History is rich with stories of military conquest, the hardships of battle, and the survival of the fittest. Any particular time in human history has possessed its own brutal villains and battles.

In the late first and early second millennia A.D., the Viking expansion was the backdrop for many clashes between civilizations. The history of the Vikings’ raids reads as a microcosmic history of Middle Age Europe. Here are some notable events from the Viking expansion:

-787 A.D.: This is when the Vikings are believed to have first carried out an attack on England. The raid arose from a simple misunderstanding, as Viking sailors murdered an agent of the King who had mistaken them for merchants asked them to pay a tax.

-865 A.D.: A group of bands of Danish Vikings joined forces and landed in East Anglia. This group of raiders would come to be known as the “Great Heathen Army.” The raiders were read by the fearsomely named Ivar the Boneless, and captured England’s York kingdom, where many remained as settlers. The English kingdoms themselves stood little chance against the Great Heathen Army, but this army was nonetheless defeated by Alfred of Wessex, who had assembled England’s combined military forces, at the Battle of Edington in 878.

-1014 A.D.: The Vikings fight their last major battle on Irish soil. The Vikings had conducted many raids on Ireland over the years, dating back to 795 A.D. Indeed the Vikings founded many Irish cities, most notably Dublin, which is now Ireland’s capital and largest city.

In 1014 A.D., a large combined force of Vikings, with assistance from some loyal Irish locals, fought the Battle of Clontarf against the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, and his forces. The battle took place on Good Friday in Clontarf, a Dublin suburb. Boru had given the Viking a one-year advance notice of his planned attack on them. Brian, who was too old to fight, was nonetheless caught by surprise in his tent and killed by Viking fighters. However, the Irish kingdom prevailed against the Vikings. Ireland remained a fractured land for years afterward, but they had rid themselves of the Viking presence.

Most of the Viking raiders carried axes, as swords were considered to be too expensive for many. Swords were generally only carried by high-ranking or wealthy Viking fighters.

At Armory Replicas, we sell many swords inspired by historical events and armies. The Scandinavian Norsemen Raiding Viking Sword is one—and it comes at over 50% off standard price now! With a 29.75-inch blade, a scabbard inscribed with Viking runes, and a carbon steel blade, this sword is simple yet elegant. Have a look!