vikings pt2

Flashcards about the Viking invasion of Wessex and the reign of King Alfred.

What areas did the Vikings conquer before turning their attention to Wessex?

Northumbria, East Anglia, and most of Mercia

Who initially held back the Viking invasion of Wessex?

King Æthelred and his brother Alfred

When was the Battle of Basing?

January 22, 871

When was the Battle of Merton?

March 22, 871

Who took over Wessex after Æthelred died?

Alfred

Where did King Alfred's army hide after being driven back by the Vikings in 876?

On the Isle of Athelney in the Somerset marshes

When was the Battle of Edington, where Alfred beat the Vikings?

May 878

What did Alfred insist upon as part of the peace terms with the Viking leader?

Guthrum had to become a Christian and agree not to attack Wessex again.

Where were the Vikings restricted to according to the agreement between Alfred and Guthrum?

Danelaw in the East and North

During what years did King Alfred reign?

871-899

Why did Alfred build burhs (fortresses or castles) across the country?

To strengthen England's defenses against further Viking attacks

Besides building new burhs, what other Roman-era towns did Alfred fortify?

Oxford

What did the Anglo-Saxons begin to call themselves under Alfred's rule?

Anglecynn

What did the Vikings bring to the Danelaw?

Laws, place names, customs, measurements, skilled crafts, and farming techniques

What were the three main areas where Vikings lived in Britain?

Northumbria, East Anglia, and the Five Boroughs

What were the names of the Five Boroughs in the Danelaw?

Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Stamford, and Lincoln

What was the Viking name for the city of York?

Jorvik

What was the name of the community meeting where the Norse people settled problems and made decisions?

A 'Thing'

What was the purpose of the 'Thing' meetings in Viking communities?

To settle problems and make decisions

What was the chieftain or judge overseeing the 'Thing' known as?

A 'law-speaker'

What happened to people who broke Viking laws?

They became 'outlaws' and were forced to live in the wilderness

What was the name of the Viking duel used to settle arguments?

A 'Holmgang'