The Holy Roman Empire - ruled by Emperor Charlemagne, this area included Italy, Germany and France.
The Muslim-Arab Empire - which oversaw most of Spain and the lands surrounding the Mediterranean.
The Byzantine Empire - controlled land between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The Vikings, great seafarers that we knew them to be, had by this age improved their ships greatly and were already making raids into Europe. With their great success, King Godfred of Denmark decided he was more than ready to take on a new battle and so armed with his successes, he declared war against the Holy Roman Empire! Three hundred years of Viking raids, battles and victories followed!
The Vikings by A.D. 800 had turned themselves into a very powerful force indeed. Well known for their swift attacks, raids and quick departures, the Vikings decided they wanted a little more for their action. Now they wished to keep the land they invaded to settle upon, and gradually instead of leaving after an attack, they began to inhabit the conquered lands instead.
In 865 A.D., the Vikings arrived in England armed and ready to battle. This Viking army was led by three brothers, Ivar the Boneless, Ubbi and Halfdan, who were intent on avenging their father's death. Their father - Ragnar Lodbrok, had twenty years earlier, attempted to invade Northumbria. Captured by King Ella of Northumbria, Lodbrok for his wicked deed was thrown into a pit of adders and bitten to death by the snakes. His sons were angered beyond belief and when they arrived in England in 865 A.D., Northumbria wasn't their only target, for at the top of their list was none other than King Ella himself.
With anger and revenge to guide them, the Vikings battled Ella's army. Ella was killed and his army defeated. The Vikings took York, but this was just the beginning! This was a fearsome army, brutal and determined in its attacks. The army became known as the Great Heathen Host. Their banner was a raven and they terrorised Europe for over thirty years!
Remember that different Saxon kings ruled different areas of England and there were some kings that just couldn't defend their realms against these battle hardy invaders. They had to do something to protect themselves and so they bought the Vikings off. This happened in Mercia where the king bought off the Viking brothers and they moved onto East Anglia instead, killing King Edmund. This buy off or bribe became known as Danegeld.
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