York's importance to the Vikings
I can explain why York was important to the Vikings.
York's importance to the Vikings
I can explain why York was important to the Vikings.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- York, a major settlement in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, was captured by the Vikings in 866 CE.
- It was an important strategic location between the Ouse and Foss rivers, making it easy to defend and good for trade.
- The Vikings restored the old Roman walls and it quickly became the main Viking city in Britain.
- The Vikings called it Jorvik, which was also the name they used for their kingdom in Britain.
Keywords
Strategic - if something is strategic it is important for success in war or defence
Invasion - invasion means to enter a country armed and capture it
Jorvik - the Vikings renamed York when they captured it to Jorvik
Common misconception
Pupils may think York was only strategically important because the rivers acted as a natural defence.
York was strategically important because the rivers were a natural defence, but they were also key routes for trade.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
something that is important for success in war or defence
means to enter a country armed and capture it
the name given to York by the Vikings