End of the Viking Age

The End of the Viking Age, traditionally marked around 1066, occurred as Norse raiders transitioned from plundering to trading and settling. Key factors included the consolidation of European kingdoms, which strengthened defenses against Viking attacks, and the spread of Christianity among Norse societies, promoting integration into European culture. The key event is often considered the defeat of the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This shift marked a transformation in Norse identity, moving from warriors to established communities, as their influence evolved into trade and exploration rather than conquest.