BattlefieldsViking Siege of Dumbarton Rock 870–871
Early Medieval

Viking Siege of Dumbarton Rock 870–871

870–871
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Also known as: Siege of Alt Clut · Fall of Dumbarton 870
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Strathclyde Britons (Artgal)
Forces
Strathclyde Britons c.500–1,500.
VS
Victor
Vikings (Olaf and Ivar of Dublin)
Forces
Vikings (Olaf/Ivar) c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
Dumbarton Rock taken after four-month siege when water supply cut; kingdom of Strathclyde never recovered
The Battle

History & Significance

The most destructive Viking assault in Scottish history. Olaf the White and Ivar the Boneless — the two greatest Viking leaders of their generation — besieged Dumbarton Rock (Alt Clut), the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, for four months. They discovered the water source and cut it off. The garrison surrendered. King Artgal was later killed on Ivar's orders. The Vikings took an enormous haul of slaves back to Dublin. Strathclyde never fully recovered.

Casualties & Losses

Entire population taken as slaves to Dublin

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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