Who was Athelstan?
Q: Who was Athelstan?
A: Athelstan, also known as Æthelstan, was the first King of England who reigned from 924 to 939. He was the son of King Edward the Elder and grandson of Alfred the Great.
Q: How did Athelstan become king?
A: When his father, Edward, died Athelstan quickly became King of Mercia but he was not immediately accepted as King of England. His brother, Ælfweard had more support in England but died soon after Edward which made it easier for Athelstan to become king.
Q: What steps did Athelstan take to gain allies?
A: A year after his crowning he married one of his sisters to the Viking King of Northumbria, Sithric. However, Sithric died only a year later and Athelstan seized Northumbria which made him king of more land than any other before him - roughly the same as modern England. Historical records indicate that other rulers in Great Britain accepted him as king at Bamburgh around this time.
Q: When did Athelstan die?
A: Athelstan died at Gloucester in 939.
Q: Who succeeded him?
A: He was succeeded by his half-brother Edmund I.
Q: What importance does Athlestan's reign have in history?
A: Athlestan's reign is sometimes overlooked but it is considered very important due to its political developments during 10th century Britain.
