The Variability of Viking Armies that Attacked Britain and the Irish Sects of Dal Riada

The scale of Viking military actions in Britain varied significantly over time, with early raids typically involving small groups of warriors while later invasions saw the deployment of larger, more organized forces. Understanding this variability is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of medieval Britain.

Early Viking Raids

Early Viking raids, which began in the late 8th century, generally involved smaller forces. One of the earliest recorded attacks was the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne in 793 AD, an event often cited as marking the beginning of the Viking Age in Europe. This raid, conducted by a small force, shows the initial scale and nature of Viking activity in Britain.

Later Organized Invasions

As Viking incursions became more organized and extensive, particularly in the 9th and 10th centuries, armies grew significantly in size. Notable invasions, such as the Great Heathen Army's arrival in 865 AD, involved thousands of warriors. Historical sources suggest that this army might have numbered between 3000 to 5000 men, although estimates can vary.

Viking Raids and Monasteries

Vikings are known to have raided several monasteries in the British Isles. For instance, in the years following the Lindisfarne raid, other monasteries such as those at Jarrow and Iona were also attacked. However, it is important to consider these raids within the context of the early Christian period or the Celtic Christianity period, which spans from the Roman period (well before 300 AD) to the 1500s in England with the devolution of monasteries by Henry VIII and the establishment of the Church of England.

Dal Riada and Seafaring Cultures

During the early Christian period, the kingdom of Dal Riada had a strong seafaring culture, as evidenced by archaeological and historical records. An example of a legendary king of Ulster is Tipraiti Tireach, whose reign is documented in the Annals of the Four Masters. He is often described as the founder of Dál nAraidi. Tipraiti Tireach is just one of many names that have different spellings such as Tibraite, Tipraite, Tiobraide, Thilbruidhe, and Tiobradhe.

Strong seafaring capabilities made travel by sea the easiest means of moving through the archipelago, which was composed of many islands and peninsulas. Local trade and long-distance trade were also significant. Currachs, used for both local and long-sea travel, were the most common seagoing craft during this time. On inland waters, dugouts and coracles were also used. Large timber ships, similar to the Viking ships of the same name, are attested to in various sources.

Irish High Kings and Dal Riada

The kingdom of Dal Riada was closely associated with the Irish High Kings, such as Muiredach Tirech, who is believed to have lived during the time of Saint Patrick. Muiredach Tirech is associated with his wife, Aioffe de Goloddin de DALRIADA, and his parents, Eochaidh de DALRIADA and Fiona Fianna Fiachu.

The Uí Néill family, of which Muiredach Tirech was a part, is well-documented in historical records. Saint Columba, a prominent Irish monk, is said to have ministered to the Gaels of Dal Riada and converted the northern Pictish kingdoms. Laird of Scotland and the establishment of monasteries, abbeys, churches, and cathedrals across Britain and elsewhere.

Key sources of information about Dal Riada and early Christian Ireland include works like those by Muirchu and Tirech, describing Saint Patrick's activities in the region. The Hiberno-Latin language, used for early Christian writings, played a crucial role in spreading literacy and preserving historical records.

It is important to note that while the term 'Riada' (meaning 'Ruler' or 'King') is associated with the High Kings of Dal Riada, these rulers were engaged in activities like riding, reading, and building religious institutions, not in raiding.

The earliest mentions of raids on monasteries are from Iona in Scotland and Lindisfarne, but these do not necessarily imply the involvement of large armies. The monastic institutions of the early Christian period played a vital role in the cultural and religious landscape of Britain during this time.

Keywords: Viking Raids on Britain, Dal Riada, Early Christianity