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Saxons in Wessex
Contributed by: Barrett
  • 1. The Saxons in Wessex played a crucial role in shaping the early medieval history of England, particularly during the tumultuous period following the decline of Roman rule. Emerging from the Germanic tribes that invaded Britain in the 5th century, the Saxons established themselves as a dominant force in the southern part of the island. Wessex, one of the key Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, became a center of power and culture, under the leadership of notable kings such as Æthelwulf and his grandson Alfred the Great. This region not only witnessed the consolidation of Saxon political authority but also served as a crucible for the emergence of a distinct Anglo-Saxon identity, characterized by its unique language, legal systems, and religious practices. The Saxons in Wessex were known for their fierce resistance against Viking invasions during the late 8th and 9th centuries, with Alfred's tactical innovations and diplomatic acumen laying the groundwork for the eventual unification of England. The rich tapestry of Saxon life in Wessex—marked by agricultural practices, craftsmanship, and the establishment of monasteries—reflected a society that valued both warfare and the written word. The legacy of the Saxons in Wessex is thus interwoven with the broader narrative of English history, illustrating their vital contribution to the formation of England as we know it today, while their cultural and linguistic influences can still be seen in modern Britain.

    Which king of Wessex is known for his victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Edington?
A) Aethelstan
B) Eadred
C) Alfred the Great
D) Aethelwulf
  • 2. What was the capital of Wessex during the Anglo-Saxon period?
A) Exeter
B) London
C) Winchester
D) York
  • 3. Which event marked the end of the Wessex kingdom as an independent entity?
A) The War of the Roses
B) The Norman Conquest
C) The Danish Invasions
D) The Scottish Wars of Independence
  • 4. Who succeeded Alfred the Great as the King of Wessex?
A) Aethelweard
B) Athelstan
C) Eadwig
D) Edward the Elder
  • 5. What was the name of the treaty that defined the boundaries between Wessex and the Danelaw?
A) Treaty of Wedmore
B) Treaty of Eamont Bridge
C) Treaty of Kingston
D) Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum
  • 6. What is the name of the West Saxon code of laws instituted during the reign of Alfred the Great?
A) Halych
B) Lombardis
C) Domboc
D) Salic Law
  • 7. Who led the Viking army that Alfred the Great fought at the Battle of Ethandun?
A) Ubbe
B) Guthrum
C) Halfdan Ragnarsson
D) Ivar the Boneless
  • 8. Which of the following Wessex rulers was known for converting to Christianity?
A) Cerdic
B) Cynegils
C) Cynric
D) Ceawlin
  • 9. What was the predominant religion in Wessex during the Anglo-Saxon period?
A) Islam
B) Christianity
C) Druidism
D) Norse Paganism
  • 10. Which language was commonly spoken in Wessex during the Anglo-Saxon period?
A) Latin
B) Old Norse
C) Norman French
D) Old English
  • 11. Who was the last Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex before the Norman Conquest?
A) Harold Godwinson
B) William the Conqueror
C) Edward the Confessor
D) Aethelred the Unready
  • 12. What was the name of the famous chronicler from Wessex who wrote the 'Vita Alfredi'?
A) Asser
B) Wace
C) Ælfric
D) Byrhtferth
  • 13. Where did the Saxons settle in Britain?
A) Cornwall
B) Yorkshire
C) Scotland
D) Wessex
  • 14. Who was the first King of Wessex?
A) Athelstan
B) Alfred the Great
C) Edward the Elder
D) Cerdic
  • 15. What year did the Saxons settle in Wessex?
A) 5th century
B) 20th century
C) 10th century
D) 15th century
  • 16. What was the main agricultural activity of the Saxons in Wessex?
A) Trading
B) Fishing
C) Farming
D) Mining
  • 17. What was the name of the Saxon chronicle that detailed the history of Wessex?
A) Domesday Book
B) Wessex Annals
C) Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
D) Doomsday Chronicle
  • 18. What was the title given to the ruler of Wessex before the term 'King' was used?
A) High Steward
B) Ealdorman
C) Emperor
D) Lord Protector
  • 19. In which century did the Anglo-Saxon era in Wessex end?
A) 11th century
B) 19th century
C) 8th century
D) 15th century
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