History 1

What does “Witan” refer to in the passage?

• • A type of army

• • A meeting of nobles and advisors

• • A royal city

• • A king’s official title

Which two kings strengthened Mercia in the 8th century?

• • Egbert and Alfred

• • Ethelbald and Offa

• • Northumbrian and Wessex

• • Wessex and Mercia

What event caused the fall of Mercia’s power?

• • The building of the dyke

• • The rise of Northumbria

• • The death of Offa

• • The attack by Vikings

According to Bede’s History, the kings of Northumbria were described as:

• Fierce warriors
  

• 
  Peace-loving and saintly

• 
  Wealthy and greedy
  

• 
  Powerful and cruel
  

Beowulf gives us a different view of kings. It shows them as:

• Gentle and wise rulers
  

• 
  Surrounded by monks and priests
  

• 
  Earthly warriors surrounded by thanes
  

• 
  Always at peace with others
  

What was considered most valuable for a thane to receive from the king?

• Land
  

• helmet
  
  

• Horses

• 
  Jewelry
  

What kind of items were found in the Sutton Hoo ship burial?

• Wooden furniture and food
  

• 
  Weapons and treasures from faraway lands
  

• 
  Books and scrolls

• 
  Clothes and shoes
  

Which of the following best describes a thane's duty to his king?

• To write laws and pray

• 
  To collect taxes from the people
  

• 
  To be loyal and protect the king, even with his life
  

• 
  To decorate the king’s hall
  

What did thanes expect in return for their service?
A. Fame and popularity
B. A place in the church
C. Food, drink, gifts, and weapons
D. A role as a poet
→ Answer: C

• Fame and popularity
  

• 
  A place in the church
  

• 
  Food, drink, gifts, and weapons
  

• 
  A role as a poet
  

What was the Witan?

• 
  A royal festival
  

• 
  The king’s army
  

• 
  A secret council of spies
  

• 
  A wise men’s assembly for making decisions