How England misplaced its first king

4 days ago

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Æthelstan was the first king of England, crowned 1,100 years ago, but has been largely forgotten despite his significant achievements.
He united disparate kingdoms to create England and built complex relationships with mainland Europe.
Æthelstan's reign was marked by diversity, with people of different cultures and languages in his kingdom, challenging the notion of a homogeneous early England.
His grandfather, Alfred the Great, overshadowed Æthelstan's legacy, and historical narratives in later centuries often ignored him.
Æthelstan's coronation rituals and traditions, including wearing a crown, continue to influence modern British monarchy.
Despite his military and political successes, Æthelstan's kingdom fragmented after his death, though the idea of a unified England persisted.
The lack of a contemporary biography contributed to Æthelstan's obscurity, unlike Alfred, who had detailed accounts written during his lifetime.
Æthelstan was a forward-thinking monarch, establishing governance structures and defining royal power in ways that influenced future rulers.
Elements of Æthelstan's reign, such as coronation rituals, are still part of British monarchy traditions today.
The earliest surviving manuscript portrait of an English monarch depicts Æthelstan, highlighting his historical significance.

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