Where Were the Vikings That Invaded England from Norway, Sweden, or Denmark?

Vikings who invaded England primarily came from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, the most significant waves of invasions, particularly during the late 8th and 9th centuries, were largely from Denmark. The Danes established the Danelaw, a region of England under their control. Norsemen from Norway also played a role, especially in the north and west of England, including areas like Northumbria. Swedish Vikings were more active in the east, particularly in what is now Russia and the Baltic region, but they had less direct involvement in the invasions of England.

Denmark in the East and Norway in the West and North

Throughout their era, Viking invasions were predominantly fueled by three major Norse regions:

Denmark: Located in the east, Danish Vikings controlled major trade and invasion routes. They formed the Danelaw in England, establishing a significant presence in the region. Norway: Situated in the west and north, Norwegian Vikings played a distinct but vital role, especially in areas like Northumbria in northern England. Sweden: Located in the north, Swedish Vikings focused more on eastern trade routes. They were less involved in the invasions of England and more active in regions such as Russia and the Baltic states.

Norsemen: Beyond the Bay of Vikings

Not all Norsemen were warriors or pirates. Many were farmers, craftsmen, and traders. They were skilled in various trades including metalworking, shipbuilding, and agriculture. When they ventured to new lands, they did so with a diversity of skills and trades, not just as invaders. This complex history often gets simplified into the moniker of "Vikings," but in reality, they were a diverse group with varied roles and identities.

For example, a Norseman might be referred to as Finnmark, Svear, Dani, Balts, Gottlunders, or Ashmen based on their origin. The term "Viking" encompasses a wide range of individuals from different regions, occupations, and purposes.

The Spread of Viking Invasions

Most Viking invasions into England were driven by geographical and environmental factors. The majority of Norwegian Vikings landed on England’s east coast, where they established colonies and ports. They navigated through Scotland, traversing the Isle of Mann, the Irish Sea, and Ireland to reach areas like Dublin, which they turned into a significant slave-trading port. On the other hand, Danish Vikings were carried by the dominant winds and tides, allowing them to colonize the entire British east coast. This explains why Danish DNA is prevalent in the English population, while Norwegian DNA is primarily found in a specific pocket around the Lake District.

Trade Routes and Settlement

The distribution of Viking settlements and their movements can be mapped through various trade routes. Here are some representative maps:

Trade Routes: The blue and dark red lines in the map illustrate the Swedish Viking routes, predominantly going east and south along the Volga and Dnieper trade routes, heading towards the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. The map also shows the Varangian trade routes through various rivers, likely following the old Amber trade route and trading routes to the east, with the Dnieper and Volga routes also highlighted. The Danish Vikings, similar to the Swedish Vikings, traversed east and south to Greece and the Byzantine Empire, aligning with the Dnieper trade route. The maps from Vivid Maps provide a general overview of the different Norse countries’ respective Viking routes, illustrating the diversity of their settlements and trade patterns.

It is clear that the Vikings established a complex network of trade and settlement across Europe and the British Isles, significantly shaping the cultural and genetic makeup of England. The contributions of the different Norse regions and the intricate web of trade routes play a crucial part in understanding the Viking invasions and their lasting impact.