BattlefieldsBattle of Maldon (second Danegeld raid, 994)
Early Medieval

Battle of Maldon (second Danegeld raid, 994)

994
Essex, England
Also known as: Olaf and Sweyn at London 994
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Essex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Neither
VS
Victor
English (negotiated)
Outcome
Olaf Tryggvason and Sweyn Forkbeard failed to take London; accepted £16,000 Danegeld
The Battle

History & Significance

Olaf Tryggvason (future king of Norway) and Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark jointly attacked London with 94 ships. The Londoners famously repulsed them — one of the few bright spots of Aethelred's reign. Aethelred then made a separate peace with Olaf at Andover, baptising him and paying £16,000. Sweyn, unreconciled, would return many times.

Forces Involved

Olaf/Sweyn (94 ships): c. 3,000–5,000. English: negotiating government.

Questions & Answers

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