1066)

The battle that would decide who ruled England, between King Harold and William the Conqueror. A rightfully famous battle, between two important figures, as a shield wall crashes against a cavalry.  Ultimately it took a feint to earn William his victory. He solidified his claim to the English throne and expanded his power. 

Defining a land through bloodshed. 
 

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