Vikings in Iberia

Viking activity in the Iberian peninsula seems to have begun around the mid-ninth century^[1] as an extension of Viking raids on and establishment of bases in Frankia in the earlier ninth century. While connections between the Norse and Eastern Islamic lands were well-established, particularly involving the Rus' along the Volga and around the Caspian Sea, relations with the Western edge of Islam were more sporadic and haphazard.^[2] Although Vikings may have over-wintered in Iberia, no evidence has been found for trading or settlement.^[3] Indeed, the Iberian peninsula may not have offered particularly wealthy targets, in the ninth to tenth centuries.^[3] Sporadic raiding continued until the end of the Viking Age.

The knowledge of Vikings in Iberia is mainly based on written accounts. There are archaeological findings of what may have been anchors of Viking ships,^[4] and some shapes of mounds by riversides look similar to the Norse longphorts in Ireland. These may have been ports or docks for Viking longships.^[5]