the creation of the state
the heptarchy
after the Anglo-saxons invasion britain was divided into local kingdoms with its king.
in the 7 century 7 main kingdoms developed -> heptrchy
the 3 largest kingdoms Northumbria, Mercia and Wessex-> most powerful
the vikings
between 8 and 9 centuries the Vikings arrived -> new enemies
came from Norway, Swedenand and Denmark
attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne in 793 and settled in Britain
from Alfred the Great to Athelstan
King Alred of Wessex reunited britain against Vikings
won back the occupied territories, reorganise the army, built a fleet ad established fortified towns
importance to religion and "the Anglosaxons Chronicle"
with Mercia the kingdm of ango-saxons was created, Alfred dreamed of building a local organisation, towns, coinage and law. promotion of learning and literacy
Edward was a leader and extended the power to the Midlands and Easrìt Anglia. His son Athelstan conquered Northumbria, was defined the father of the english state and established a royal authority, law and coinage.
viking kings
viking violence returned and the policy of Danegeld was practised-> protection money paid in return for being left alone
Archibishop was murdered-> his son Canute became the ruler of a North sea empire (denmark norway and england)> peace
Canute died-> Edward the confessor, who gave importance to the religion and built Westmister Abbey
Edward died and his brother-in-law Harold II was crowned( last king of England)
the norman conquest
settled in northern France and led by the Duke William, he claimed that Edward promised him the throne
William invaded Britain and defeated Harold II-> the battle of Hastings !066
the normans used archers and mounted warriors, Harold used foot soldiers
Harold died by being hit in the eye with an arrow and after the English were overcome
normans conquest unified the country under a monarchy
He was crowned William I on Christmas im Westmister abbey