Alfred the Great and Athelstan, the Kings that made England (ALL PARTS-ALL BATTLES) FULL DOCUMENTARY
HistoryMarche・35 minutes read
The Viking army led by Halfdan and Bagsecg faced King Æthelred and Alfred in the battle of Ashdown, resulting in a West Saxon victory, although challenges continued with Viking offensives. Alfred eventually emerged victorious against the Vikings at Edington, leading to Guthrum's surrender and the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum that divided Mercia and established relative peace for Wessex.
Insights
- The Viking invasions in Britain intensified after Lindisfarne, leading to the fall of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the rise of the Great Heathen Army, impacting the course of history significantly.
- Alfred the Great's strategic military victories against the Vikings at Edington and Chippenham, despite initial setbacks, solidified his reign, culminating in the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum that divided Mercia and established relative peace in Wessex, showcasing his resilience and leadership.
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Recent questions
Who led the Viking army?
Halfdan and Bagsegc
What triggered Viking incursions in Britain?
Rich and undefended monasteries
Who resisted the Vikings in East Anglia?
King Edmund
What battle marked a West Saxon victory?
Battle of Ashdown
Who succeeded Æthelred as king?
Alfred
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Summary
00:00
Viking Invasions and Anglo-Saxon Resistance
- The Viking army, led by Halfdan and Bagsegc, divided their forces, with one division under their direct command and the other under remaining jarls.
- King Æthelred led the Saxon army against the Vikings, with his brother Alfred commanding a separate division.
- The battle of Ashdown commenced between the Vikings and the Wessex army.
- Prior to the Viking Age, Britain had experienced Viking incursions due to the rich and undefended monasteries.
- The Viking attacks intensified after Lindisfarne, with Jarrow and Iona being plundered.
- The House of Ecgberht was aware of the Viking threat, with Ecgberht establishing dominance over southern England.
- Ecgberht faced Danish forces at Carhampton and Hingston Down, securing victory in the latter.
- King Æthelred and Alfred's father defeated a Danish force at Aclea in 851.
- The Great Heathen Army, led by Ivar, Halfdan, and Ubba, invaded England, targeting East Anglia and Northumbria.
- King Edmund of East Anglia resisted the Vikings but was eventually defeated and killed, leading to the fall of two Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
16:21
Alfred's Triumph: Battle for Kingship and Victory
- Alfred's brother, Æthelred, prioritized divine service over joining the battle, delaying his involvement.
- Alfred, despite his brother's delay, courageously engaged the Viking foes with God's help, forming a tight shieldwall.
- The battle took place around a solitary thorn tree, with Alfred's warriors fighting for their lands and lives.
- Æthelred eventually joined the battle after Alfred had already engaged with the enemy divisions.
- The battle at Ashdown was an undoubted West Saxon victory, though news of a new offensive dampened the cheers.
- Halfdan's Viking force retreated to Reading after many were slain, but the battle didn't destroy them entirely.
- Alfred and Æthelred led their fyrd to engage the invaders at Basing, resulting in a Viking victory.
- The Vikings won an impressive victory at Basing with lesser numbers, despite Halfdan's previous losses.
- Æthelred fought his last battle at Merton, where many Saxon leaders fell, leading to the loss of the king.
- Alfred succeeded Æthelred as king after his brother's death, taking up the mantle and sword of kingship.
32:48
Alfred's Triumph: From Defeat to Victory
- Alfred's payments to the enemy alienated some of the Witan, leading to events at Chippenham where Guthrum attacked during Christmas celebrations.
- Alfred and his followers fled Chippenham, leaving him to survive alone in Somerset, relying on raids for sustenance.
- With Alfred fleeing, Wessex fell under Guthrum's control, leading many nobles to choose flight over fighting.
- Despite setbacks, Alfred gathered support from those unwilling to submit to Guthrum, preparing to fight for his crown.
- Odda, the ealdorman of Devon, rallied his men to defend Wessex, defeating Ubba and his forces, turning the tide in Alfred's favor.
- Alfred gathered support from Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset, preparing to face Guthrum at Edington.
- Alfred fought fiercely at Edington, eventually gaining victory through God's will, destroying the Vikings and pursuing them to Chippenham.
- Alfred surrounded Guthrum's men at Chippenham, leading to Guthrum's surrender and conversion to Christianity.
- The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum divided Mercia between Danish and West Saxon spheres, ensuring relative peace for Wessex.
- The Battle of Brunanburh in 937 effectively settled England's fate, defining the countries of Britain and showcasing Alfred's legacy.
49:00
Æthelstan: Uniting England Through Diplomacy and War
- Æthelstan solidified his control over Wales, following in the footsteps of Alfred and Æthelflæd, by maintaining West Saxon dominance and imposing heavy annual tributes.
- He strategically forged alliances through prestigious marriages, such as his sister Eadgyth to Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Eadgifu to Charles the Simple, enhancing his political influence.
- Æthelstan intervened in foreign affairs by harboring exiled leaders like Louis IV and reinstating Alan II as Duke of Brittany after Viking conquests, showcasing his diplomatic skills.
- His military prowess was evident in campaigns against the Cornish, fortifying Exeter, and marching on Scotland, where he faced a coalition led by Constantine, Olaf of Dublin, and Owain of Strathclyde.
- The pivotal Battle of Brunanburh in 937 solidified Æthelstan's reign, ensuring the unity of England and setting the stage for future monarchs, despite his reign ending in 939 and subsequent challenges from Danish conquests.
