500 to 935

The first Danes

Writers of the sixth century already mention the Danes. Around 737 they strengthen the Danevirke, an earthwork across the base of Jutland, and in 808 King Godfred extends it against Charlemagne's Franks. From the 790s Viking raiders from Scandinavia strike England and the Frankish coasts, and in 865 a great Danish army lands in England.