Which Viking Age battle in 878 led to Alfred the Great’s victory over the Great Heathen Army?

The Battle of Edington in 878 led to Alfred the Great’s victory over the Viking Great Heathen Army.

The battle was fought in Wiltshire during Alfred’s struggle against the Viking leader Guthrum. After suffering setbacks and retreating to the marshes of Athelney, Alfred reorganized his forces and summoned troops from parts of Wessex. He then met Guthrum’s army at Edington and won a decisive victory.

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the Vikings surrendered after the battle, and Guthrum agreed to be baptized, with Alfred acting as his sponsor. The settlement that followed helped divide power between Alfred’s Wessex and Viking-controlled territory commonly called the Danelaw. Edington is often confused with later battles such as Brunanburh, which was fought in 937 during the reign of Alfred’s grandson Æthelstan.