DIRECTIONS: Short Answer Answer each of the following questions. "In the year of the Lord's Incarnation (885). (the thirty-seventh of King Alfred's life), the Viking
army split up into two bands: one band set out for the East Frankish kingdom), and the other.
coming to Britain, entered Kent and besieged the city which in English is called Rochester,
situated on the eastern bank of the river Medway. The Vikings immediately constructed a
strong fortification for themselves in front of its entrance, but they were unable to capture the
city because the citizens defended themselves courageously until King Alfred arrived, bringing
them relief with a large army. Thereupon the Vikings, abandoning their fortress,... fled quickly
to their ships."
-from Asser's Life of King Alfred, 884
21. The passage above describes a scene that was common in ninth-century Europe. Explain how this
led to a new social and political order. Describe the new order, including the relationships of
people involved.