What do you think?
Rate this book
Osprey Elite #253
Anglo-Saxon Kings and Warlords AD 400–1070
Richly illustrated, this title describes Anglo-Saxon monarchs, warlords and their warriors and households in Anglo-Saxon Britain, from the first post-Roman mercenaries to the Norman Conquest.
In a country fragmented by Roman withdrawal during the 5th century AD, the employment of Germanic mercenaries by local rulers in Anglo-Saxon Britain was commonplace. These mercenaries became settlers, forcing Romano-British communities into Wales and the West Country. Against a background of spreading Christianity, the struggles of rival British and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were exploited by the Vikings, but eventually contained by the Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred of Wessex. His descendants unified the country during the 10th century, however, subsequent weak rule saw its 25-year incorporation into a Danish empire before it finally fell to the Norman invasion of 1066.
Scholars of the early Church have long known that the term 'Dark Ages' for the 5th to 11th centuries in Britain refers only to a lack of written sources, and gives a false impression of material culture. The Anglo-Saxon warrior elite were equipped with magnificent armour, influenced by the cultures of the late Romans, the Scandinavian Vendel people, the Frankish Merovingians, Carolingians and Ottonians, and also the Vikings.
In this volume, co-authors Raffaele D'Amato and Stephen Pollington access their extended knowledge to paint a vivid picture of the kings and warlords of the time with the aid of colour illustrations, rare photos and the latest archaeological research.
In a country fragmented by Roman withdrawal during the 5th century AD, the employment of Germanic mercenaries by local rulers in Anglo-Saxon Britain was commonplace. These mercenaries became settlers, forcing Romano-British communities into Wales and the West Country. Against a background of spreading Christianity, the struggles of rival British and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were exploited by the Vikings, but eventually contained by the Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred of Wessex. His descendants unified the country during the 10th century, however, subsequent weak rule saw its 25-year incorporation into a Danish empire before it finally fell to the Norman invasion of 1066.
Scholars of the early Church have long known that the term 'Dark Ages' for the 5th to 11th centuries in Britain refers only to a lack of written sources, and gives a false impression of material culture. The Anglo-Saxon warrior elite were equipped with magnificent armour, influenced by the cultures of the late Romans, the Scandinavian Vendel people, the Frankish Merovingians, Carolingians and Ottonians, and also the Vikings.
In this volume, co-authors Raffaele D'Amato and Stephen Pollington access their extended knowledge to paint a vivid picture of the kings and warlords of the time with the aid of colour illustrations, rare photos and the latest archaeological research.
- GenresHistory
64 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 28, 2024
Have you ever wondered what happened after the Romans left Britannia, when the Anglo-Saxons rolled in like rockstars with their swords, shiny helmets, and a deep love of both power and a good drink? Well, "Anglo-Saxon Kings and Warlords" will answer all that and more, complete with mead hall drama and enough gold to make your local bank blush.
This book kicks off with a who's who of the early medieval VIPs – Angles, Jutes, Saxons, Mercians, Franks, Danish, Swedes... basically, if you could swing a sword and liked to raid, you were invited. These guys didn't just drop by; they set up shop, created petty kingdoms, and ruled over lands like it was their full-time job. Spoiler alert: it was.
First up, a little history on how they got there. Turns out, they were probably invited by the Romans initially (yeah, they used to get along). This led to warrior kings popping up left, right, and center, with their elite bands of followers, living the high life with glassware and top-tier weapons. Think "Game of Thrones" but with less dragons and more mustaches.
The book drops us right into the world of the mead hall, the real seat of power where kings ruled, warriors toasted, and rewards (or punishments) were doled out. Being loyal to your lord could mean getting a fancy sword, but cross him, and, well, let’s just say the next battle might be your last.
Now, don’t worry, the Anglo-Saxons weren’t just a bunch of battle-crazed blokes. They had style. Their wardrobes featured tunics (with colors that screamed "I'm important"), trousers, and the occasional Phrygian cap for that touch of exotic flair. A well-groomed beard and a majestic mustache were non-negotiables. This was medieval style on point!
