The son of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbroka Ivar Beskostny conquered Britain, having established the power of the Scandinavians there for a century. The campaign gathered a huge army of ancestors of modern Danes, Danes, with whom Ivar avenged his enemies for the death of his father.
The exploits of the famous Ivar (Ivor Viking) are glorified in many legends. There are many white spots in his life, she is surrounded by myths. The son of the Danish king managed to excel in military affairs..
Reasons for the trip
The illustrious warrior was only one of the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok. Due to inaccuracies in the documents, the date of birth of the Viking is unknown. From an early age, Ivar was taught martial art. From his son, his father raised a real Viking, for whom, apart from hiking and capturing prey, there is nothing.
The ninth century has turned for Europe into a series of Scandinavian raids. Most of all, Britain and France suffered from them. Ivar the Boneless dedicated his life to wars. The riddle of the name of the conqueror to this day has not been disclosed.
According to some versions, the warrior received the nickname for unprecedented dexterity. There is a variant of the fact that Ivar was so called for an unknown illness. But, even if taken for the truth, the second option, the disease did not prevent a long trip.
In 865, Jarl Ragnar, the Viking father, was shipwrecked near the British shores. The legendary king was executed by the king of Northumbria Ella the Second. The news of the death of the leader almost instantly reached Denmark.
As soon as Ivar found out what had happened, Danish history turned abruptly. The children of the deceased began a campaign to a distant island, which became the site of the last refuge of his father. In the fall of 865, the great army on the drakkars headed for Britain.
The first approaching fleet was noticed by peasants from the coast of Kent. The appearance of the pagan British was difficult to surprise. They have appeared here more than once. However, no one remembered a similar number of sails.
East Angle Capture
According to some reports, Ivar collected at least three hundred ships in his squadron. This figure seemed incredible in the ninth century. With his brother, Halfran and Ubba recovered. After the first victories, the flotilla moved on.
A new target was East Anglia. Very soon, the enemy realized that the raid was not one-time. The Danes decided to stay in Britain for a long time. The giant fleet and the wooden figures of dragons mounted on ships inspired panic.
Symbolism pagan army attached great importance. The Vikings believed that wooden monsters would help drive away evil spirits and bring victory over enemies. Rooks not only easily crossed the seas of the north, but also perfectly moved in shallow water.
This feature played into the hands of Ivar. On the river channels, the Viking led ships with reserves to the British outback. Revenge was not the only reason for the long hike. After a long crisis caused by the fall of the Roman Empire, trade began to rise.
Streams of goods poured into Europe. New cities were founded. In rich settlements, no solid fortifications were provided. The Vikings had a chance to get rich and very poorly protected prey.
There were other reasons for the appearance of the giant flotilla. There was a struggle between the power of the king and the kings. The monarchs sought to take control of the invasions, and warriors accustomed to freedom had such an antipathy.
In 854, King Horik the First was defeated for this reason. He made peace with the ruler of France, a hindrance to his compatriots. After his death for a long time, Denmark remained without power, able to deter the Vikings from adventurous voyages.
The conquest of Northumbria
Ragnar and his sons could not but use this opportunity. A lot of supporters rallied around. In 866, the Danes who captured France learned of the creation of Ivar camp in East Anglia. From all over Scandinavia pagans moved to him. Rushed to the leader and completed raids in Europe, the pirates.
In Britain, the descendants of Ragnar remained all winter. As the number of their camps increased, clouds gathered over King Edmund's head. Even after joining them who received the richest ransom from the ruler Karl Lysy, the Vikings did not leave the supporters.
Ivar the Boneless had more ambitious plans. Before a long campaign, the military leader carefully prepared. He rejected the usual walking strategy, betting on the cavalry army. For this purpose strangers took horses from local residents.
Cavalry significantly accelerated movement in unfamiliar terrain. The Vikings rode to the place of battle. Then, on foot, they fought shield to shield. The army became a single organism.
England divided by seven kingdoms was in a very difficult situation. The rulers were at enmity, only the arrival of strangers forced the monarchs to unite. Only this did not always work out. Ivar was well aware of the current situation.
Because Northumbria was the first on his way. On the eve of the parish, the previously ruling Osbert was expelled. His place was taken by Ella II, who caused the death of Ragnar. It was this kingdom that suffered most from the strife.
To know was split. Half stood mountain behind the usurper; others wanted the return of Osbert, the rightful ruler. With the beginning of November, 866 Danes invaded Northumbria. On this day, residents celebrated All Saints Day.
All inhabitants of the kingdom should have forgotten about weapons on such a day. They gathered peacefully in temples. The ten thousandth Viking army took everyone by surprise. Until the last minutes, the Lords did not dare to take measures to protect their homeland in the hope that the threat would pass by.
