In AD 866, the Vikings took over the city of York, which was then known as Jorvik. York is situated in what is now northern England.
Which City Did The Vikings Take Over In Ad 866
The Viking Takeover of York (Jorvik) – A Glimpse into History
The late 8th to the early 11th century marked the Viking Age, a period when seafaring Norsemen from Scandinavia explored, traded, and sometimes raided parts of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic. One of the regions they set their sights on was the British Isles.
In AD 866, a large Viking army, often referred to as the “Great Heathen Army,” invaded the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. This army was different from the previous Viking raiders who had primarily been interested in looting. The Great Heathen Army intended to conquer and settle.
Jorvik – The Old York
That same year, the Vikings captured the city of York, turning it into a major Norse power center. They renamed it “Jorvik.” Under Viking rule, Jorvik flourished as a bustling trading city. Its location on the River Ouse made it an ideal trading hub, linking it with networks across the Viking world and beyond.
The Vikings ruled Jorvik for nearly a century, during which the city saw significant Norse influence. From the architecture to artifacts and even the language spoken, Jorvik became a blend of Anglo-Saxon and Norse cultures.
Rediscovering Jorvik
Modern-day excavations in York have provided a wealth of knowledge about the Viking Age in England. The Jorvik Viking Centre, established after a significant archaeological find in the 1970s, serves as a museum and popular tourist attraction, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Viking-era York.
Conclusion
The Viking takeover of York in AD 866 marked a pivotal moment in the history of England and the Viking Age. Jorvik’s legacy remains evident in the cultural and archaeological remnants found in modern-day York, serving as a testament to the profound impact of the Vikings on the British Isles.