Alfred and the Vikings Flashcards
What made the Vikings so threatening to Alfred in the 870s?
Their speed and mobility,
High numbers with forces between 6,000 and 15,000 per fleet,
Longboats to travel to places with strategic significance,
Usage of the Thames Estuary,
Average fleet of 150-250 ships.
How many men did the Vikings have per fleet?
Between 6,000 and 15,000
How many ships were in each fleet?
150-250 ships
What was Alfred’s primary response to the vikings?
The burh system
What did the Vikings attempt to do from 893 onwards with little success?
Re-establish their authority in some kingdoms - all attempts in Wessex failed
How far apart were burhs from each other?
32km - a day’s march
What did Alfred’s rotational system mean?
50% soldiers were on at any one time - keeps morale high and means agriculture is not neglected
How did chance help Alfred defeat the vikings?
In Exeter in 877, Guthrum lost half of his fleet and 3000 men at Swanage,
Whilst at Athelney- Ubbe’s army was defeated, so Alfred only had to defeat the Great Heathen army.
What did Alfred found in 882 to combat the Vikings?
The Royal Navy - 882- stole Viking ships and prevented the Vikings raiding off the coast (Vikings biggest tactic was mobilisation and getting away by ship).
How did Alfred’s leadership help him fight the vikings?
His leadership improved with experience- learned from his mistakes.
Shown at Edington when he raised 4000 untrained troops and defeated Guthrum.
What made Wessex disadvantageous to defend?
Wessex was only accessible by two roads- Watling Street and Pilgrim’s Way- made moving troops difficult, easy for Vikings to obstruct.
What made Wessex advantageous to defend?
River Avon provided an obstacle for the Vikings- easy to defend- wide river that divided Wessex.
How did Alfred alter his strategy and tactics to defeat the Vikings?
Originally focused on defence - used shield walls.
Switched to offensive in 878 - used guerrilla tactics.
Why was Wilton 871 significant?
Alfred’s first battle as King - Against the entire Great Summer Army - Lost - Viking army had to be paid off in order to not continue attacking - he managed to buy the Anglo Saxons time (5 years)
Why was the battle of Wareham 876 significant?
Alfred and Guthrum exchanged hostages and the Vikings were made to swear on pagan relics they would keep their oath of peace - this didn’t happen and Guthrum immediately split the throats of his hostages and re-attacked at Exeter a year later
