The nature and causes of Viking raids in Britain, Ireland, the Scottish Islands and France, 793–850 (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes
The nature and causes of Viking raids in Britain, Ireland, the Scottish Islands and France, 793–850
The Nature and cause of Viking raids in Britain, Ireland, the Scottish Islands and France, 793-850
The Viking Age in Britain began with the raids in June 793 CE at the abbey of Lindisfarne. It was followed by the sacking of the monastery of Jarrow in Northumbria in 794 CE and Iona in Scotland, in 795 CE. Viking raids continued until 1066 with the invasion of Harald Hardrada, the Norwegian King who became known as the 'last of the Vikings'.
Scholar Janet Nelson suggested that the Vikings raided the monastery due to the lack of defences, as monks had no weapons to use.
The raiding Vikings were called by Anglo-Saxon scholars as Danes, Norsemen, Northmen, sea wolves, or heathen
Lindisfarne Priory became the first victim of raids by the Vikings due to its coastline location. Founded in 635 CE, the monastery was among the important pilgrimage sites in the area.
Reasons behind Viking raids:
Scarce resources. Given the mountainous terrain, limited farming land, and severe winter in Scandinavia, the growing population in the homeland meant the Vikings needed to find other ways to survive.
Trade and wealth. Due to its well-known trade centres, Britain became an obvious target for Viking raids. The abbeys located near the coast were also bountiful with precious items.
God's wrath. Scribe Alcuin wrote in his letter to Aethelred, King of Northumbria, that the Viking raid at Lindisfarne was because of God's wrath. He viewed that crimes committed by humans led to the lost of kingdoms and its people.
Supernatural cause. The Anglo-Saxon chronicle regarded Viking raids as part of the omens against Northumbria. It predicted that flashes of lighting would be followed by a great famine, plundering, and murder.
Overpopulation of Scandinavia. Scribe Dudo attributed the Viking raids to overpopulation in Scandinavia, which led them to find new areas to inhabit. He regarded that in order to occupy lands overseas, the Vikings would win kingdoms by fighting.