Aethelred

Aethelred, often called Aethelred the Unready, was an English king from 978 to 1016. His reign was marked by frequent Viking invasions, internal struggles, and unstable leadership. His nickname "Unready" is a play on his Old English name, meaning lacking good counsel or preparation. Despite efforts to defend his kingdom, his mistakes and indecisiveness made him unpopular, leading to his eventual exile and replacement by stronger rulers. Aethelred's reign highlights the difficulties early medieval England faced from external threats and political complexity.