The Vikings left a lasting legacy in both Europe and beyond, and their raiding culture influenced the history of many nations. The concept of raiding as a family business is evident in the burials of prominent Viking figures, where the focus on familial ties, wealth, and honor was central to the rites performed. These rituals not only commemorated the deeds of the individual but also underscored the importance of family, legacy, and tradition in Viking society.

The Viking burial practices demonstrate that the act of raiding was not just a series of violent expeditions across foreign lands but an integral part of Viking family life. The wealth gained from these raids sustained families, reinforced social structures, and ensured the continuation of Viking culture. It was a business passed down through generations, with each raid adding to the family’s legacy. In this way, the Viking raiding tradition can be seen as one of the earliest examples of how business, family, and legacy were intricately linked in a society driven by both survival and ambition.

In conclusion, Viking burial rituals offer more than just insight into the afterlife beliefs of the Vikings. They reveal how raiding was much more than a personal endeavor; it was a family business that shaped the lives, legacies, and social dynamics of Viking society. Through ship burials, grave goods, and the roles of women, we gain a deeper understanding of how Viking families built their power, wealth, and influence—not only in life but also in death.

The Danelaw: The Viking Kingdom in England

The Danelaw represents a significant chapter in the history of England, where Norse Viking invaders established their own territories, shaping the English landscape and culture for centuries. The term "Danelaw" refers to the areas of England that came under the control of the Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries. These territories were primarily settled by Danish and Norwegian Vikings and were governed by their own laws and customs, distinct from those of the Anglo-Saxons. In this article, we will explore the origins, history, and lasting impact of the Danelaw, as well as its role in the Viking Age and its influence on the development of medieval England.

The Origins of the Danelaw

The Viking Age, which began in the late 8th century, marked the arrival of Norse seafarers from Scandinavia, who ventured across Europe and into the British Isles. These Norsemen, including Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes, were driven by various motivations, including the search for land, wealth, and the opportunity to raid and settle new territories. The first recorded Viking raid on England took place in 793 AD at the monastery of Lindisfarne on the northeast coast, but it was the invasions that followed in the 9th century that would ultimately lead to the creation of the Danelaw.

During the 860s and 870s, Viking raids escalated into full-scale invasions. In 865, a large Viking army, led by the sons of the legendary Danish king Ragnar Lodbrok, landed in East Anglia. This army, known as the "Great Heathen Army," embarked on a campaign to conquer much of Anglo-Saxon England. By 871, the Vikings had seized several key territories in the east, including Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia. The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms struggled to fend off these invaders, and by 878, the situation was dire for the Anglo-Saxons.shutdown123