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

Alfred the Great defeated the "Great Heathen Army" under Guthrum, saving the Kingdom of Wessex from total conquest.

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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Battle of Edington (878) | ExploreHistory