HIST 111 Lecture Notes - Fyrd, Al-Andalus, Heptarchy
17 Mar 2014
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Document Summary
England (didn"t exist in 9- 10 century, was divided into 7 kingdoms) England was under the heptarchy- ruled by 7. Ruled by anglo saxons (west saxons- wessex, south saxons- sussex, east- essex) King alfred of england, the great - led last english resistance. Flee a defeat and retreat until spring, recruit others. Danelaw- portion of england under dane"s rule. Alfred instituted many defensive programs: instituted laws requiring land holders to build forts, serve in the army, and build bridges, serve in the army. Fyrd- communal army of wessex (army made up of people who own land so needed to establish army that"s always ready and able to work the land) Instituted rotational service- different groups of people summoned to serve in fyrd at different times. A standing army but won"t take people away from farming for long lengths: build forts- fortresses often left w/o armed men so useless against vikings.
