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Difficulty: MediumThe Vikings

Following the early Viking raids at Lindisfarne and subsequent conflicts with King Alfred the Great, a treaty was established that created the 'Danelaw'. What was the primary characteristic of the Danelaw?

  1. It was the area in the north and east of England where the Vikings settled and followed their own laws.Answer
  2. B
    It was the first Roman province established in Britain after the invasion of 43 AD.
  3. C
    It was the name given to the entire kingdom of England after King Cnut’s coronation in 1016.
  4. D
    It was a defensive wall built in 1066 to prevent the Norman Conquest.

Answer

The Danelaw was the area in the north and east of England where Viking invaders were allowed to settle and follow their own laws.
The Danelaw refers to the territory in the north and east of England that was ceded to the Vikings (Danes) following their defeat by King Alfred the Great. In this region, the invaders were permitted to settle, farm, and govern themselves according to their own laws.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context provided in the question.
The question refers to the period after the raid on Lindisfarne (793 AD) and the reign of King Alfred the Great.
This establishes that the question is about the Viking era.
2
Define the term 'Danelaw'.
The Danelaw was a region where Viking (Danish) law applied, created by an agreement between the Saxons and the Vikings.
The name itself implies 'Danish Law'.
3
Locate the Danelaw geographically.
The Vikings settled in the north and east of England.
Alfred the Great maintained control over the south and west, while the Vikings occupied the rest.
4
Differentiate from other historical periods.
The Romans invaded in 43 AD, and the Normans arrived in 1066, making those options chronologically incorrect.
Precise historical knowledge is required to distinguish between different waves of invasion.

Key Concept

The Danelaw and the settlement of the Vikings
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Vikings

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