How Alfred and Wessex Resisted Viking Power Flashcards

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Who was Alfred and which kingdom did he rule?

Alfred, later called Alfred the Great, was king of Wessex. Wessex was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in southern England.

Why was Wessex under threat from Viking power in Alfred’s time?

Large Viking armies had already conquered many other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Wessex was the last strong English kingdom still free.

What happened at the Battle of Edington in 878?

Alfred’s army defeated Guthrum’s Viking force at Edington. This victory forced Guthrum to agree to peace and leave Wessex.

What were the main terms of Alfred’s peace with Guthrum?

Guthrum agreed to leave Wessex alone and rule in the east. He also agreed to become a Christian and accept baptism.

How did Guthrum’s baptism help Alfred resist Viking power?

Baptism made Guthrum a Christian, like Alfred. It turned him into a godfather and ally, which made it harder for him to attack Wessex again.

What was a burh and how did it help defend Wessex?

A burh was a fortified town with walls and ditches. Burhs gave people safe places to hide and made it hard for Viking raiders to attack.

How did Alfred change the fyrd to improve defence?

The fyrd was the local army. Alfred split it into two, so one part could fight while the other farmed. This meant there were always men ready to face Viking attacks.

How were burhs linked together to resist Viking raids?

Burhs were placed within a day’s march of each other and linked by roads. This let troops move quickly to block Viking raiders anywhere in Wessex.

How did Alfred use a navy against the Vikings?

Alfred built new warships to fight Viking longships at sea and on rivers. This early navy helped stop Viking forces from sailing and raiding so easily.

How did Alfred’s actions help the later unification of England?

By saving Wessex from the Vikings, Alfred kept a strong English kingdom alive. His successors then used this base to win back land from the Vikings and unite more of England.