Amlaíb Cuarán

Common card · No. 334164

Amlaíb mac Sitric (d. 980; Old Norse: Óláfr Sigtryggsson [ˈoːˌlɑːvz̠ ˈsiɡˌtryɡːsˌson]), commonly called Amlaíb Cuarán (O.N.: Óláfr kváran [ˈkwɑːrɑn]), was a 10th-century Norse-Gael who was King of Northumbria and Dublin. His byname, cuarán, is usually translated as "sandal". His name appears in a variety of anglicized forms, including Olaf Cuaran, Anlaf Sihtricson and Olaf Sihtricson, particularly in relation to his short-lived rule in York. He was the last of the Uí Ímair to play a major part in the politics of the British Isles. Amlaíb was twice, perhaps three times, ruler of Northumbria and twice ruler of Dublin and its dependencies. His reign over these territories spanned some forty years. He was a renowned warrior and a ruthless pillager of churches, but ended his days in retirement at Iona Abbey. Born when the Uí Ímair ruled over large areas of the British Isles, by his death the kingdom of Dublin was a minor power in Irish politics. At the same time, Dublin became a major centre...

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