All Battles

Battle of Edington

878 • Wessex Feldschlacht
The Memorial to the Battle of Ethandun is a sarsen stone standing in a corner of the public recreation area adjacent to Bratton Castle

The Memorial to the Battle of Ethandun is a sarsen stone standing in a corner of the public recreation area adjacent to Bratton Castle

Author: Trish SteelLicense:CC-BY-SA-4.0
Source
Charles Dudley Tennant - After the Battle of Ethandun (Edington), 878

Charles Dudley Tennant - After the Battle of Ethandun (Edington), 878

Author: Creator:Charles Dudley TennantLicense:PD
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Edington or Battle of Ethandun was fought in May 878 between the West Saxon army of King Alfred the Great and the Great Heathen Army led by the Danish warlord Guthrum. The battle took place near Edington in Wiltshire, where Alfred secured a decisive victory that halted the Viking advance into Wessex.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Decisive victory for Wessex; establishment of the Danelaw.

Kingdom of Wessex

  • Commander: Alfred der Große
  • Strength: ca. 4.000 - 6.000 Mann
  • Casualties: Moderat

Great Heathen Army

  • Commander: Guthrum
  • Strength: ca. 5.000 Mann
  • Casualties: Hoch

Strategic Context

Survival struggle of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms against permanent Danish settlement.

Conflict / War

Viking Invasions

Viking victory; shockwave through the Christian world.

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Historical Locations

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