Hail Caesar Saxon Kings - 9th Century
Aella of Northumbria was a king who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria during the mid-9th century. His reign is most notable for his conflicts with Viking invaders. Aella is remembered in historical and legendary sources for his role in the events surrounding the famous Viking invasion led by the Great Heathen Army in 865.
According to legend, Aella captured and killed the Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok by throwing him into a pit of snakes. This act provoked a significant retaliatory invasion by Ragnar's sons, including the famous Viking leaders Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan Ragnarsson. In 867, Aella was defeated and captured by these Viking forces. The sagas recount that he was subjected to a brutal execution known as the "blood eagle" as revenge for Ragnar's death.
Aella's historical and legendary roles highlight the intense struggles between the Anglo-Saxons and Viking invaders during this turbulent period in Northumbria's history. His death marked a significant moment in the Viking conquest of England, leading to the establishment of the Viking-controlled territory known as the Danelaw.
Alfred the Great was an Anglo-Saxon king who ruled Wessex from 871 to 899. He is renowned for his military, legal, and educational reforms, as well as for defending his kingdom against Viking invasions. Ascending to the throne during a time of intense Viking aggression, Alfred successfully defended Wessex, most notably at the Battle of Edington in 878, where he defeated the Viking leader Guthrum and negotiated a peace treaty.
Alfred is credited with reorganizing the military, establishing a network of fortified towns (burhs), and creating a navy to protect against Viking raids. He also promoted education and literacy, commissioning the translation of important Latin texts into Old English and encouraging the learning of both secular and religious knowledge.
His legal reforms included the codification of laws that combined traditional Anglo-Saxon practices with Christian principles. Alfred's reign laid the foundation for the eventual unification of England, and he is celebrated as one of England's greatest and most enlightened rulers. His legacy includes the title "the Great," reflecting his significant contributions to the development of the English nation.
Athelstan, who reigned from 924 to 939, was the first king to effectively rule a unified England. He was the grandson of Alfred the Great and the son of King Edward the Elder. Athelstan is best known for his military successes, particularly the decisive Battle of Brunanburh in 937, where he defeated an alliance of Scots, Vikings, and Strathclyde Britons, securing his dominance over the British Isles.
Athelstan's reign was marked by significant administrative and legal reforms. He strengthened royal control over the kingdom, promoted Christianity, and supported monastic communities. He also issued a series of legal codes that helped to consolidate and standardize laws across England, reflecting his vision of a unified and orderly realm.
Additionally, Athelstan was a patron of art and culture, fostering connections with European courts and enhancing England's cultural and diplomatic standing. His effective governance and military prowess earned him a lasting legacy as one of England's most important early medieval kings.
A new Saxon king sits on the throne with only one goal in sight, conquering the known world.
This blister pack contains 3 Saxon Kings from the 9th century.
