Today in History: The Battle of Contarf

On this day (April 23) in 1014, High King Brian Boru led his allies in battle against a coalition of Irish and Viking armies led by the Viking King of Dublin, Sigtrygg Silkbeard (one of the best descriptive nicknames of any medieval king) and the king of Leinster. The resulting Battle of Clontarf became a landmark in Irish history and a symbol of Irish resistance to foreign rule. While Brian Boru's forces won the battle, he, his son and his grandson all died.