One of Æthelstan’s first major actions was to assert control over Mercia, the second most powerful kingdom in England after Wessex. In 927, Æthelstan effectively became the ruler of both Wessex and Mercia. This was symbolized by the submission of the Mercian king, Beornwulf, and the subsequent incorporation of Mercia into Æthelstan's realm.
The unification of Northumbria proved to be a more challenging task. Northumbria had been a Viking stronghold, and its rulers often held separate alliances with Scandinavian kings. Æthelstan’s military prowess came to the forefront in 927 when he decisively defeated the Vikings and made the Northumbrian kings submit to his authority. The submission of the Northumbrian king, Rægnald, and the other northern territories solidified Æthelstan's status as the undisputed king of England.
The Battle of Brunanburh (937)
Perhaps the most famous military victory of Æthelstan’s reign was the Battle of Brunanburh in 937. This battle, fought against a coalition of forces led by the Scottish king, Constantine II, and the Norse kings of Dublin and Strathclyde, has gone down in history as one of the most significant battles of the early medieval period. Æthelstan’s victory at Brunanburh not only secured his control over England but also demonstrated his military genius and his ability to unite diverse forces under his leadership.
The battle was a pivotal moment in the resistance against Viking incursions. Æthelstan’s success at Brunanburh ensured that England remained under Anglo-Saxon rule, preventing a return to Viking dominance. The battle is celebrated in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and in the poem "The Battle of Brunanburh," which commemorates Æthelstan’s victory and legacy. shutdown123