Eoforwic becomes Jorvik

The Vikings from Scandinavia attacked for the first time in 866, led by Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan. Over the years, following further attacks, a settlement grew up around the rivers where the invaders landed, and was known as Jorvik.

It flourished up until the arrival of the Norman invaders in the 11th century, and it's thought that the city's population grew to 30,000, making it a major city of the time.

Archaeologists have been able to establish many details of their lifestyle, with its cramped housing, fishing, trade and argriculture.

Every February, the city now celebrates its Viking history with a Viking Week involving Viking dress, and culminating in battle re-enactments (video) and the burning of a Viking ship (video) on the River Ouse.

Viking life is the theme of the Jorvik Centre, one of York's most popular attractions. The Yorkshire Museum also has a number of artefacts.