Dorestad
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In the Early Middle Ages, Dorestad was one of the most important and flourishing cities in The Netherlands.
It was situated on the banks of the river Rhine, south of the city of Utrecht, near the modern smalltown of Wijk bij Duurstede, on the remains of an ancient Roman fortress. Between 600 and 850, Dorestad was often fought over between the Frisians and the Franks. Dorestad was once the personal possession of Charlemagne as Quentovic in France.
Because of its success as a trading city, Dorestad drew the attention of Vikings, who frequently raided the city (834, 835, 844, 857 en 873). Historians think that approximately 7000 Vikings were involved in the first raid in 834. For Roerik of Dorestad, who led the raid of 857, see Rurik. Dorestad became the capital of the Viking Kingdom of Dorestad 850-885.
Dorestadt declined in importance as a trading center after the daming of the Rhine to prevent flooding, and was of little importance after 863.
[edit] References
| Trade emporia of the Viking Age |
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|---|---|
| Dorestad • Kaupang • Lindholm • Hedeby • Ribe • Birka • Sigtuna • Köpingsvik Reric • Arkona • Menzlin • Ralswiek • Wolin • Truso • Kaup • Grobin Vanaja • Aldeigja • Alaborg • Hólmgard • Gnezdovo • Sarskoe • Timerevo |
