Background of Edward the Elder
Edward was born around 874 as the son of Alfred the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in English history. Alfred's reign was characterized by his efforts to defend Wessex from the Viking invasions that were ravaging England at the time. Edward inherited his father’s kingdom after Alfred's death in 899, and upon his ascension to the throne, he was faced with the daunting task of continuing his father’s legacy of resisting Viking occupation and uniting the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms under one rule.
Edward’s early reign was shaped by the ongoing Viking threat. The Viking armies had established themselves in the north and east of England, creating the Danelaw, an area of Viking control. Edward’s primary objective was to expand Wessex's influence and bring these Viking-controlled territories under Anglo-Saxon rule. Throughout his reign, he fought numerous battles and successfully reclaimed large areas of the kingdom from the Vikings, ensuring the survival of Wessex as the dominant force in England.
The Circumstances of Edward's Death
Edward the Elder died on July 17, 924, at the age of around 50. The exact cause of his death is not definitively known, and as with many medieval rulers, details surrounding his death are often shrouded in mystery. However, several factors surrounding his death have been discussed by historians.
Edward’s reign had been a series of continuous military campaigns against Viking invaders, and he had also been engaged in consolidating power in the southern part of England. By the time of his death, Edward had successfully expanded Wessex’s influence to include Mercia and much of the southeast of England. His death, however, was not the result of an external military attack but rather appears to have been a natural one, perhaps brought on by exhaustion or the toll of years spent in warfare. shutdown123