The Battles That Created England 793-1100: How Alfred and his Successors Defeated the Vikings to Unite the Kingdoms

The warfare of the Early Middle Ages was more complex than commonly imagined, with the Saxon kingdoms uniting their forces to resist the Viking incursions. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles provide a primary source of information, but the era witnessed brutal hand-to-hand battles and sophisticated strategies. The warriors of the era were experienced fighters, and the bloody slaughter of battle played a significant role in forming the English nation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The warfare of the Early Middle Ages is often shrouded in obscurity, lacking structure and imagination, often lost amidst the clash of two formidable military machines, the Romans and the Normans. However, the reality is far more intricate and nuanced. We possess a wealth of information that allows us to paint a more comprehensive picture. What emerges is a tale of English resilience in the face of overwhelming societal pressures, ultimately uniting the older kingdoms in new external responses that forged a common sense of purpose. This is the story of how the Saxon kingdoms, having maintained their independence for generations, were compelled to unite their forces to resist the external threat posed by the Viking incursions.

Gradually, the kingdoms of East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria, Kent, Essex, Sussex, and Wessex amalgamated into a single entity as Wessex emerged as the dominant Saxon kingdom. This era witnessed a remarkable transformation, from the weak thelred to the formidable Alfred, rightly earning the epithet "Great." Alfred's reign was marked by strategic brilliance and the deployment of complex tactics, showcasing the skill and expertise of the warriors of the time.

While the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, our primary source, may lack a seamless narrative and leave much to the imagination, they provide a rich tapestry of information. By complementing this narrative with a comprehensive matrix of landscapes, topography, and communications, we can create a convincing backdrop for other archaeological and philological evidence. This allows us to piece together a more complete and vivid picture of the era, shedding light on the strategies, tactics, and bravery of the warriors who fought in the battles of the Early Middle Ages.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399087988