But by the latter half of the 9th century, the Scandinavian Vikings had organised themselves into a large army, often referred to as the Great Heathen Army or micel here in Old English. The Viking’s initial trips to England were more or less unsystematic raids. Vikings first hunted after portable treasures

Read More: New study reignites debate over Viking settlements in England At the same time, the Vikings who went to England to plunder, realised that they could also use their military power to acquire land,” says Sindbæk. New transport options developed in the 9 th century, and people began to use sailing ships on a large scale. “It’s the same thing that made people travel to America or Australia a couple of hundred years ago.

In 1016 his son, Canute the Great, retook England. Viking king Sweyn Forkbeard conquered England in 1013, but died the following year.