BattlefieldsGreat Heathen Army Invades East Anglia 865
Early Medieval

Great Heathen Army Invades East Anglia 865

865
Norfolk, England
Also known as: Danish Great Army lands in East Anglia 865 · Ivar and Halfdan invade England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
East Anglia
Forces
East Anglian kingdom
VS
Victor
Danes (Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan)
Forces
Great Heathen Army (estimated thousands)
Outcome
East Anglia forced to supply horses to the Great Heathen Army; Danish overwintering established
The Battle

History & Significance

The landing of the Great Heathen Army in East Anglia in 865 marked a fundamental change in Viking strategy from raiding to conquest. The East Anglians made peace and provided horses, effectively enabling the mounted campaign that would overrun Northumbria, Mercia, and nearly destroy Wessex.

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