Aethelstan’s primary goal was to bring these fragmented territories together under one rule, effectively creating a unified English kingdom. To achieve this, he engaged in a series of military campaigns against Viking-controlled territories, notably defeating the Vikings in the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD. This battle was a decisive victory for Aethelstan, securing his dominance over the northern territories and cementing his reputation as a powerful and capable leader.
In the aftermath of the battle, Aethelstan extended his influence to the northern kingdom of Northumbria and the kingdom of Mercia. He also managed to secure the allegiance of other regional rulers through both military conquest and diplomacy. His reign saw the Kingdom of England expand to include all the territories that had once been separate Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. By the time of his death in 939 AD, Aethelstan had achieved his aim of uniting England under one crown.
Domestic and Foreign Policy
Aethelstan was not just a conqueror; he was also a visionary ruler who sought to strengthen his kingdom through reforms and alliances. Domestically, he worked to consolidate power and foster loyalty among the Anglo-Saxon nobility. He was known for his support of the Church and for enacting laws that reflected his strong Christian values. His legal code, known as the Aethelstan Code, was one of the most comprehensive of its time, addressing issues such as land ownership, inheritance, and the treatment of slaves.
In terms of foreign policy, Aethelstan was astute and diplomatic. He formed alliances with various rulers across Europe, including King Louis IV of France and the rulers of Scotland and Wales. His marriage proposals were often used as a tool for cementing these alliances. Aethelstan also sought to curb the power of the Vikings in the British Isles and worked to assert English control over the Celtic regions to the north and west. shutdown123