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Vikings Timeline

(8th–11th centuries)

This timeline covers the key events in Viking history, including their raids, exploration, settlements, and ultimate impact on European culture. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Exploration and Expansion

Rus' People Origins

700 - 799

The scholarly consensus is that the Rus' people originated in coastal eastern Sweden around the eighth century, leading to their expansion and influence in Serkland and along the Volga trade route.

Image source: Rus' people

Rus' People Origins

Viking Expansion to Baltic Sea

700 - 799

Viking fleets establish control over the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, expanding their influence and trade networks in the region.

Image source: Baltic Sea

Viking Expansion to Baltic Sea

Viking Expansion to Russia

700 - 799

Viking traders and settlers establish a significant presence in the region that would later become Russia, shaping the early political and cultural dynamics of Eastern Europe.

Image source: History of Russia

Viking Expansion to Russia

Viking Expansion to Scotland

700 - 799

Viking settlers establish thriving communities in Scotland, expanding their influence and presence in the northern reaches of the British Isles.

Image source: History of Scotland

Viking Expansion to Scotland

Viking Expansion to Faroe Islands

800

Viking settlers establish thriving communities in the Faroe Islands, showcasing their ability to colonize and adapt to new environments.

Viking Expansion to Shetland Islands

800

Viking settlers establish thriving communities in the Shetland Islands, expanding their influence and presence in the northern reaches of the British Isles.

Image source: History of Shetland

Viking Expansion to Shetland Islands

Viking Expansion to Orkney Islands

800

Viking settlers establish thriving communities in the Orkney Islands, expanding their influence and presence in the northern reaches of the British Isles.

Viking Expansion to Danelaw

800 - 899

Viking settlers establish the Danelaw, a region in England under Scandinavian control, shaping the cultural and political landscape of Anglo-Saxon England.

Image source: Danelaw

Viking Expansion to Danelaw

Viking Expansion to Mercia

800 - 899

Viking settlers establish a significant presence in the Kingdom of Mercia, shaping the political and social dynamics of central England.

Image source: Mercia

Viking Expansion to Mercia

Viking Expansion to East Anglia

800 - 899

Viking settlers establish a significant presence in the Kingdom of East Anglia, shaping the political and social dynamics of eastern England.

Image source: Kingdom of East Anglia

Viking Expansion to East Anglia

Viking Expansion to Kievan Rus'

860

Viking traders and warriors establish a significant presence in Kievan Rus', shaping the political and cultural dynamics of Eastern Europe.

Image source: Kievan Rus'

Viking Expansion to Kievan Rus'

Viking Expansion to Greenland

980

Norwegian Vikings establish settlements in Greenland, taking advantage of the favorable conditions during the Medieval Warm Period.

Image source: History of Greenland

Viking Expansion to Greenland

Viking Expansion to L'Anse aux Meadows

1000

Viking explorers establish a short-lived settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, marking their presence in North America around the turn of the millennium.

Image source: L'Anse aux Meadows

Viking Expansion to L'Anse aux Meadows

Viking Expansion to North America

1000

Viking explorers establish a short-lived settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, marking their presence in North America around the turn of the millennium.

Image source: Norse colonization of North America

Viking Expansion to North America

Raiding and Settlement

Viking Raids on Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

700 - 799

Viking raiders launch attacks on various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, sowing fear and disruption across England and shaping the course of English history.

Image source: Viking Age

Viking Raids on Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

Viking Raids on Carolingian Empire

700 - 799

Viking warriors launch raids on the Carolingian Empire, demonstrating their ability to penetrate deep into the heart of Charlemagne's domain and shape the political landscape of Europe.

Image source: Carolingian Empire

Viking Raids on Carolingian Empire

Viking Raids on Northumbria

793

Viking raiders launch devastating attacks on the Kingdom of Northumbria, marking the beginning of their raids on Anglo-Saxon England.

Image source: Northumbria

Viking Raids on Northumbria

Viking Raids in Lindisfarne

Jun 8, 793

Viking raiders launch a devastating attack on the monastery at Lindisfarne, marking the beginning of the Viking Age and leading to widespread fear and the demonization of the Vikings for centuries to come.

Image source: Lindisfarne

Viking Raids in Lindisfarne

Viking Settlement in Iceland

800 - 899

Norwegian Vikings begin the colonization of Iceland in the 9th century, establishing settlements and laying the foundation for the Icelandic Commonwealth.

Viking Raids on Frankish Empire

800

Viking warriors launch raids on the Frankish Empire, demonstrating their ability to penetrate deep into the heart of Charlemagne's domain and shape the political landscape of Europe.

Image source: Viking raids in the Rhineland

Viking Raids on Frankish Empire

Viking Raids on Nantes

843

Viking raiders besiege the city of Nantes, showcasing their ability to launch successful assaults on strategic targets in France.

Viking Raids on Seville

844

Viking fleets launch a series of raids on Seville, demonstrating their ability to navigate and strike deep into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Image source: Viking raid on Seville

Viking Raids on Seville

Viking Raids on Iberian Peninsula

844

Viking fleets conduct raids along the coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, demonstrating their far-reaching impact and influence in southern Europe.

Image source: Vikings in Iberia

Viking Raids on Iberian Peninsula

Viking Raids on Paris

845

Viking warriors, led by Ragnar Lothbrok, launch a successful siege on Paris, demanding a ransom to spare the city from further destruction.

Image source: Siege of Paris (845)

Viking Raids on Paris

Viking Raids on Seine River

845

Viking fleets launch successful raids along the Seine River, demonstrating their ability to penetrate deep into the heart of the Frankish Empire and shape the political landscape of Europe.

Image source: Viking raid warfare and tactics

Viking Raids on Seine River

Viking Raids on Baghdad

850

Viking traders and warriors reach Baghdad, the center of the Islamic Empire, highlighting their extensive trade networks and far-reaching influence.

Viking Raids on Islamic Empire

850

Viking traders and warriors reach the center of the Islamic Empire, highlighting their extensive trade networks and far-reaching influence.

Viking Raids on Mediterranean

860

Viking fleets conduct raids in the Mediterranean, showcasing their ability to navigate and strike deep into the heart of the Byzantine Empire and Islamic territories.

Image source: Viking expansion

Viking Raids on Mediterranean

Battle of Maldon

Aug 10, 991

Viking raiders clash with Anglo-Saxon forces at the Battle of Maldon, showcasing the military prowess and tactics of the Vikings in England.

Image source: Battle of Maldon

Battle of Maldon

Key Facts

  1. Vikings were skilled seafarers and navigated the Atlantic and European rivers with their longships.
  2. Their raids and invasions extended from Scandinavia to as far as the Mediterranean and North America.
  3. Vikings established settlements in England, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of France.
  4. They were also traders and established trade networks across Europe and beyond.
  5. Viking influence can be seen in language, place names, and cultural practices in the regions they settled.

Source

This Vikings timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.

We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.

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