Alfred the Great (c. 849 – 26 October 899) was King of the West Saxons from 871 to 886 and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 until his death. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf and his first wife, Osburh. Following the deaths of his parents, Alfred grew up with three elder brothers who reigned in succession before him. His reign was marked by significant administrative and military reforms that transformed England.Upon ascending the throne, Alfred faced Viking invasions. He achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Edington in 878, leading to a treaty that divided England between Anglo-Saxon territories and the Viking-controlled Danelaw. This treaty also included the conversion of Viking leader Guthrum to Christianity. Alfred became the dominant ruler in England, adopting the title 'King of the Anglo-Saxons' after reclaiming London from the Vikings. His life and achievements were documented by the Welsh scholar and bishop Asser in the 9th century.Alfred was known for his commitment to education and legal reform. He established a court school for nobles and commoners, promoting literacy in both English and Latin. His legal reforms improved the judicial system and the quality of life for his subjects. The epithet 'the Great' was first used in the 13th century and became widely recognized in the 16th century, making Alfred the only native-born English monarch to receive this title.Alfred's grandfather, Ecgberht, became king of Wessex in 802, establishing a dynasty that had not been seen for centuries. By the early 9th century, England was primarily under Anglo-Saxon control, with Mercia being a dominant force until its defeat by Ecgberht in 825. Alfred's father, Æthelwulf, continued to expand Wessex's influence, leading successful campaigns against Viking incursions. Alfred's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on learning, although he did not learn to read until later in childhood.Alfred's public life began in 865 when his brother Æthelred became king. Alfred fought alongside Æthelred against the Great Heathen Army, which invaded England in 865. After Æthelred's death in 871, Alfred became king and faced immediate challenges from the Danes. Despite initial defeats, he managed to negotiate peace with the Vikings, although they continued to raid other parts of England.In 878, after a surprise attack by the Danes, Alfred retreated to Athelney, where he organized a resistance. He emerged from hiding to rally local forces, leading to a significant victory at the Battle of Edington. Following this victory, Alfred and Guthrum negotiated a treaty that established boundaries between their territories. Alfred's military strategies included the establishment of fortified towns, known as burhs, which enhanced the kingdom's defenses against future Viking attacks.Throughout the 880s and 890s, Alfred faced continued Viking threats but successfully defended his kingdom through military organization and strategic alliances. He also focused on administrative reforms, including a taxation system based on landholding, which supported the maintenance of his military forces. Alfred's efforts to revive education and learning included the establishment of a court school and the translation of important texts into English.Alfred died on 26 October 899, after suffering from a long-term illness. He was initially buried at the Old Minster in Winchester, later moved to the New Minster, and eventually to Hyde Abbey. His legacy includes the promotion of education, legal reform, and military organization, which laid the foundation for a unified England. Alfred's reputation as a wise and just ruler has endured, influencing perceptions of kingship in England for centuries.