Alfred the great vikings

How did alfred the great die

An educated and cultured man, he fought Viking invaders to secure greater security and a sense of identity for Anglo-Saxon England. In his early reign, he was defeated by the Vikings and forced to escape into the marshes of Somerset. However, from this abject poverty, he reformed his army and defeated the Vikings. Alfred proceeded to organise his kingdom with strong defences and good administration.

He encouraged greater education and began writing official documents in English. Alfred was the first Anglo-Saxon leader to provide effective opposition to the Vikings and from him, we can see the early formation of England. Alfred was born in Wantage, Oxfordshire around As a young boy, he was sent on a pilgrimage to Rome, where he had an audience with the Pope.

He was blessed by the Pope, an important sign for his legitimacy to be a ruler. As a child, Alfred was of frail physical health — he suffered from a painful condition known as piles. However, he was noted for his piety and interest in learning. One story states he won a book of poetry from his mother after he successfully memorised all the poems on the book.

10 facts about alfred the great

From the age of 16, Alfred was given a prominent position in contributing to the defence of the kingdom of Wessex against Viking invaders. At the time, the Anglo-Saxons were very fearful of the Viking invaders who had proved almost unstoppable in their frequent raids into England. They had also established a base in York. From Alfred was involved in battles and skirmishes against Viking invaders.

But, almost immediately, the kingdom came under further attack from a rampaging Viking army or Great Heathen Army as it was known to the Anglo-Saxons Given his lack of military strength, Alfred sued for a temporary peace and paid off the Vikings known as Danegeld to retreat for the winter.