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Heptarchy: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Facts

Date c. 500 - c. 900
Location Essex • Kent • Northumbria • Wessex • England
Participants Anglo-Saxon • Danish

Photos

Historical map of the British Isles showing the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in light green, including Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Wessex, and areas inhabited by Celts, such as Wales and parts of Scotland and Cornwall, in dark green. Major cities like London, Winchester, and Edinburgh are marked, with surrounding seas labeled.
Historical map of Anglo-Saxon England in the 8th century, showing the extent of Anglo-Saxon-controlled territory, major kingdoms, and regions. The map marks important battle sites with crossed swords and monasteries with black squares, and labels key towns, rivers, and surrounding areas such as Wales, Scotland, and the English Channel.
Oswald, Saint
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Related Topics and References

Topics
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Key People

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Aethelfrith
king of Bernicia and Deira
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Oswiu
king of Northumbria
Oswald, Saint
Saint Oswald
king of Northumbria
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Ceawlin
king of Wessex
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Edwin
king of Northumbria
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Raedwald
king of the East Angles
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Vortigern
king of the Britons
Aethelberht I
Aethelberht I
king of Kent
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Aelle
Anglo-Saxon ruler [fl. 5th century]
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Cadwallon
Welsh king of Gwynedd