Æthelstan’s most significant accomplishment was his recognition as the first King of all England. By 927, he had defeated rival kings and established himself as the ruler of both the Saxons and the Viking kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia. His military victories, most notably the Battle of Brunanburh in 937, where he decisively defeated a coalition of Scots, Irish, and Vikings, were crucial in solidifying his power. Æthelstan’s success at Brunanburh, in particular, ensured the dominance of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom and demonstrated the unification of the English under one monarch.
In addition to his military successes, Æthelstan implemented a series of legal reforms that built upon the groundwork laid by Alfred. His reign is often seen as a golden age of Anglo-Saxon culture, where he promoted learning, diplomacy, and trade. Æthelstan’s coinage, a symbol of his authority, was used throughout England and even extended beyond its borders, a testament to his influence.
Moreover, Æthelstan’s foreign policy was instrumental in ensuring the stability of his reign. He established diplomatic relations with other European powers, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of France, further cementing his status as a powerful ruler in the wider European context.
Would Æthelstan Have Been Greater Than Alfred?
Considering the legacies of both Alfred the Great and Æthelstan, it is clear that each king left a unique imprint on English history. However, one must ask: if Alfred had not laid the groundwork for his successors, would Æthelstan have been able to achieve such greatness?
Alfred's importance cannot be overstated. He held the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms together during a time of intense external pressure and internal strife. His military reforms, cultural contributions, and legal innovations created a strong foundation for his successors. Æthelstan certainly inherited a kingdom in a better position than Alfred had, but he did not have to confront the same existential threats from Viking invasions that Alfred faced. Æthelstan’s victories, while remarkable, were often the result of a united England that Alfred had worked tirelessly to build.
In terms of military achievements, Æthelstan’s victory at Brunanburh was one of the greatest in Anglo-Saxon history, but it is worth noting that Alfred had already weakened the Viking forces, making Æthelstan’s campaigns more successful. Additionally, Æthelstan’s reign benefited from the political stability Alfred had created, which gave him the time and resources to focus on broader issues of governance and expansion.
Nevertheless, Æthelstan did achieve something his grandfather Alfred could not: the unification of England under one king. In many ways, Æthelstan’s reign can be seen as the fruition of Alfred’s long-term vision, and he is often regarded as the true unifier of England. He had the advantage of being able to expand his kingdom without the constant threat of Viking invasion, something Alfred could only have dreamed of.
Conclusion
Alfred the Great and Æthelstan were both great monarchs, but their greatness was achieved under different circumstances. Alfred laid the foundation for Anglo-Saxon unity, establishing a resilient kingdom capable of withstanding Viking invasions. Æthelstan, on the other hand, was able to capitalize on the stability and unity that Alfred had created, extending the boundaries of England and securing its dominance in Britain.
While it is tempting to wonder if Æthelstan could have been even greater than Alfred, it is important to remember that his success was largely built on the achievements of his grandfather. In a sense, Æthelstan’s greatness was the natural progression of Alfred’s work. Therefore, it could be said that Alfred was the one who truly set the stage for Æthelstan's success, making it unlikely that Æthelstan could have been greater without the groundwork laid by Alfred the Great. shutdown123