Learnings: Jorvik: Conquest to Boom

The Coppergate Helmet, splendid craftsmanship in almost mint condition / c. Viking Age

Before its conquest, Eoforwic, as the Anglo-Saxons called it, was made up of distant, scattered buildings. After it was taken by the Vikings, archaeological evidence suggests that new houses were erected and grouped together in an organized way. Further research suggests that around the same time that the Vikings settled on both sides of the River Ouse, there was a giant leap in population in the area. These finds reflect Jorvik's development as an urban centre during this period.

This helmet is among the things left behind by Jorvik's inhabitants: a reminder that, even in times of growth and prosperity, war was still a part of daily life.