Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on medieval history and history of Britain continues with episode 5 of our coverage of the Viking invasion of Britain, as we cover the unification of England and the battle of Brunanburh in 937. The Battle of Brunanburh in 937 was the clash that secured Anglo-Saxon England. King Æthelstan faced a vast coalition of Vikings, Scots, and Britons determined to break his rule, retake York, and erase the new English kingdom. This documentary follows Æthelstan from a disputed succession and the conquest of Viking York to his claim as the first king of England. After forcing Constantine II of Scotland and rivals into submission, Æthelstan appeared unchallengeable. But Constantine secretly joined Olaf Guthfrithson of Dublin and Owain of Strathclyde, creating the greatest threat of his reign. Outnumbered on the Wirral, Æthelstan used false tents and week-long peace talks to delay battle until English reinforcements arrived. At Brunanburh, shield walls collided in a brutal struggle that lasted from dawn to dusk. Thousands fell before Olaf’s line broke and the northern alliance fled. Discover how this forgotten Anglo-Saxon battle shaped England, why medieval chroniclers called it the “Great Battle,” and how victory came at a devastating cost. From Viking warfare and Scottish resistance to Æthelstan’s final years, this is the true story of the king, strategy, and bloodshed behind the birth of England.
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