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The fragile unity of the North Sea Empire
The most famous thalassocracy in Scandinavian history, the North Sea Empire, was a true political high point in the outward expansion of people from Viking societies. However, the union of Denmark, England, and Norway was beset by a series of structural issues that undermined its longevity.3 months ago — History -
Reading the Vikings in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
How has an ancient chronicle, of questionable historical accuracy, with a deeply entrenched bias, shaped our modern understanding of people from Viking societies?6 months ago — History -
Ælfgifu of Northampton: A woman at the center of the Danish conquest of England
She was one of the most powerful and influential nobles of her time, who ruled over Norway and held authority across huge swathes of northern England, yet her name is largely unknown today.6 months ago — History -
How Cnut conquered England: The campaign of 1015–1016 (part 2)
The next generation took up the martial challenge that their fathers had started, as we find Edmund Ironside crowned and taking the fight back to Cnut's Viking force. Yet would this more aggressive battling ultimately rid England of the Vikings?10 months ago — History -
How Cnut conquered England: The campaign of 1015–1016 (part 1)
Seen as the violent crescendo of the Viking Age in England, Cnut the Great invaded and conquered a fractured nation, following in his father's footsteps. However, the acquisition of England was just the first kingdom Cnut would seize on his way to forging an empire and gaining eternal glory.11 months ago — History -
The Vikings: Who were they, where did they come from, and where did they go?
Do you ever get your Vikings mixed up with your Scandinavians? Your Nordics with your Norse? Fear not, as we delve into who the Vikings were, where they came from, and why this term has a troubled history.1 year ago — History -
The top 10 most powerful Viking rulers of all time
The Viking Herald examines the most powerful leaders of the Viking Age, from Ragnar and Rollo to Canute and Harald Fairhair.2 years ago — History -
Who was Sigrid the Haughty, the legendary Queen of the North?
Sigrid the Haughty, a powerful figure in Norse sagas, was said to have been responsible for the Battle of Svolder, was married to two legendary Viking kings, and was wooed by another. Can we separate fact from fiction to uncover the true inspiration behind this legendary Queen of the North?2 years ago — History -
Was a Viking saint responsible for the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is falling down"?
Olaf Haraldsson, better known in Norway as Saint Olaf, spent time as a mercenary in the employ of Anglo-Saxon King Æthelred the Unready. During that time, he was said to have been responsible for pulling down London Bridge to stop fellow Vikings sailing up the river Thames to plague his benefactor.2 years ago — Legacy -
The Battle of Maldon: The beginning of the end of Anglo-Saxon England
Celebrated in an epic poem of questionable historicity but nevertheless of great quality, the Battle of Maldon was one of the most consequential battles of the 10th century.2 years ago — Warfare
