Alfred the Great was a 9th-century monarch who ruled the West Saxons starting in 871 and the Anglo-Saxons from 886. Born around 849 in Wantage, he was the son of King Æthelwulf. He is widely recognized for his military leadership, particularly his victory against Viking forces at Edington in 878, which led to a division of territory with the Danelaw. Beyond his role as a warrior and politician, he was an influential writer and reformer who significantly improved the legal and military systems of his kingdom.