What was the danegeld?

The Danegeld was a tax levied in England during the Viking Age, originally intended to pay off Viking raiders to prevent them from invading or pillaging. The term, which means "Danish money," became prominent in the late 10th century under King Æthelred the Unready, who used it to buy peace from Danish invaders. Over time, the practice became a recurring financial burden on the English populace, leading to resentment and criticism. Ultimately, it highlighted the challenges of dealing with Viking incursions and the complexities of medieval taxation.