Weapons? Oh, they had plenty. Swords, spears, seaxes (those trusty sidearms), and javelins were all part of their toolkit. In fact, spear and spindle even represented gender roles (guys were the spear side, girls the spindle side). Talk about symbolic weaponry! By the time the 7th century rolled around, they were producing some serious military bling – 5 kg of gold in the Staffordshire Hoard alone. And don't get me started on the helmets, from the Sutton Hoo to Coppergate, these guys loved their headgear.
As for their armies, there’s a bit of debate. The book suggests that one ealdorman could command around 100 warriors, but it also hints at larger forces – potentially thousands. Kings weren't messing around when they called for a battle. And speaking of battles, the book recounts four major clashes, including the famous showdown at Edington where King Alfred faced off against the Danes and Brunanburh, a slugfest of epic proportions.
The book also delves into their religious transition, where Anglo-Saxon kings got a spiritual upgrade, embracing Christianity but never letting go of that supernatural vibe. Kings were almost seen as otherworldly figures, which definitely helped when converting the masses. Pro tip: If you're going to convert, start with the guy who's already got everyone's loyalty!
Visually, this book shines. It’s packed with pictures of swords, helmets, artifacts, and meticulously reconstructed scenes, bringing the world of Anglo-Saxon warriors to life. You’ll also find illustrations by Raffaele Ruggeri that could have been ripped from the pages of an epic medieval comic strip – only more historically accurate, of course.
In short, "Anglo-Saxon Kings and Warlords" is a treasure trove for anyone who loves history, strategy, or a good warrior story. The book’s got everything: kings, battles, hoards of gold, elite warriors, and the mead hall politics that make the modern workplace look tame. Just remember – always keep your sword sharp and your loyalty sharper! The time period covered might be to large for the author's shield to cover completely or even partially. But good job by the authors D'Amatto and Pollington and the artist Ruggeri.
This book kicks off with a who's who of the early medieval VIPs – Angles, Jutes, Saxons, Mercians, Franks, Danish, Swedes... basically, if you could swing a sword and liked to raid, you were invited. These guys didn't just drop by; they set up shop, created petty kingdoms, and ruled over lands like it was their full-time job. Spoiler alert: it was.
First up, a little history on how they got there. Turns out, they were probably invited by the Romans initially (yeah, they used to get along). This led to warrior kings popping up left, right, and center, with their elite bands of followers, living the high life with glassware and top-tier weapons. Think "Game of Thrones" but with less dragons and more mustaches.
The book drops us right into the world of the mead hall, the real seat of power where kings ruled, warriors toasted, and rewards (or punishments) were doled out. Being loyal to your lord could mean getting a fancy sword, but cross him, and, well, let’s just say the next battle might be your last.
Now, don’t worry, the Anglo-Saxons weren’t just a bunch of battle-crazed blokes. They had style. Their wardrobes featured tunics (with colors that screamed "I'm important"), trousers, and the occasional Phrygian cap for that touch of exotic flair. A well-groomed beard and a majestic mustache were non-negotiables. This was medieval style on point!
Weapons? Oh, they had plenty. Swords, spears, seaxes (those trusty sidearms), and javelins were all part of their toolkit. In fact, spear and spindle even represented gender roles (guys were the spear side, girls the spindle side). Talk about symbolic weaponry! By the time the 7th century rolled around, they were producing some serious military bling – 5 kg of gold in the Staffordshire Hoard alone. And don't get me started on the helmets, from the Sutton Hoo to Coppergate, these guys loved their headgear.
As for their armies, there’s a bit of debate. The book suggests that one ealdorman could command around 100 warriors, but it also hints at larger forces – potentially thousands. Kings weren't messing around when they called for a battle. And speaking of battles, the book recounts four major clashes, including the famous showdown at Edington where King Alfred faced off against the Danes and Brunanburh, a slugfest of epic proportions.
