Why did Asser write Life of King Alfred?

After spending a year at Caerwent because of illness, Asser accepted. In 893, Asser wrote a biography of Alfred, called the Life of King Alfred. The manuscript survived to modern times in only one copy, which was part of the Cotton library.

Who was Alfred the Great summary?

Alfred, also spelled Aelfred, byname Alfred the Great, (born 849—died 899), king of Wessex (871–899), a Saxon kingdom in southwestern England. He prevented England from falling to the Danes and promoted learning and literacy. Compilation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle began during his reign, circa 890.

What did Alfred the Great study?

Alfred made good laws and believed education was important. He had books translated from Latin into English, so people could read them. He also told monks to begin writing the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. To help protect his kingdom from Viking attacks, Alfred built forts and walled towns known as ‘burhs’.

Who was Asser in the life of King Alfred?

King Alfred mentions ‘Asser my bishop’ in his preface to Gregory the Great’s Pastoral Care. He was clearly a man of learning. His Life of Alfred cites several sources and appears to be partially modelled on the Life of Charlemagne by the Frankish scholar Einhard (775–840). What is the Life like?

What did Asser do at the time of his death?

At the time of his death he was bishop of Sherborne, Dorset. Asser’s Life of King Alfred follows Alfred’s career from his birth to his accession in 871, and describes in detail his reign and his wars, stopping abruptly in 887, 12 years before Alfred’s death.

Who was the Bishop of Sherborne during King Alfred’s reign?

At the time of his death he was bishop of Sherborne, Dorset. Asser’s Life of King Alfred follows Alfred’s career from his birth to his accession in 871, and describes in detail his reign and his wars, stopping abruptly in 887, 12 years before Alfred’s death. For historical events, it draws largely on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Why was King Alfred known as the Great?

Alfred is the only English king to be known as “the Great.” Alfred is also widely renowned for having harmonized his kingdom’s legal structure and improving its military defenses such that it could repel Viking invaders.