Great Heathen Army

Definition

The Great Heathen Army was a large Viking force that invaded England in the late 8th century, specifically around 865 AD, aimed at conquering and settling in the territories of the Anglo-Saxons. This army marked a significant escalation in Viking raids and invasions, reflecting the growing ambition and military organization of the Norse. The actions of this army had profound effects on the political landscape of England, influencing both local responses and the broader Viking expansion during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Heathen Army was led by prominent Viking leaders such as Ivar the Boneless, Halfdan Ragnarsson, and Ubbe Ragnarsson, who were descendants of the legendary figure Ragnar Lothbrok.
2. This invasion began in East Anglia and included a series of campaigns against various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, ultimately leading to significant territorial gains for the Vikings.
3. The arrival of the Great Heathen Army significantly increased tensions between different Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, forcing them to confront a common enemy and eventually leading to alliances for mutual defense.
4. The Great Heathen Army played a crucial role in establishing Viking control over much of England, contributing to the creation of the Danelaw, where Danish law replaced local customs.
5. The campaigns of the Great Heathen Army marked a shift from hit-and-run raids to more permanent settlements, influencing English society, culture, and economy for centuries to come.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Heathen Army alter the political dynamics among Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England?
  • The Great Heathen Army changed the political landscape in England by forcing rival Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to unite against a common invader. As the Viking forces advanced and conquered territories, kingdoms like Wessex under Alfred rallied together with others to defend their lands. This unprecedented cooperation among Anglo-Saxon rulers ultimately laid groundwork for future unification efforts in England.
• Evaluate the strategies employed by leaders of the Great Heathen Army and their effectiveness in achieving their goals in England.
  • Leaders like Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan Ragnarsson utilized a combination of military might and strategic alliances with local factions to effectively conquer vast areas of England. They launched coordinated attacks on major Anglo-Saxon strongholds, exploiting weaknesses in defenses and sometimes using psychological warfare to instill fear. Their strategies led to rapid territorial gains and the establishment of control over key regions.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the Great Heathen Army's invasions on English society and governance during and after the Viking Age.
  • The invasions led by the Great Heathen Army had lasting implications for English society by fostering significant cultural exchanges between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. The establishment of the Danelaw resulted in legal and social changes that integrated Norse customs into English life. Furthermore, the military pressure from Vikings ultimately catalyzed efforts towards unification among Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, paving the way for a more cohesive English identity that emerged in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Danelaw: The area of England under the control of Danish law and customs, established as a result of Viking conquests and settlements during the late 9th century.

Alfred the Great: The King of Wessex who successfully defended his kingdom against the Great Heathen Army and is known for his efforts to unify England against Viking invasions.

Viking Age: A period from approximately 793 to 1066 AD characterized by Norse seafaring, trading, exploration, and raiding across Europe, particularly affecting Britain and Ireland.