anglo-saxons and vikings

• In what year did England not exist as a political entity and was divided into seven kingdoms?

  790
• What were the four kingdoms that emerged from the original seven in England?

  Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia
• How did the people living in these kingdoms identify themselves?

  As Mercian or Northumbrian
• What was the first real Viking attack on England and when did it occur?

  At the Lindisfarne monastery in 793
• What was the primary motive behind the Viking attack on Lindisfarne?

  To steal treasures
• What types of targets did the Vikings attack after Lindisfarne?

  Monasteries, coastal villages, and inland rivers
• What did the Vikings steal during their raids?

  Gold, silver, cattle, and slaves
• Around what year did the Vikings decide to settle instead of just raiding?

  Around 850
• What city did the Vikings capture and rename in 866?

  Eoferwic, renamed to Jorvik
• What was the significance of Jorvik for the Vikings?

  It served as a base to conquer Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia
• Who became King of Wessex in 871?

  Alfred the Great
• What was the situation in Wessex when Alfred became king?

  It was in great danger from Viking conquests
• Where did Alfred hide when he was driven back by the Vikings?

  In the Somerset marshes
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Edington in May 878?

  Alfred famously defeated the Vikings
• What agreement was made after the Battle of Edington?

  Guthrum became a Christian and agreed not to attack Wessex again
• What was established as a boundary between the Viking and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms?

  The Danelaw
• How did Viking control influence the part of England they occupied?

  It brought their customs, place names, and language
• What was the relationship between the Danes and Anglo-Saxons after the initial Viking raids?

  They lived peacefully side-by-side and engaged in trade and intermarriage
• Who was Alfred's grandson that conquered Northumbria in 927?

  Athelstan
• What do some historians argue about Athelstan?

  He was the first real 'King of England'
• Until what year did Jorvik have Viking rulers?

  954
• What happened to the descendants of the Danes who settled in England?

  They remained in England and considered it their home
• How old was Aethelred when he became king in 978?

  A young boy
• What weakened the government of England during Aethelred's reign?

  Corrupt advisors
• What two strategies did Aethelred use to hold off Viking attacks?

  Paid Danegeld and married Emma of Normandy
• What was the St Brice’s Day Massacre?

  An attack ordered by Aethelred on Danes living south of the Danelaw
• How did Sweyn Forkbeard respond to the St Brice’s Day Massacre?

  He invaded England for revenge
• Who became King of England after defeating Aethelred in 1013?

  Sweyn Forkbeard
• What was the significance of Cnut's rule in England?

  He brought peace and established a North Sea Empire
• How did Cnut maintain control over England?

  By using a mix of Danish and Anglo-Saxon noblemen
• What relationships did Cnut establish to raise England's prestige?

  Good relationships with European rulers and Church leaders
• What did Cnut do after inheriting Denmark and Norway?

  He established a large North Sea Empire
• What was the significance of the Danelaw and its impact on Anglo-Saxon culture?

  • Established a boundary between Viking and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms
  • Introduced Viking customs, place names, and language
  • Influenced trade and intermarriage between cultures
• What role did trade play between Wessex and the Danelaw?

  • Facilitated economic interaction
  • Allowed for cultural exchange
  • Strengthened ties between Anglo-Saxons and Danes
• How did Viking customs influence place names in England?

  • Many places retain Viking-derived names
  • Reflects the integration of Viking culture into English society
  • Evidence of historical Viking settlements
• What were the relationship dynamics between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes post-settlement?

  • Lived peacefully side-by-side
  • Engaged in trade and intermarriage
  • Shared cultural influences
• What was the political landscape of England after Alfred's death and the rise of Athelstan?

  • Gradual recapture of Danelaw territories
  • Athelstan's claim as the first 'King of England'
  • Continued Viking influence in the region
• What were the implications of Aethelred's strategies on the economy of England?

  • Heavy taxation to pay Danegeld
  • Economic strain on the populace
  • Attempt to maintain peace through financial means
• What were the consequences of the St Brice’s Day Massacre on Anglo-Danish relations?

  • Provoked Viking retaliation
  • Led to Sweyn Forkbeard's invasion
  • Increased tensions between Danes and Anglo-Saxons
• What was the legacy of Cnut's rule in shaping medieval England?

  • Established peace and stability
  • Integrated Danish and Anglo-Saxon governance
  • Expanded England's influence in Europe