Migration, Empire's and people - Conquered and Conquerors Flashcards
(69 cards)
What was Britain like before the AD790s?
Britain was settled by immigrants since around 500,000 years ago, starting as hunter-gatherers.
Farming began c4000BC with new settlers clearing land and building homes.
The Celts and Beaker People arrived 500–43BC, farming and merging with earlier populations.
Who were the Romans and what did they do in Britain?
Romans invaded in AD43, conquering most tribes and making Britain part of the Roman Empire.
They ruled for over 400 years, building roads, towns, and spreading Roman culture.
In AD401, Romans withdrew to defend Italy, leaving Britain vulnerable to invasion.
Who were the Anglo-Saxons and how did they shape Britain?
From AD401, tribes from Denmark and Germany (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) invaded.
They formed Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, farming and fighting for land; Cornwall, Wales, and the north resisted.
By AD800, many had converted to Christianity; trade and wealth increased.
Who were the Vikings?
Scandinavian raiders (from Norway, Denmark, Sweden) active from the mid-700s.
Known for long-distance travel by sea and land — reached Britain, France, and even America.
Called “Northmen” or “Vikings”; expert sailors and fierce warriors.
When and why did the Vikings begin attacking Britain?
First major raid: Lindisfarne Monastery, AD793; followed by Iona in AD795.
Vikings knew of Britain’s wealth from trade with Anglo-Saxons.
Initial attacks were summer coastal raids, stealing gold, silver, livestock, and enslaving people.
How did Viking attacks change over time?
Started as summer raids by sea; later used rivers to strike inland.
Began staying longer, building camps, and sometimes settling permanently.
Targeted wealthy monasteries and towns, exploiting local divisions.
What were the long-term impacts of Viking and earlier invasions on Britain?
Introduced new cultures, languages, and customs that merged with native ones.
Led to shifting control over Britain — Roman, Anglo-Saxon, then Viking influence.
Set foundations for future kingdoms and British identity.
Why did Vikings settle in Britain rather than stay in Scandinavia?
Norway was too mountainous and Denmark’s soil was poor for farming.
Overcrowding and inheritance laws (only eldest sons got land) pushed young men to seek fortune abroad.
Britain had fertile land, wealth, and trade opportunities.
What was the Viking impact on Britain by 870?
Vikings captured York in 866 and soon controlled Northumbria, East Anglia, and most of Mercia.
They built fortified camps and settled, not just raiding.
Brought distinct laws, farming methods, and Norse culture.
What happened when Vikings attacked Wessex?
In 871, Alfred became King of Wessex at age 22.
By 878, after initial defeats and retreat to Athelney marshes, he rallied and won at the Battle of Edington.
Viking leader Guthrum was forced to convert to Christianity and agree to peace.
What was the Danelaw and its significance?
Area of Viking control in the north and east, agreed after Edington in 878.
Introduced Viking customs, law, and language — still seen in place names (‘by’, ‘thorpe’) and words like “egg” or “happy”.
Allowed relative peace and coexistence between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons
What made Alfred ‘the Great’?
Defeated the Vikings and secured peace via the Treaty of Wedmore (878).
Reformed law, promoted literacy, and translated Latin texts to English.
Built a network of burhs (fortresses) from the 880s, boosting defence and confidence.
How did Alfred strengthen Wessex against future Viking attacks?
Built fortified burhs and upgraded old Roman towns like Oxford.
Created a defensive grid across Wessex, ready for both defence and attack.
His stronghold system discouraged further Viking invasions.
How did Alfred influence later kings and England’s unity?
Became acknowledged overlord of other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Encouraged a shared identity — people began calling themselves Angelynn (the English).
His grandson Athelstan (927) united England; great-grandson Edgar (959) ruled a peaceful, stable realm.
What were the long-term effects of Alfred’s reign?
Peaceful co-existence and trade grew between the Danelaw and Wessex.
Intermarriage and cultural exchange created a more unified England.
Alfred’s legacy helped shape England’s monarchy and national identity.
What happened after King Edgar the Peaceful died in 975?
Left two sons: Edward (12) and Aethelred (9).
Edward became king but was murdered in 978, likely by Aethelred’s supporters.
Aethelred took the throne but was young, poorly advised, and unpopular.
Why was Aethelred known as ‘the Unready’?
Not about speed — from Old English ‘unraed’, meaning ‘poorly advised’.
His advisers were corrupt, and his decisions often weakened England.
What was the Viking threat during Aethelred’s reign?
991: Massive Viking army (Sven Forkbeard & Olaf Tryggvason) defeated English at the Battle of Maldon.
Aethelred paid Danegeld (protection money) to stop attacks.
Raids continued — some Vikings stayed as mercenaries; others kept attacking the south coast.
What was the St Brice’s Day Massacre (1002)?
Aethelred ordered mass killings of Vikings south of the Danelaw.
Included the murder of Gunhilda, sister of Sven Forkbeard.
Sparked revenge invasion from Sven.
Why did Aethelred marry Emma of Normandy in 1002?
To ally with Normandy and stop Vikings from using it as a base.
Emma brought Norman support and royal status; their son would be Edward the Confessor.
Who was Sven Forkbeard and what did he do in 1013?
King of Denmark, seeking revenge and wealth.
In 1000, defeated Olaf Tryggvason (former ally) at Svold.
In 1013, invaded with a huge army and conquered England.
Who was Emma of Normandy and why was she important?
Married both Aethelred and later King Cnut.
Mother to Edward the Confessor and Harthacnut.
Helped Cnut build the North Sea Empire through her land, connections, and diplomacy.
What was the significance of England in the North Sea Empire?
Rich and strategically located — strengthened Cnut’s power over Denmark and Norway.
Through Emma, Cnut gained ties to Normandy and Western Europe.
England became a core part of his wider Viking empire.
What happened after Sven Forkbeard’s death in 1014?
His son Cnut became king, but Anglo-Saxon nobles restored Aethelred to the throne.
Cnut was forced back to Denmark, but fighting continued.
