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War and Conquest
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Besides treasure and slaves, which could be sold, the Vikings wanted land. At first, their raids lasted a few days or weeks in summer, but soon armies began to arrive and stay all winter. Viking armies conquered all the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. In 878, King Alfred of Wessex came to an agreement with the Viking leader, Guthrum, allowing the Vikings to settle in northwest England, in the region called the Danelaw. In France, Vikings led by Rollo were given Normandy by the French king in 911 or 912. Once they settled down, they defended the country against raids by other Vikings.
(A) FIERCE FIGHTERS
The Vikings were fierce fighters. They had no special battle plan. It was an all-out fight of man against man.
(B) SWORDS
Viking swords usually had skilfully decorated hilts (handles), some inlaid with silver. The part gripped by the hand was wooden.
(C) HEAD PROTECTION
Only the chief warriors had iron helmets. Other men probably wore tough leather caps that would blunt a blow from a sword.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
War and Conquest
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