Ecgberht II of Northumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ecgberht |
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Ruler of Bamburgh | |
Reign | 876 AD – unknown |
Predecessor | Ricsige |
Successor | Eadulf |
House | Northumbria |
Ecgberht was a king who ruled part of Northumbria in the late 800s. Not much is known about his time as king. He is sometimes called Ecgberht II to tell him apart from an earlier king with the same name.
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Who Was King Ecgberht?
Ecgberht became king in 876 AD. He ruled the northern part of Northumbria. This area was north of the River Tyne in what is now northern England and southern Scotland.
His predecessor, King Ricsige, might have ruled more of Northumbria. But Ecgberht's power was mainly in the north. The exact borders of his kingdom are not fully clear.
How Ecgberht Became King
A historian named Symeon of Durham wrote about Ecgberht. Symeon recorded that in 876, a Viking leader named Halfdan Ragnarsson divided the land of Northumbria.
Symeon also wrote that King Ricsige died that year. After Ricsige's death, Ecgberht became king. He ruled the Northumbrians who lived beyond the River Tyne.
Ecgberht and the Vikings
In 883, Symeon of Durham wrote about another important event. He mentioned the election of a new Viking king in Jórvík (modern-day York). This new king was named Guthred.
Symeon's writings show that Ecgberht was king over the Northumbrians. At the same time, Guthred ruled the Viking areas around York. This suggests that Northumbria was split into two main parts. Ecgberht ruled the northern, English part. Guthred ruled the southern, Viking-controlled part.
Some historians think Symeon's account shows an agreement. It might have been a deal between the Vikings in the south and Ecgberht in the north. This helped keep peace between the different groups.
What Happened Next?
Ecgberht was later succeeded by Eadulf of Bernicia. Bernicia was a region within northern Northumbria.