The day the Vikings mistakenly captured another city
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Vikings are now a familiar face in the internet world thanks to the 'Vikings' TV series. In the various episodes of the series, we see the Vikings' immense bravery through their next land-grabbing, plundering adventures. Although the Vikings were adept at raiding with indomitable courage and willpower, once they raided Rome, one of the richest cities of the time, and mistakenly captured another city, Luna! We will limit our discussion today to the thrilling story of the Vikings conquering the 'false Rome'.
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Image source: Wallpaper Abyss |
Björn Ironside was the infamous Viking warrior and son of Ragnar Lothbrok, King of Sweden and Denmark. He is also called by many as the founder of Sweden's Munsho Empire. Although Bjorn was at the height of his powers, he had to be somewhat of a shadow of his father in terms of achievement, unbecoming of a heroic warrior. His father raided large swaths of France, Italy and England, looting in particular around £7,000 in gold and silver by occupying Paris. These achievements earned him a place in the hall of fame of ancient warriors.
So to remove his father's shadow from his head and to write his name in the ranks of brave warriors, Bjorn Ironside decided to raid Rome, one of the most powerful and prosperous cities of the day. According to the decision, about eleven and a half years ago today, in 859, the Vikings set sail for the Mediterranean with a large fleet of 62 ships led by Ironside and Hastein. En route they skirmished and plundered the Iberian coast, Gibraltar and southern France. After spending the winter in France, they attacked the northern Italian cities of Pisa, Florence, and Fiesole, reaching the city of Luna. Seeing many churches with golden roofs, the Vikings thought they had reached the city of Rome!
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Rome and the city of Luna (Luni) in ancient Italy; Image Source: National Geographic |
After reaching the city walls, they began to besiege the city, although no Kulkinara could break through after a long siege. After a long time passed in this situation, Björn and Hastein came up with a cunning plan. They sent emissaries to the bishop of the city of Luna, saying that their leader was dead, but that his last wish before dying was to be converted to Christianity, and to be buried in the hallowed ground near the church.
Hearing this request, the bishop of the city could not send them back empty-handed. He allowed the body of the Viking leader along with a few guards to enter the city. As planned, a few Viking warriors, who had hidden their swords under their cloaks, entered the city with Hastein's coffin. As soon as he entered the city, Hastein jumped out of the coffin, surprising the priests and killing all the priests instantly. He and his fellow Vikings then kill the gate guards, allowing Bjorn's fleet to enter the city.
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A later scene of Hastein jumping from the coffin in the artist's tuli; Image Source: ancientpages.com |
Within a short time, the Vikings had established complete control over the city, crushing all resistance in the city. Hastein asked the townspeople to bow before him and honor him as the 'legitimate ruler of Rome'. No one dared to say anything, except one; He explains to Hastein that the city is not Rome, but Luna. Rome is about 250 miles away. Enraged, Bjorn and Hastein decided to punish the townspeople severely - killing all the men in the town and enslaving the women and children.
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Image Source: Forbes Magazine |
On the way back, the distraught Viking warriors had to deal with the Muslim forces of Andalusia, who were waiting for the forces of Björn and Hastein. This battle of the Vikings with the Muslim forces of Andalusia was like rubbing salt in their wounds. Because, this war brought tragic consequences for them. The Vikings lost 42 of their 62 ships in battle with the Muslim forces. They somehow managed to escape with 20 ships intact.