Had Alfred lost at Edington, the outcome for Wessex and the rest of England would likely have been disastrous. There are several key consequences to consider: The Fall of Wessex If Alfred had been defeated at Edington, Wessex might have fallen into Viking hands, as had much of the rest of England. This would have marked the end of Alfred's reign
What If Alfred the Great Had Lost to the Vikings at the Battle of Edington?
The Battle of Edington, fought in 878 AD, is one of the most pivotal moments in the history of Anglo-Saxon England. It was here that King Alfred the Great of Wessex achieved a decisive victory over the Viking Great Army, led by Guthrum, a Danish warlord. This victory was instrumental in Alfred's eventual success in defending England against the Vik
Trade and Bartering
In an era before the widespread use of currency, trade was often conducted through barter. Survival was sometimes contingent on the ability to trade goods and services with neighboring villages or distant lands. Local Markets: Villagers often participated in local markets, where they could exchange food, livestock, and other goods for items the
Maintaining Social and Religious Networks
In the early medieval period, survival was also about relationships and community. The role of religion and local governance played a central part in ensuring safety, resources, and cohesion in society. Monastic Communities: Monasteries played a key role in preserving knowledge and offering refuge. Monks and nuns were often some of the most edu