Battle of Ashdown: The Viking Invasions

The transcript details the Viking invasions of Britain, focusing on the Battle of Ashdown and the rise of Wessex under King Egbert. It covers the Great Heathen Army's conquests, including the fall of Northumbria and battles in Mercia and East Anglia. The narrative highlights key figures like Alfred and Ethelred, their struggles against Viking forces, and the eventual rise of Alfred as king after Ethelred's death.

What was the strategic formation of the Viking army during the Battle of Ashdown?

• A single unified force

• A scattered guerrilla approach

• Two divisions under different commanders

• Three separate battalions

What was a significant factor that made monasteries attractive targets for Viking raids?

• Their strategic military importance

• Their vast wealth and lack of defenses

• Their large populations

• Their advanced weaponry

Who was the leader that managed to break the Mercian hegemony over southern England?

• King Ethelred

• King Osbert

• King Alfred

• King Egbert

What was the primary goal of the Great Heathen Army when they arrived in England?

• To explore new territories

• To establish trade routes

• To conquer and settle

• To form alliances with local kings

How did King Bergred of Mercia initially respond to the Viking threat?

• He launched a preemptive strike

• He formed an alliance with the Vikings

• He fortified his cities

• He sought help from neighboring kingdoms

What was the outcome of the siege of Nottingham?

• The Vikings retreated after a peace agreement

• The Vikings were defeated and captured

• The siege ended in a stalemate

• The Vikings conquered the city

What strategic advantage did Reading offer to the Viking forces?

• It had a large Viking population

• It was located at the confluence of two rivers

• It was a heavily fortified city

• It was the capital of Wessex

What was the significant event that occurred after the Battle of Ashdown?

• King Ethelred was mortally wounded

• The Vikings retreated to Scandinavia

• A peace treaty was signed

• The Saxons surrendered to the Vikings

Who succeeded King Ethelred after his death?

• King Egbert

• King Osbert

• King Alfred

• King Bergred

What was the fate of King Edmund of East Anglia during the Viking invasion?

• He successfully defended his kingdom

• He was captured and tortured

• He fled to another kingdom

• He formed an alliance with the Vikings