DANEGELT Meaning and
Definition
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Danegelt refers to a specific form of tribute, extortion, or tax that was imposed on the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England by Danish Viking raiders during the Early Middle Ages, particularly in the 9th and 10th centuries. The term "Danegelt" itself can be translated to mean "Danish gold" or "Danish tribute." It was essentially a payment made by the English to the Danish invaders, usually in the form of silver or other valuable goods, in exchange for peace and protection from further Viking attacks.
The payment of Danegelt was seen as a pragmatic response by the English rulers, as it was often more convenient and less costly than engaging in open warfare with the powerful Viking invaders. However, it also had long-term negative consequences for the English kingdoms, as it created a cycle of dependence that encouraged further Viking incursions and demands for tribute.
The imposition of Danegelt was not limited to England, as similar practices were observed in other areas of Viking influence, such as Normandy and Ireland. Over time, resistance against paying Danegelt grew, leading to periods of conflict where the English kingdoms attempted to resist or overthrow the Danish rulers.
The concept of Danegelt, therefore, represents a form of forced payment or tribute levied on a conquered or threatened territory by Viking invaders, contributing to the complex historical relationship between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings during the Early Middle Ages in England.
Common Misspellings for DANEGELT
- sanegelt
- xanegelt
- canegelt
- fanegelt
- ranegelt
- eanegelt
- dznegelt
- dsnegelt
- dwnegelt
- dqnegelt
- dabegelt
- damegelt
- dajegelt
- dahegelt
- danwgelt
- dansgelt
- dandgelt
- danrgelt
- dan4gelt
Etymology of DANEGELT
The word "Danegelt" is derived from Old English and has its roots in the Viking Age. It is a compound word composed of "Dane", referring to the Danish people, and "geld" meaning payment or tribute. The term first appeared in written records in the late 10th century. The Danegelt was a tax or tribute that the Anglo-Saxon kings levied on the Danish invaders, initially as a means of buying peace or protection against Viking raids. Over time, the term expanded to encompass any payment made to Viking raiders or conquerors, not necessarily limited to the Danes.
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