biography
| name: |
Athelstan or Æthelstan
|
pronunciation:
[athelstan]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (c.895–939)
|
| biography:
| Anglo-Saxon king, the grandson of Alfred the Great, and the son of Edward the Elder, whom he succeeded as King of Wessex and Mercia in 924. A warrior king of outstanding ability, he extended his rule over parts of Cornwall and Wales, and kept Norse-held Northumbria under control. In 937 he defeated a confederation of Scots, Welsh, and Vikings from Ireland in a major battle (Brunanburh), and his fame spread far afield. At home, he improved the laws, built monasteries, and promoted commerce. |
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