Aethelstan Flashcards
What themes could be used for “Assess the reasons for Aethelstan’s success in dealing with the Vikings”?
Military reform
Administration
Links to the continent
Uniting the Kingdom
How did military reform lead to Aethelstan’s success against the vikings?
It meant he could further secure his control and help expand his kingdom
What occurred with Aethelstan and Scotland? (military reform theme)
Constantine and Owain formed alliance with Guthfrithsson
Aethelstan began harrying the Scots and met them for the battle of Brunanburh in 937
It was a highly bloody battle but successful for Aethelstan with Scotland losing 70% of their army and being unable to continue to oppose Aethelstan - successful in preventing the Scots from becoming a threat in the future
What did Aethelstan do after Sihtric’s death in 927?
It caused him to lose control of Northumbria - he reacted by immediately retaking York where the vikings suffered heavy losses and made Scotland and Northumbria fearful as they saw him as willing to resort to extreme violence - allowed Guthfrith to be driven out entirely and ensured the country was once again united under Aehtelstan’s rule
When did Viking leader Sihtric die?
927
How did Aethelstan foster good relations with Norway and why? (Military reform paragraph)
In response to Guthfrith’s alliance with the Scots - An alliance with Harold Fairhair prevented the Vikings from receiving support from Norway
Aethelstan allowed Harold Fairhair’s son Hakon to be fostered in his court - cementing the connection and cultivating good relationships with Norway for his brothers
What did the law code: I Aethelstan say?
Paying of tithes to the Church, overseen by reeves
What did the law codes: II, V and IV Aethelstan show?
Sense of disobedience in population. Death penalty in II Aethelstan reversed in V Aethelstan (short term amnesty through compensation), revert back to death penalty in IV Aethelstan. Fines for neglectful reeves suggests internal instability.
What did the law codes: III Aethelstan say?
Appreciation for the Kent people for adhering to his law codes.
What administrative reform was made to the royal court?
Royal chancery for charters, royal feasts
What administrative reform was made to the magnates?
Vice-regents and half-kings (more responsibility = more loyalty), multiple ealdormen per shire
What administrative reform was made to the shires/burhs?
Scrigemot - meetings between ealdormen and bishops about defence and internal security
Coins only moneyed in burhs, all goods up to 20 pennies traded in burhs (improved economy)
What links in the continent were made?
Marriage alliances with Henry I and Hugh the Great. Fostered nephew Louis
Why were links in the continent made?
Strengthen position through military and political alliances.
What happened with Olaf and Guthfrith?
Olaf fled to Ireland.
Guthfrith fled to Strathclyde, accepted Athelstan’s overlordship
