Summary of Rule of Alfred the Great (871)
Uncover the legendary reign of Alfred the Great in 871!
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Rule of Alfred the Great in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the Rule of Alfred the Great and its impact on early English history? In this short course, we will delve into the key aspects of Alfred the Great's rule in the year 871, shedding light on his contributions to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex.
Alfred the Great is often celebrated for his military prowess and strategic vision, which helped him navigate through turbulent times and defend his kingdom against Viking invasions. His rule in 871 marked a crucial turning point in the history of England, as he successfully repelled the Viking forces and laid the foundation for a unified English nation.
By exploring the Rule of Alfred the Great in depth, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by early English rulers and the strategies they employed to maintain power and stability. Join us on a journey through history as we decode the legacy of Alfred the Great and his enduring impact on the English monarchy.
Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899. He is known for his military successes against the Vikings, his promotion of education and literacy, and his establishment of a legal code known as the "Dooms of Alfred."
Guthrum
Guthrum was a Viking leader who invaded the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the late 9th century. He was defeated by Alfred the Great at the Battle of Edington in 878 and later converted to Christianity, taking the name Æthelstan.
Asser
Asser was a Welsh monk and scholar who served as a close adviser to Alfred the Great. He wrote a biography of Alfred, providing valuable insights into the king's reign and accomplishments.
Alfred the Great Becomes King
Alfred the Great became king of Wessex in 871 during a time of great turmoil in England. He inherited a kingdom that was constantly under attack by Viking invaders.
Alfreds Battle Against the Vikings
Alfred fought numerous battles against the Viking invaders, including the Battle of Edington in 878. He eventually defeated the Vikings and signed a peace treaty with their leader, Guthrum.
Alfreds Military Reforms
Alfred implemented military reforms to strengthen his kingdom's defenses. He built a network of fortified towns and created a standing army known as the Fyrd.
Alfreds Legal Code
Alfred established a legal code based on traditional Anglo-Saxon customs and Roman law. He also promoted education and literacy among his subjects.
Alfreds Religious Reforms
Alfred promoted Christianity and encouraged the translation of religious texts into Old English. He also founded monasteries and churches throughout his kingdom.
Alfreds Cultural Legacy
Alfred's reign marked a period of cultural revival in England. He supported the arts and promoted the use of the English language in literature and official documents.
Alfreds Legacy as a Lawmaker
Alfred is remembered for his efforts to establish a just and equitable legal system in England. His legal code influenced later English laws and traditions.
Alfreds Legacy as a King
Alfred the Great is considered one of England's greatest monarchs. He is remembered for his military victories, legal reforms, and promotion of education and culture.
Alfreds Death and Successors
Alfred died in 899 and was succeeded by his son, Edward the Elder. Edward continued his father's policies and expanded the kingdom of Wessex.
Alfreds Enduring Influence
Alfred the Great's legacy continues to be felt in England and beyond. He is remembered as a wise and just ruler who laid the foundation for the English nation.
Overall, the Rule of Alfred the Great was a set of laws and customs that helped establish order and justice in Anglo-Saxon England. By promoting education, strengthening the military, and emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, Alfred laid the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous society.Although some of the laws may seem harsh by today's standards, they were crucial for maintaining peace and security in a time of constant warfare and instability. The legacy of Alfred the Great's rule continues to influence the legal and political systems of England to this day.
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: A significant ruler of Anglo-Saxon England known for his military successes and legal reforms.
- When: 871
- Who: Alfred the Great
- Outcome: Strengthened defenses against Viking invasions and laid the foundation for a unified England.
Famous Figures in the Rule of Alfred the Great
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Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899 and is known for his contributions to education, law, and military tactics.
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Guthrum
Guthrum was a Danish Viking leader who fought against Alfred the Great during the early 9th century before being defeated and baptized as a Christian.
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Asser
Asser was a Welsh monk who served as a biographer and counselor to Alfred the Great, providing valuable insights into the king's reign.
