The Viking Invasion and the Great Heathen Army

Context and Background

• Year: 865 AD
• Event: Viking ships arrive on the shores of East Anglia.
  • No longer a mere raid; this is the arrival of the Great Heathen Army.
  • Motivation: Driven by crop failures and political instability in Scandinavia, seeking farmland, not treasure.

Initial Conquests

• The Great Heathen Army topples thrones and slays kings in Britain.
• Of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, only Wessex remains after a decade.

Key Figures

• Halfdan: Leader of the Great Heathen Army, settles around York.
• Alfred: Young King of Wessex who previously paid Danegeld to avoid invasion.
• Guthrum: Another king of the Viking army, seeks his own kingdom.

The Strategic Moves

Guthrum's Tactics

• Invasion of Wessex: Midwinter march to Wareham, avoiding detection.

  • Goal: Make Wareham a beachhead.
  • Alfred's Reaction: Raises the fyrd and besieges Wareham.

• Negotiation and Betrayal

  • Alfred negotiates a deal; Guthrum swears on holy relics and arm ring.
  • Guthrum breaks his vow, moves to Exeter, gains new provisions.

Stalemates and Negotiations

• Alfred offers negotiations as supplies dwindle for Guthrum.
• Guthrum agrees to terms as his fleet is lost in fog.

Guthrum's Surprise Attack

• Guthrum launches a surprise attack at Chippenham during Christmas celebrations.
  • Forces Alfred to retreat to the Somerset marshes.
  • Guthrum bribes noblemen and exploits cultural knowledge of Wessex.

The Resurgence of Alfred

• Insurgencies and guerrilla tactics by Anglo-Saxons.
• Alfred's reputation grows as stories of his leadership spread.

Battle of Edington

• Wessex Army: Larger numbers and desperation drive them.
• Outcome: Danish forces break; Guthrum retreats to Chippenham.

Final Negotiations and Peace

• Guthrum's Conversion: Agrees to Christian baptism, becomes Æthelstan.
  • Alfred is his godfather; celebrates with a feast.
  • Guthrum swears not to return to Wessex and rules East Anglia.

The Danelaw

• Establishes a boundary between Danish and Saxon territories.
• Danelaw becomes a significant part of England's history.

Legacy

• This period marks a pivotal change in English history, setting up future political landscapes.

Additional Resources

• Thrones of Britannia: A strategy game set in this time period, offering players a chance to experience these historical events.