
King Æthelwulf
King Æthelwulf was a 9th-century ruler of Wessex, one of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in what is now England. He reigned from around 839 until his death in 858. Æthelwulf was known for his diplomatic skills, strengthening alliances through marriage and negotiations, and for supporting religious growth. He traveled to Rome, showcasing his devotion and establishing connections with the broader Christian community. His reign helped consolidate Wessex’s power, laying foundations for the eventual unification of England. Æthelwulf’s leadership was marked by stability, religious piety, and efforts to defend his kingdom from Viking invasions.