Re: Hepetarchy (1/?) Notes
anonymous
July 26 2010, 22:08:14 UTC
The term 'hepetarchy' refers to the seven major kingdoms that made up the bulk of England before it was England, although there is some debate as to how accurate it is.
The kingdoms mentioned by name are Kent (Cent), East Anglia (East Englarice), Deira (Derenrice) and Bernicia (Beornice) aka the Northumbrias, Wessex (Westseaxna), and Mercia (Myrce). I used the Old English names more or less on a whim. Yes, Kent is a girl. I have my reasons.
Kent, East Anglia, and Northumbria were all kingdoms who had a ruler who was declared 'overking' of other kingdoms, which incidentally coincided with them spotting little England. Northumbria was the most successful in this regard since under King Edwin (a Deiran) they ended up ruling much of eastern Mercia, the Isle of Man, Anglesey and assorted sub-kingdoms. The routine of kingship in Edwin's time involved regular, probably annual, wars with neighbours, to obtain tribute, submission and slaves. An attempted assassination by Cwichelm of Wessex led to Edwin attacking Wessex, which resulted in the defeat and subjection of Wessex. Having promised to convert to Christianity if successful against Cwichelm, Edwin did so, and following his death was venerated as a saint.
The first known use of the term 'England' was in 897, a couple of centuries after the events of the chapter, but I reasoned that since the Anglo-Saxons weren't big on writing stuff down it was probably used before them, plus just because the a country doesn't have a name yet, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.
I was so excited to see another fill for this and have not been disappointed. Excellent start anon, and so interesting with the author's notes. Looking forward to more :3
Thanks. Glad you liked it. Updates will be as and when I think of something. Information on the Anglo-Saxon period is pretty sparce and I want any future chapters to have a good balance of what's inside my head and actual history, which is going to take time.
The kingdoms mentioned by name are Kent (Cent), East Anglia (East Englarice), Deira (Derenrice) and Bernicia (Beornice) aka the Northumbrias, Wessex (Westseaxna), and Mercia (Myrce). I used the Old English names more or less on a whim. Yes, Kent is a girl. I have my reasons.
Kent, East Anglia, and Northumbria were all kingdoms who had a ruler who was declared 'overking' of other kingdoms, which incidentally coincided with them spotting little England. Northumbria was the most successful in this regard since under King Edwin (a Deiran) they ended up ruling much of eastern Mercia, the Isle of Man, Anglesey and assorted sub-kingdoms. The routine of kingship in Edwin's time involved regular, probably annual, wars with neighbours, to obtain tribute, submission and slaves. An attempted assassination by Cwichelm of Wessex led to Edwin attacking Wessex, which resulted in the defeat and subjection of Wessex. Having promised to convert to Christianity if successful against Cwichelm, Edwin did so, and following his death was venerated as a saint.
The first known use of the term 'England' was in 897, a couple of centuries after the events of the chapter, but I reasoned that since the Anglo-Saxons weren't big on writing stuff down it was probably used before them, plus just because the a country doesn't have a name yet, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.
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