Great Heathen Army

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The "Great Heathen Army", also known as the Great Army or the Great Danish Army, was a Viking army originating in Denmark which pillaged and conquered much of England in the late 9th century. The army was exceptionally large for the period, probably containing several thousand fighters. It consisted of various smaller groups which would rarely fight together, and sometimes targeted each other.

The term "Great Heathen Army" was one used by Anglo-Saxon chroniclers compiling the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Much of the evidence for the army comes from these works, and as they start the year on September 1, many of the events associated with it are often said to have occurred what appears to be a year later. This article uses the Gregorian calendar throughout.

The origins of the Army can be seen in the band of Viking warriors who attacked Paris in 845, and remained permanently in the region from 850, repeatedly sacking Rouen and various smaller towns.

Having gained experience across Europe, the army arrived in Britain in late 865, landing in East Anglia. Under the command of Halfdan Ragnarsson and Ivar the Boneless, with the support of Ubbe Ragnarsson, it aimed to conquer and settle England. This may have been in response to the death of their father, Ragnar Lodbrok, at the hands of Aelle II of Northumbria in 865.

In late 866, it conquered the Kingdom of Northumbria, followed in 870 by the Kingdom of East Anglia. In 870, the Great Summer Army, led by Bagsecg, arrived from Scandinavia. This reinforced the Great Heathen Army, enabling it in 874 to conquer Mercia. The same year, a considerable section settled in the conquered territories, followed by a further section in 877. Halfdan moved north to attack the Picts, while Guthrum emerged as the war leader in the south, and in 876 they were joined by further forces and won the Battle of Wareham. However, Alfred the Great fought back and eventually won victory over the army at the Battle of Edington in 878, achieving the Treaty of Wedmore.