Timeline of Rule of Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great becomes King of Wessex
Battle of Ashdown
Alfred defeats the Danes at the Battle of Edington
Treaty of Wedmore signed, leading to the establishment of Danelaw
Alfred begins the reorganization and strengthening of the Wessex military
Alfred establishes a navy to defend Wessex against Viking invasions
Alfred commissions the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
Alfred introduces a system of fortified towns known as burhs
Alfred's translation of Pope Gregory the Great's 'Pastoral Care' into Old English
Alfred's death and succession by his son Edward the Elder
Alfred's remains are reinterred at Hyde Abbey in Winchester
Hyde Abbey destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Alfred's remains are believed to have been moved to St Bartholomew's Church in Winchester
Alfred's remains are rediscovered during excavations at St Bartholomew's Church
Alfred's remains are reinterred at St Bartholomew's Church in a public ceremony
Vocabulary List
- Fealty
- The Rule of Alfred the Great established a system of fealty where vassals swore loyalty to the king in exchange for protection.
- Fortifications
- Alfred the Great ordered the construction of fortifications to defend against Viking invasions.
- Burhs
- Burhs were fortified towns established by Alfred the Great to provide defense and safety for his people.
- Militia
- Alfred the Great organized a militia of citizen soldiers to defend against Viking raids.
- Tribute
- Alfred the Great demanded tribute from neighboring kingdoms as a sign of their submission.
- Reconnaissance
- Alfred the Great used reconnaissance to gather information on Viking movements and plan his defenses.
- Diplomacy
- Alfred the Great engaged in diplomacy with neighboring kingdoms to form alliances and strengthen his position.
- Code of laws
- Alfred the Great established a code of laws to govern his kingdom and ensure justice for all.
- Resilience
- Alfred the Great's resilience in the face of Viking attacks inspired his people to continue fighting for their freedom.
- Legacy
- The Rule of Alfred the Great left a lasting legacy of stability and unity in England.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 899.
- Alfred the Great is known for his efforts to defend his kingdom against Viking invasions.
- Alfred the Great established a network of fortified towns called burhs to protect his kingdom.
- Alfred the Great is credited with promoting the use of written English in his kingdom.
- Alfred the Great was a devout Christian and promoted education and literacy in his kingdom.
- Alfred the Great translated several Latin works into Old English, including Gregory the Great's 'Pastoral Care'.
- Alfred the Great's laws and reforms laid the foundation for the English legal system.
- Alfred the Great is the only English monarch to be given the title 'the Great'.
- Alfred the Great's reign marked a period of stability and cultural revival in Anglo-Saxon England.
- Alfred the Great is considered one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon kings in English history.
- Alfred the Great's victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Edington in 878 secured his position as king of Wessex.
- Alfred the Great established a navy to defend his kingdom against Viking raids.
- Alfred the Great's reign saw the development of a unified English identity.
- Alfred the Great is credited with laying the foundation for the English monarchy.
- Alfred the Great was known for his wisdom and fairness in his dealings with his subjects.
- Alfred the Great's reign saw the construction of many churches and monasteries in Wessex.
- Alfred the Great was a patron of learning and scholarship, inviting scholars from across Europe to his court.
- Alfred the Great's reign saw the production of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of events in England.
- Alfred the Great was buried at Winchester, where his remains were later moved to a new tomb in the 19th century.
- Alfred the Great's legacy as a wise and just ruler has endured for centuries in English history.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The Rule of Alfred the Great in 871 marked a turning point in the struggle against Viking invasions in England. Alfred’s successful defense of Wessex and subsequent treaties with the Vikings temporarily brought peace to the region, allowing for stability and rebuilding efforts.
Long-Term Impact
Alfred’s rule laid the foundation for a unified England and is credited with shaping the country’s legal and military systems. His emphasis on education and scholarship also contributed to the revival of learning and culture during the Anglo-Saxon period.
Cultural Significance Today
The legacy of Alfred the Great continues to be celebrated in England, with monuments, schools, and even a university named in his honor. His reign is seen as a symbol of resilience and leadership, inspiring leaders and scholars to this day. The Rule of Alfred the Great serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting one’s homeland and preserving knowledge for future generations.
Rule of Alfred the Great Games
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