Chapter 1 Flashcards
What was the Great Heathen Army ?
An Army led by the vikings by Halfdan , Ivar the boneless , Ubbe . Later joined by Guthrum to make one big viking army
How did the viking raids change over time ?
By the 830s , the number of raids increased
The spread of the invasion went all over England
Scale of troops also increased
Initially they were focused on raiding , but now they were focused on conquering + settling
How did the scale and nature of the attacks change ?
Before 850 , the first attack only had 50 ships . But after 850 they increased to 150-250 ships
What was Alfred’s minstrel impersonation ?
He entered the Dane camp dressed as a minstrel .
He spied and learnt about upcoming attacks and secrets
Indicates that Alfred had spies which may be the reason for his future success
What was the appearance of St Cuthbert ?
St Cuthbert apparently visited Alfred at Atherly disguised as a pilgrim - Alfred shared food with him .
In alfred;s sleep , Cuthbert came to him and told him how to defeat the vikings
This is significant as it shows that Alfred’s success was partly attributed to a saint . Showing how Alfred was a stoic and religious man
What was the incident of swineherd’s wife and the burning of the cakes ?
Alfred needed shelter , he asked if he could stay at a hut . He was told to look after the cakes but forgot about them . So they burnt , which resulted in the wife telling him off .
The motive for this was to show that all humans need to show humbleness even kings and gods . People need to accept punishment if it is given , and ask God for forgiveness later
What were Alfred’s strategy and tactics to defeat the GHA
He emphasised defence - not offence .
He utilised shield walls before encountering enemies
Alfred knew that he had to alter tactics according to the situation
A used feigned retreats and gruella warfare ( in atherney )
What were Alfred’s leadership skills like ?
Showed the vikings more tactical awareness - His skills of diplomacy were evident .
He was able to muster up a unprofessional army , which allowed him to kick Guthrum out of Wessex
His military/administrative reforms were responsible for why the vikings stayed where they were
How did Alfred use resources ?
The administration of the Fyrd system influenced how many people could be called up for the army
Soldiers travelled on foot ( they were slow to respond to viking attacks )
Horses transported resources
The army tended to forage off the land
How much Luck did Alfred get ?
He had luck when the storm defeared 3000 of Guthrums men at sea
Why did the vikings return in 890 ?
They found it difficult to gather food due to poor food production in Norway
Defences in England were stretched out , as the new army of Northumbrians and east Anglian soldiers .
They had suffered a large defeat from King Arnulf , they had to flee
Alfred frustrated the vikings efforts to get a foot hold in Wessex ( the Burh system )
The Saxons all cooperated against the viking threat .
What are some of Alfred’s strengths ?
He unified the nation
Reorganised the army
Created the Burh system
The fyrd system
What were some of the viking weaknesses ?
Famine
Heavy losses from the French
Loss of ships from natural disaster
Peace deals restricted options
What Battle happened at Wareham ? (871)
Guthrum had a foothold in Wareham , thinking it could allow him to get to the heart of Wessex
Alfred made a blockade of the western parts of the area , the vikings were hemmed in .
Alfred made a peace deal with G :
Exchange hostages , Swear oaths to their gods .
Alfred ended up paying them to leave as well .
G ended up ignoring the treaty and then set up camp in Exeter .
What happened in Exeter 877
Guthrum arrived in Exeter with a fleet , but it was destroyed by a storm .
Alfred marched over to Dorset and made him exchange hostages and make oaths .
They complied and moved to Mercia to set up camp
