Alfred the Great and Athelstan, the Kings that made England (ALL PARTS-ALL BATTLES) FULL DOCUMENTARY

The paragraph describes the historical context and events leading up to the Battle of Ashdown in January 871. It details the Viking invasion of England, the strategic division of their forces, and the leadership of the Saxon brothers, King Æthelred and Alfred. The Vikings, confident in their experienced warriors, advanced swiftly against the Wessex army. Alfred led his division to confront the Vikings, while Æthelred remained in command on the Saxon left. The battle was a significant event in the mid-ninth century, as Britain was frequently targeted by Viking incursions. The Vikings' familiarity with Britain's wealth and the lack of defense in the monasteries made them prime targets. The paragraph also touches on the earlier Viking attacks and the formation of the Great Heathen Army, setting the stage for the conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings.

This paragraph continues the narrative of the Viking invasions, focusing on the fall of the Kingdom of Northumbria and the siege of Nottingham. The Viking forces, led by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, demanded horses and payment from the Kingdom of East Anglia, and then proceeded to York, where the ruling elite were engaged in internal conflict. The Vikings' victory at York led to the death of King Osbert and Aelle. The paragraph also describes the siege of Nottingham by the Great Heathen Army and the subsequent alliance between the West Saxons and Mercians, led by King Burgred, who was related to the Saxon brothers through marriage. Despite the initial resistance, Burgred eventually made peace with the Vikings, allowing them to continue their conquest.

The paragraph recounts the defiance of King Edmund of East Anglia against the Viking invaders, led by Ivar. Despite being outnumbered and facing a two-pronged invasion, Edmund demanded that Ivar convert to Christianity before submitting. Ivar refused, leading to a Viking victory and the martyrdom of King Edmund. The paragraph also discusses the impact of the Viking invasions on the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, with Northumbria and Mercia falling to the invaders, and Wessex remaining the last stronghold. The Viking leader Ivar shifts his focus north, leaving the Great Heathen Army under the command of Halfdan and Bagsegc, who continue their advance into Berkshire, targeting Reading.

This paragraph details the Battle of Reading, where the West Saxon brothers, Æthelred and Alfred, faced off against the Viking forces led by Halfdan and Bagsegc. Despite the initial success of the Vikings in taking Reading, the West Saxons managed to defeat a part of the Viking army in an ambush. The paragraph then describes the subsequent battles, including the West Saxons' victory at Ashdown and their defeats at Basing and Merton. The narrative culminates in the death of King Æthelred and the ascension of Alfred to the throne, who would later become known as Alfred the Great, the defender of Wessex and a unifying figure in English history.

The paragraph narrates the challenges faced by King Alfred after his brother's death, including the Viking occupation of Wessex and a surprise attack during the Christmas celebrations at Chippenham. Alfred's subsequent exile in the marshes of Somerset is described, along with his efforts to gather support and resist the Vikings. The turning point comes with the Battle of Edington, where Alfred's forces confront the Viking army led by Guthrum. Despite the odds, Alfred's army prevails, leading to Guthrum's surrender and conversion to Christianity. This victory marks a significant moment in the defense of Wessex and the beginning of Alfred's legacy as a great king.

The paragraph discusses the aftermath of Alfred's victory at Edington, including the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum, which divided Mercia between Danish and West Saxon spheres. It highlights Alfred's strategic approach to governance, recognizing the value of a reformed ally over a defeated enemy. The narrative then shifts to the reign of Alfred's successors, Edward the Elder and Æthelflæd, who continued to expand the kingdom. The paragraph culminates in the reign of Æthelstan, who claimed the title 'King of the English' and solidified the unity of England through his military and political successes, including the decisive Battle of Brunanburh in 937.

This paragraph delves into the reign of Æthelstan, emphasizing his military prowess and wise domestic统治. Æthelstan's successful campaigns, including the expulsion of the Cornish from Exeter and the fortification of its walls, are highlighted. His establishment of a border at the Tamar and his assertive stance in Wales and Scotland are noted. The paragraph also underscores Æthelstan's cosmopolitan court, with its prestigious marriages and diplomatic ties to European courts, including the Carolingian dynasty. Æthelstan's legal reforms and church foundations further solidify his legacy as a wise ruler who contributed to the unification and cultural enrichment of England.

The paragraph focuses on the Battle of Brunanburh, a pivotal conflict that determined the future of England. It describes the formation of a coalition against Æthelstan by Constantine II of Alba, Owain of Strathclyde, and Olaf of Dublin, and their invasion of northern England. The battle, though its exact location is unknown, resulted in a decisive victory for Æthelstan, effectively settling the matter of a unified England. The paragraph also discusses the implications of the battle, suggesting that had the coalition triumphed, it could have led to the fragmentation of England. Instead, Æthelstan's victory ensured the continuation of a unified English kingdom, which would endure until the Danish conquest and beyond.

The final paragraph serves as a closing note, directing viewers to additional historical content on the channel, specifically about the battles of Assandun and Hastings. These battles are presented as significant events in the history of England, with the former leading to a renewed Danish conquest and the latter resulting in the Norman Conquest of England by William the Conqueror. The paragraph invites viewers to explore these events further through the provided links, thus encouraging continued engagement with the historical narratives presented.