Conquered and Conquerers Alfred the Great

Question 1

1. Alfred the Great (r. 871–899)

Answer 1

Who was he?

King of Wessex from 871 to 899.
Defended England against Viking invasions.
Known for military, legal, and educational reforms.

Question 2

2. The Viking Threat

Answer 2

What was the Viking threat?

Vikings (mainly Danes) raided and invaded England.
The Great Heathen Army arrived in 865.
By 870, most Anglo-Saxon kingdoms had fallen to the Vikings.

Question 3

3. Battle of Edington (878)

Answer 3

Why was it important?

Alfred defeated the Vikings led by Guthrum.
Forced Guthrum to convert to Christianity.
Established a peace treaty and Danelaw.

Question 4

4. Danelaw

Answer 4

What was the Danelaw?

The area of England under Viking rule.
Covered the North and East of England.
Established after the Treaty of Wedmore (878).

Question 5

5. Alfred’s Military Reforms

Answer 5

How did he defend England?

Built burhs (fortified towns) for defence.
Created a navy to fight Viking ships.
Reorganised the fyrd (army) for better response to attacks.

Question 6

6. Alfred’s Legal & Educational Reforms

Answer 6

What changes did he make?

Introduced law codes based on Christian and Saxon traditions.
Promoted education, especially in Latin and Old English.
Brought scholars to England to improve learning.

Question 7

7. Successors & Legacy

Answer 7

Why is Alfred important?

First English king to defeat the Vikings.
Laid the foundations for the unification of England.
Title of “Alfred the Great” reflects his lasting influence.