The Danish invasions refer to a series of military campaigns by the Danish Vikings during the late 8th to early 11th centuries. These invasions primarily targeted the British Isles, particularly England, where the Danes sought to expand their territory and influence. The invasions led to significant conflicts, including the famous Battle of Edington in 878, where the Saxon king Alfred the Great successfully defended against the Danish forces. The invasions resulted in the establishment of the Danelaw, a region in England under Danish control, which influenced local culture, language, and governance. Over time, the Danish presence in England diminished, but their legacy remained, contributing to the development of the English nation and its legal systems.