King Ecgberht of Wessex: The Father of England

Following the Anglo-Saxon conquest of England in the 5th century, four significant kingdoms emerged: Northumbria, Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. Ecgberht, son of Ealhmund, King of Kent, hailed from a minor yet prosperous kingdom.

In the 8th century, King Offa of Mercia sought dominance through expansion, aspiring to make Mercia the leading kingdom in England. During this era, Anglo-Saxon kings competed for the esteemed title of Bretwalda, signifying overlordship over other kingdoms.

Ultimately, King Ecgberht of Wessex achieved the title of Bretwalda, paving the way for his lineage to ascend the throne of Wessex. However, after his death, the looming threat of Viking invasions became a more serious concern, overshadowing internal conflicts.

00:00 King Offa & Mercia's Dominion

04:49 Ecgberht's Rise to Power

07:02 The Battle of Ellendun

10:20 Ecgberht's Reign

15:02 The Threat of the Vikings

00:00: King Offa & Mercia's Dominion
04:49: Ecgberht's Rise to Power
07:02: The Battle of Ellendun
10:20: Ecgberht's Reign
15:02: The Threat of the Vikings

#Ecgberht #Wessex #Bretwalda #Anglo-Saxon #Mercia #Vikings #KingOffa #Ellendun #medievalhistory



See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/67f926c53496f926e171df39

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