Jórvík

Jórvík is the Norse name for the Viking settlement at York in North Yorkshire, England, located on the River Ouse. It functioned as a major urban and trading center and served as the capital of the Viking kingdom within the Danelaw during the late 9th and 10th centuries.

Historically, York was captured by Viking forces in 866, and the settlement of Jórvík grew into an important political and commercial hub. It was a focal point for Viking rule in northern England, with coinage and craft production that reflected its connections across the North Sea and Baltic regions. The prestige of Jórvík diminished as English authority was reasserted in the following centuries, and York continued to evolve under Anglo-Saxon and then Norman influence. The name Jórvík survives in historical references to the Norse period of York, while the modern city later developed under a variety of rulers.

Archaeology has illuminated the Jórvík era, notably through excavations in York during the late 20th century. These discoveries revealed timber-framed houses, everyday objects, and burials, contributing to the understanding of urban life in a Norse settlement. Among notable finds is the Coppergate Helmet, dating to the late 9th century. The Jorvik Viking Centre, opened in the 1980s, presents recreated street scenes and artifacts from the period, reflecting ongoing interest in Jórvík’s Viking heritage. Today, the term Jórvík is used in cultural and historical contexts, with York’s Viking heritage celebrated in museums, festivals, and educational resources.