The Vikings, Who were they?
The term 'Viking' usually refers to the race of people who originated in Scandinavia and raided, traded and plundered their way around Europe and further a field for several hundred years, starting roughly around 750AD.
This period (usually dated 793–1066) is often referred to as the 'Viking Age' and was more or less over by the beginning of the 1100s.
The term ‘Viking’ has also often been used in history to refer to the whole population of Scandinavia and areas captured.
Vikings travelled to foreign shores in fabulous longships made with great craftsmanship to ensure a safe journey.
Ultimately, Ireland and Britain would be their main port of call though they also reached lands such as Greenland and the Faroe Islands which still today express clear Viking-like traditions.
Other areas reached include what we consider present day Normandy.
When the type of travel methods, and they materials used to make them, are taken into account, it is also hard to believe but Vikings also made forays into North Africa, Russia and North America.
The legendary Leif Ericson lead Vikings to Canada and the east coast of what 500 years later became the United States.
The introduction of Christianity to Scandinavia is considered the main reason why Viking journeys ended.
The Vikings in Ireland
The first Viking raids on Ireland, at Rathlin Island, took place in 795. The first permanent settlements were established in what are present-day counties Dublin and Louth.
What is considered the second wave of Viking attacks on Ireland began in 914 with their arrival in Waterford. Eight years later they made it as far as Limerick. Other towns and cities conquered include Athlone and parts of the Midlands.
Wexford was also touched by the Vikings, indeed, its name is distinctively Scandinavian, from the Norse Ueigs-fjorðr and may have meant 'water-logged island or piece of land'.
In 1014 the Battle of Clontarf in Dublin saw Brian Boru defeat the Vikings only to lose is own life. The Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday.
Boru and his men faced off against Máelmorda mac Murchada, the King of Leinster, and a large band of men including many Dublin-based Vikings.
Máelmorda's men were overpowered but a band of them killed Boru as the fled the scene. They ruled independently over their own towns and did not take part in the struggle between Irish kings and pretenders although they occasionally served as mercenaries in these Irish conflicts.
In 1054 the last Scandinavian ruler in Dublin was replaced by an Irish king.The Scandinavians were by then culturally and ethnically assimilated, and stayed a part of the Irish population.
Excavations and discoveries
It may appear at first glance that Vikings were unwelcome visitors to our shores but it has to be remembered that they gave us so much.
Everything from their craftsmanship to their trading techniques and their hunting skills was new to this land and was carried on in varying forms long after the Vikings were gone.
They also left behind a treasure trove of magnificent artefacts that tell us so much about who we are and where we came from.
Coins, pottery, combs, weapons, shoes, cooking equipment and clothes have been discovered in finds all over the country giving an insight into how these people lived and died.
Excavations have also shown other vital insights into Viking life including such important elements as how they built their houses and constructed their streets.
Clearly the Vikings were to be found in many areas around the country but the vast majority of the artefacts left behind have been found in Dublin where, by far, the biggest and most important settlements were found.
Areas such as Winetavern Street, High Street, Temple Bar, South Great George’s Street and Ship Street have all produced evidence of how the great city of Dublin evolved.
The Wood Quay finds
Arguably the most famous find of all was that at Wood Quay in Dublin in the 1970s.
As in many other parts of Dublin, beautiful houses and buildings of several hundred years vintage were bought up, in this case by what was then known as Dublin Corporation, and demolished.
In 1975 and after many years of planning, it announced it would build its new civic offices on the site but the excavations that followed revealed a massive Viking settlement with thousands of artifacts intact along with a section of the old City Wall.
What followed was arguably the largest showing of people-power ever seen in Ireland as thousands joined protests to try and halt the development.
Many well-known personalities joined members of the public on protest marches and sit-in occupations of the site.
It all ended in sadness however as the development eventually went ahead.
Wood Quay finds are on display in the National Museum in Kildare Street in Dublin city centre.
Famous Vikings:
Olaf Tryggvason: Burned London Bridge down out of anger of people disobeying his orders.
Sweyn Forkbeard: King of Denmark, England, Norway and founder of Swansea ('Svein's Eie' or 'Sweyn's Island').
Erik the Red: Discovered Greenland.
Leif Ericsson: Son of Erik the Red. Lead Vikings to North America (The first European to land there).
Canute the Great: Danish Viking King. Son of Sweyn Forkbeard.
Harald Hardrada: Norwegian King who unsuccessfully tried to conquer England in 1066.
Gardar Svavarsson: Discovered Iceland.
Rollo of Normandy: Founded Normandy.
With thanks to RTÉ Library and Archives
Selected references:
Viking Dublin Exposed, The Wood Quay Saga. Edited by John Bradley.
Thom's Directories, (various editions)