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In the Early Middle Ages, Dorestad was one of the most important and flourishing cities in The Netherlands.

It was situated where the Rhine and Lek rivers meet, south of the city of Utrecht, near the modern small town of Wijk bij Duurstede, on the remains of an ancient Roman fortress. Between 600 and 850, Dorestad was often fought over between the Frisians and the Franks.

The city was a North Sea trading center between the late seventh century and the middle of the ninth century, primarily handling goods from the Middle Rhineland. Wine was among the major products traded at Dorestad, likely from vineyards south of Mainz.

Because of its success as a trading city, Dorestad drew the attention of Vikings, who frequently raided the city (834, 835, 844, 857 and 863). Historians think that approximately 7000 Vikings were involved in the first raid in 834. The raid of 857 was led by Rorik of Dorestad. Dorestad became the capital of the Viking Kingdom of Dorestad, which lasted from 850 to 885.

Dorestad declined in importance as a trading center after the damming of the Rhine to prevent flooding, and was of little importance after 863.

References

1. ^ MacKay, Angus (1997). Atlas of Medieval Europe. Routledge. p. 57. ISBN 0415019230. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
2. ^ Hodges, Richard (1983). Mohammed, Charlemagne and the Origins of Europe. Cornell University Press. p. 99. ISBN 0801492629. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

51°58′30″N 5°20′24″E / 51.97500°N 5.34000°E / 51.97500; 5.34000

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