3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

The Heptarchy refers to the early medieval period when several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms dominated England

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

It formed after Germanic migrations (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) and the collapse of Roman rule, as regional warlords consolidated power.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

These kingdoms were not always stable “nation-states”; alliances, wars, and shifting borders were constant.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

At different times, certain kingdoms achieved dominance, especially Northumbria in the north and Mercia in the Midlands.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

Heptarchy = early medieval period when England was divided into many Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms, which were not always stable and alliances, wars and sifting borders were constant, when some kingdoms gained power, others lost it.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

It was never a nation - just a name for the situation happening among those kingdoms.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

It formed after the collapse of Roman rule and Germanic migrations.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

The Viking invasions of the 9th century destabilized many kingdoms, with several falling under Viking control.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

Wessex, under Alfred the Great, survived by reforming defenses (burhs/fortified towns), reorganizing military service, and building naval capacity.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

Alfred and his successors also used diplomacy and strategic warfare to contain and then push back Viking power.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

Later kings of Wessex, especially Edward the Elder and Athelstan, expanded control over other regions.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

By the early 10th century, Wessex leadership enabled the political unification of much of England into a single kingdom.

3. Formation of the Heptarchy and Wessex’s rise

So in the end Wessex expanded the control of other kingdoms and finally most of England united and a single kingdom was created.