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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 on the banks of the river Rhine, south of the city of Utrecht, near the modern smalltown 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.
Because of its success as a trading city, Dorestad drew the attention of Vikings, who frequently raided the city (834, 835, 844, 857 and 873). 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.
Dorestadt declined in importance as a trading center after the damming of the Rhine to prevent flooding, and was of little importance after 863.

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★ Dorestad -Encyclopedia Brittanica (English)