Are you fascinated by the raids, conquests, and wars of the fierce warriors known as the Vikings? From their earliest days of pillaging and plundering to their acclaimed victories and defeats, the Vikings have been an integral part of both history and legend. These so-called ‘Northmen’ fought with tenacity and a passion that has been immortalized in the annals of history.
In this article, we explore some of the greatest Viking battles of all-time. Get ready to learn all about how these courageous and creative warriors shocked the world with their daring military prowess.
The Horns of Hattin
Located in present-day Israel, the Battle of Hattin, also known as the Horns of Hattin, was fought between the Crusader army and the forces of Saladin’s Saracens. Held in 1187, the battle itself was incredibly significant, as it changed the face of the Middle East forever.
The Crusader forces of King Guy de Lusignan had encamped on the recent, as they were under the impression that the four local springs of Hattin supplied endless fresh water. Unbeknownst to them, Saladin knew that their current water supply was short-lived and had surrounded the hill on all sides, cutting off the Christian camp’s supply of reinforcements.
Seeing no way out, King Guy surrendered before the battle had even begun. When this happened, Saladin offered the terms of victory — he would grant the soldiers one hour to surrender before executing them all. This terrified the crusaders and they immediately accepted the terms.
Through this swift and decisive victory, Saladin was able to seize control of the region and expand his influence across the Middle East. The horns of Hattin have since become one of the most famous and powerful Viking battles of all-time.
The Siege of Londinium
Also known as the Viking siege of London, the battle of Londinium is without question the most famous of Viking battles. This legendary conflict happened in 885 and pitted the Viking army of King Guthrum against the feeble defense of London.
The Viking siege began when King Guthrum attacked the city with 850 longboats. After almost a month of battle, the exhausted city was given up without a fight to the Viking army.
In the aftermath of the siege, King Guthrum pressured the city into surrendering the land around Londinium and accepting the Viking rule. This resulted in the establishment of the Danelaw, an area across England that was under Viking rule.
The Viking siege of London not only changed the face of England, but of Europe as well. For the first time in history, a major European city was taken by a Scandinavian force and it signaled the start of a new era for the continent.
The Battle of Brunanburh
The Battle of Brunanburh was fought in 937 between the Viking army of the Norse King Olaf and the Saxon army of the Anglo-Saxon King Athelstan. In total, it is thought that the Viking army brought with them over 10,000 warriors — an intimidating force by all accounts.
For three days, the two forces clashed under the heavy armor, strong shields, and powerful bows of the Viking warriors. Despite their best efforts, the Saxon army was pushed back and eventually defeated.
This defeat marked one of the greatest successes of the Viking Age, as the Saxon forces had been the greatest enemy of the Scandinavians all throughout their raids in England and Scotland. This single battle cemented the Viking reputation as fearless and powerful fighters across Europe.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
The last of the great Viking battles happened in England, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. Foolishly, King Harold of England had marched south to battle William the Conqueror at Hastings and had left a small force of soldiers under the command of his brother, Earl Tostig Godwinson, in charge of protecting the North.
Tostig, however, failed to do his job and instead went with his fellow Viking invaders of King Harald Hardrade of Norway to attack York. There, they were intercepted and defeated by an army of King Harold’s loyal Saxon troops.
Following the Battle of Stamford Bridge, King Harold was able to march back to the North and reassume the defense against the Viking army. In the end, he and his army took back York and ultimately routed the Viking forces back to Norway.
These five are merely a handful of the many battles that the Vikings have been known throughout history. The truth is that there are countless other battles and encounters that have made the Vikings one of the most impressive military forces of all time. What is more, their legacy will no doubt live on for generations to come.
The Vikings were undeniably the some of the fiercest warriors in the history of Europe. This is obvious when we look at their long list of successful battles, from the famed Horns of Hattin to the siege of Londinium, to their ultimate triumph at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
These proud and enduring warriors left a lasting imprint on the world and continue to captivate us even to this day. Through their tenacity, courage, and ingenuity, it is easy to see why the Vikings are often remembered for their remarkable battles.