The book also delves into their religious transition, where Anglo-Saxon kings got a spiritual upgrade, embracing Christianity but never letting go of that supernatural vibe. Kings were almost seen as otherworldly figures, which definitely helped when converting the masses. Pro tip: If you're going to convert, start with the guy who's already got everyone's loyalty!
Visually, this book shines. It’s packed with pictures of swords, helmets, artifacts, and meticulously reconstructed scenes, bringing the world of Anglo-Saxon warriors to life. You’ll also find illustrations by Raffaele Ruggeri that could have been ripped from the pages of an epic medieval comic strip – only more historically accurate, of course.
In short, "Anglo-Saxon Kings and Warlords" is a treasure trove for anyone who loves history, strategy, or a good warrior story. The book’s got everything: kings, battles, hoards of gold, elite warriors, and the mead hall politics that make the modern workplace look tame. Just remember – always keep your sword sharp and your loyalty sharper! The time period covered might be to large for the author's shield to cover completely or even partially. But good job by the authors D'Amatto and Pollington and the artist Ruggeri.
November 12, 2024
In London last Summer, I met one of my best High School chums and partners in crime (literally) who now works in Commercial Real Estate there. Much of his story since school was amazing, but none more than discovering that he had also completed a Masters in Anglo Saxon History while on a small sabbatical he had taken. He gave me, my sister and her husband a lightning tour of the British Museum that ended at the Sutton Hoo exhibit. My reading of this book, that covers the period between the departure of the Romans and arrival of the Normans, was coloured by this experience and the plethora of artifacts we observed and discussed on that tour. Raffaele D'Amato and Stephen Pollington are experts in Ancient and Medieval history with an emphasis on this period- and they take us around an Island transitioning from Tribal Britons/Picts to Anglo-Saxon/Viking England, Scotland and Wales. Lots of Colour and b/w photos , maps and diagrams and lovely colour plates from Raffaele Ruggeri of Key Characters in the narrative in typical period garb.
The book had some great characters, like Ethelread the Unready (turned out in meant ill-advised)- and discusses key battles of the period other than the Stamford Bridge-Hastings Campaign. but most of the book is more about explaining the culture and society as Briton, Germanic, and Scandinavian elements mixed- sometime flaring to violence, but often more peaceful trade. Although it's part of the Osprey Publishing's "Elite" series, this book should be compelling for general audience reader, who might want to find out what William the Norman thought was worth taking in 1066.
There are few adult themes and not much graphic violence, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 10/11 years with an interest in history. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this book is a very useful resource. For the Gamer, there is a the whole timeline in which to place scenarios or campaigns- with the basics of four battles explained as well. The colour plates- along with some other sources- can be useful as guides for painting. The modeler will appreciate the plates- as well as the general cultural elements as they develop builds or dioramas The Military enthusiast will get a good introductory look at the English world between the Romans and the Normans- a period of legends as much as facts. This is a strong package to help one understand the period.
The book had some great characters, like Ethelread the Unready (turned out in meant ill-advised)- and discusses key battles of the period other than the Stamford Bridge-Hastings Campaign. but most of the book is more about explaining the culture and society as Briton, Germanic, and Scandinavian elements mixed- sometime flaring to violence, but often more peaceful trade. Although it's part of the Osprey Publishing's "Elite" series, this book should be compelling for general audience reader, who might want to find out what William the Norman thought was worth taking in 1066.
There are few adult themes and not much graphic violence, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 10/11 years with an interest in history. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this book is a very useful resource. For the Gamer, there is a the whole timeline in which to place scenarios or campaigns- with the basics of four battles explained as well. The colour plates- along with some other sources- can be useful as guides for painting. The modeler will appreciate the plates- as well as the general cultural elements as they develop builds or dioramas The Military enthusiast will get a good introductory look at the English world between the Romans and the Normans- a period of legends as much as facts. This is a strong package to help one understand the period.
December 8, 2023
okay for topic
April 7, 2025
Reading this reminded me of my high school history books and I mean this in a good way.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews