In 1050, Hedeby was ruined due to a war fought between the Danish king Svend Estridsen and the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada. Hedeby was burned down and was never recovered or rebuilt. The town of Hedeby was located near Dannevirke in the Southern part of Jutland, today known as Schleswig.

When was Hedeby burned to the ground?

Hedeby was destroyed by Norwegian King Harald Hardrada – the last great Viking – in 1050 using burning ships. It was finally destroyed by fire in 1066 after a raid by Slavic warriors and the site completely abandoned.

Who killed Harald Hardrada?

Although initially successful, Harald was defeated and killed in a surprise attack by Harold Godwinson's forces in the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066, which wiped out almost his entire army.