larger than in previous centuries.[59][83] During this time the North Germanic peoples spoke Old
Norse.[24][27][74][84]
The Piraeus Lion of Piraeus, Greece, contains an 11th-century inscription
made by a member of the Varangian Guard
The Vikings raided and settled various parts in the British Isles, in particular the area around the Irish
Sea and Scotland, where they became known as the Norse–Gaels. The Uí Ímair dynasty acquired a
prominent position among these Scandinavians, establishing the Kingdom of the Isles. These Vikings,
mostly Norwegians, came close to completely conquering Ireland until they were defeated by the Irish
at the Battle of Clontarf.[85] They would nevertheless remain firmly established in Ireland for generations
afterwards, in particular the cities of Dublin, Waterford and Limerick.[85] In the 9th century, Danish
Vikings gained control of a part of eastern England, which became known as the Danelaw.[7] England was
the part of Europe most heavily subjected to Viking attacks, and it is likely that the Scandinavians would
have gained control of all of England if not for the successful resistance of Alfred the Great.[85] In the
early 11th century, England temporarily became part of the North Sea Empire of Danish king Cnut the
Great from 1016 to 1042.[85]
Vikings were also active in both east and west Francia. There were extensive raids in the Rhineland, and
Hamburg was burned in 845. In the early 10th century, a group of Vikings under the leadership
of Rollo settled in Rouen, France, and established the Duchy of Normandy. The descendants of these
Vikings, known as the Normans , would in the 11th century conquer England, Southern Italy, and North
Africa, and play a leading role in launching the Crusades.[7][86] Sub-groups of the Normans include Anglo-
Normans, Scoto-Normans, Cambro-Normans, Hiberno-Normans and Italo-Normans.
Some Vikings raided in Spain, and sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar and pillaged the coasts of
the Mediterranean Sea.
In the east the Danish Viking were active in raiding the Wends. The most famous colonies created by
these Vikings was Jomsborg in modern Pomerania, which became the base of the Jomsvikings.[85]