The Vikings: Conquering England, France, and Ireland

When the Vikings invaded and conquered England, France, and Ireland, they opened a new and fascinating chapter in the era of the Norsemen. The nature and history of the beset lands, the traditions and character of their people, and the strength and weaknesses of various Viking leaders, writes journalist Robert Wernick in this essay, made each of these three invasions distinct from the others. And each produced a different and surprising result, forever altering the course of medieval history.