Migration: Vikings Flashcards
Why did the Vikings settle?
- attracted by wealth
- better farming land
- scandanavia was becoming overcrowded
- inheritance laws in Scandanavia meant that only the oldest son got all the land: rest left to fend for themselves
Why was Alfred the Great Significant?
- stopped Viking expansion: Danelaw
- strengthened power of wessex
- encouraged reading and writing
- viewed as the overlord of the time
- transcribed latin books into english
What was the battle at which the vikings were defeated at?
Battle of Edington
What were the terms of the defeat with the Vikings?
Alfred gave V land called Danelaw given that Guthrum (V leader) converted to Christianity
Describe Aethelred’s reign. Include:
- how he came into power
- who defeated him
- came to rule because his brother was murdered
- Vikings returned during his reign
- paid danegeld on condition that they leave, but they come back asking for more
- A makes a pact with Normandy so V don’t attack again - married Emma of Normandy
What is Danegeld?
Money paid to the Vikings on the basis that they do not return. £ 1.8 mill in modern day money
What was St Brice’s day massacre?
Massacre carried out by Aethelred killing all vikings
Who defeated Aethelred?
King Forkbeard, A flees, but Forkbeard dies so son Cnut now king
What does Aethelred do after Cnut becomes king?
- attacks again + forces C off the throne
- A dies, son Edmund ascends throne
- C beats E and becomes next overlord
How did Britain change under Cnut’s rule?
- C viewes Britain as his main domain
- trustworthy nobles (English) left to rule their own areas
- peaceful
- tough with Anglosaxons he thought might rebel against him
- transferred riches back to Denmark
What was the significance of Emma of Normandy?
- bought peace to England
- married Aethelred and Cnut
- bought land w her marriage which expanded North Sea empire
- strong leader who respected and listened to her country when C was away
- improved relations with Church
How was Cnut significant?
- maintained relations with entire empire
- kept peace for England
- returned popular laws of Edgar the Peaceful
Who were Cnut and Emma’s children?
Harold and Harthacnut
Who ascended the throne after Cnut’s death?
Harthacnut
Who replaced Cnut’s children after their death?
Edward
