Æthelbert
Æthelbert was a significant Anglo-Saxon king who ruled Kent in southeast England starting around 560 c.e. His reign is notable for his successful political unification with other southern English kings, leading to his recognition as the "overlord" of the region. Historian Bede later acknowledged Æthelbert as one of the seven most powerful English kings of his time. In 597 c.e., he became the first Anglo-Saxon king to convert to Christianity after the arrival of Saint Augustine, who aimed to spread the faith among the Anglo-Saxons. This conversion had lasting impacts, as Æthelbert not only embraced Christianity but also encouraged other kings to follow suit. His law code, which was created between 597 and 616 c.e., is the oldest known written text in Old English and illustrates his commitment to Christian principles by detailing penalties for offenses against the Church. Although some kings reverted to paganism after his death, Æthelbert's promotion of Christianity and his contributions to the Anglo-Saxon legal system mark him as a pivotal figure in early English history.
Æthelbert
Related civilizations: England, Anglo-Saxon
Major role/position: Military leader and statesman
Life
Æthelbert (ATH-uhl-behrkt) became king of Kent in southeast England in 560 c.e. Little is known of the first thirty-seven years of his reign except that he forged a successful political union with other kings in southern England, leading to his status as the “overlord” of the region. The eighth century c.e. historian Bede lists Æthelbert among the seven most powerful and influential English kings.
In 597 c.e., Augustine (later Saint Augustine of Canterbury) arrived in Kent to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. Æthelbert became the first Anglo-Saxon king to be converted to the faith, and he subsequently prompted other kings to convert. His law code, written between 597 and 616 c.e. and therefore the oldest piece of writing in Old English, reflects his new faith by outlining penalties for crimes against the Christian Church.
Influence
Though various kings reverted to paganism upon his death, Æthelbert, by promoting Christianity, stands as one of the most important figures in Anglo-Saxon history. Starting with its foothold in Kent, the Church began successfully converting the Anglo-Saxons. Æthelbert also influenced the Anglo-Saxon political structure with his law codes because he wrote his codes not singlehandedly but in consultation with his advisers.
Bibliography
Blair, Peter Hunter. An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon England. 2d ed. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Campbell, James, ed. The Anglo-Saxons. New York: Penguin Books, 1982.
Stenton, Frank. Anglo-Saxon England. 3d ed. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1971.