Later that year, Alfred defeated the Viking forces at the Battle of Edington, forcing their leader Guthrum to surrender. The subsequent Treaty of Wedmore led to Guthrum’s baptism and the establishment of a boundary between Alfred’s kingdom and the Viking-controlled territory known as the Danelaw.
Contributions to Law and Governance
Alfred’s achievements extended far beyond the battlefield. He was deeply interested in law, education, and religion. He believed that a strong legal system was crucial for a stable kingdom and compiled the "Doom Book," a legal code that combined traditional Anglo-Saxon laws with Christian principles. This work helped standardize laws across his kingdom.
Promotion of Learning and Culture
King Alfred is often credited with reviving learning and literacy in England. At a time when Viking raids threatened monasteries and centers of learning, Alfred invited scholars from across Europe to his court. He himself was a scholar and translated important Latin works into Old English, making knowledge more accessible to his people.
Alfred’s educational reforms emphasized the teaching of Latin, history, and religious texts. These efforts preserved and transmitted knowledge that might have otherwise been lost during the chaotic Viking Age. shutdown123