Alfred the Great: War, Kingship and Culture in Anglo-Saxon England

Imagine a land once vibrant with Roman civilization, its towns bustling, roads connecting cities, and armies securing peace. Yet, within a single lifetime, this grandeur collapsed. The withdrawal of Roman legions left Britain exposed, its economy faltering, towns abandoned, and people left to fend for themselves. This dramatic unraveling was not sudden but marked by years of mounting challenges, including barbarian raids and political turmoil. Among the most vivid symbols of this chaos is a treasure hoard buried in the early 5th century, containing thousands of silver coins and exquisite gold jewelry, carefully packed in wooden boxes and hidden underground. This hoard, never reclaimed, tells a story of fear and hope — fear of invasion and loss, hope for eventual safety and restoration.

The Romans had maintained order with well-equipped armies and infrastructure, but as their presence waned, so too did the stability. Coastal forts once manned by thousands became vulnerable. Saxon raiders, initially hired as mercenaries to fight northern enemies, soon turned their weapons against their British hosts, demanding land and tribute. Their arrival was not a simple invasion but a complex process of settlement and cultural transformation, marked by both conflict and coexistence.

Archaeological evidence reveals two distinct zones of Saxon influence in eastern Britain, with differing burial customs and artistic styles, suggesting a nuanced mosaic of identities. This period was one of fluidity and uncertainty, where old Roman ways faded and new powers emerged. It was a time when the old world was gone, and the new was yet to be fully born.

As we leave behind the ruins and treasures, we step into a world where kings rise from the ashes, shaping the future of England. Let us now explore how these early rulers forged kingdoms amid chaos and opportunity.