Wedmore Treaty, Futhorc Runes, Bayeux Tapestry, Tok Pisin

Treaty of Wedmore (878-890)

The Treaty of Wedmore followed Alfred's victory at the Battle of Edington. After the battle, the Viking leader Guthrum was baptized and became Alfred's adopted son. While Asser's biography refers to the Peace of Wedmore, the original document does not survive. The treaty below, however, does survive and dates from this period, although a firm date cannot be established. This peace was ordained and confirmed with oaths by King Alfred, King Guthrum, the Witan of all the English nation, and all the people in East Anglia, for themselves and their descendants, both living and unborn, who seek God's mercy or ours.

Futhorc: Anglo-Saxon Runes

Anglo-Saxon runes are runes used by the early Anglo-Saxons as an alphabet in their writing system. The characters are known collectively as the futhorc, derived from the Old English sound values of the first six runes. The futhorc evolved from the 24-character Elder Futhark. Because futhorc runes are believed to have been first used in Frisia before the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain, they are also called Anglo-Frisian runes. They were likely in use from the 5th century onward.

In Anglo-Saxon England, they were gradually replaced by the Old English Latin alphabet. Futhorc runes fell out of common use by the 11th century, although manuscripts indicate that a fairly accurate understanding of them persisted into at least the 12th century.

Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is a medieval embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The narrative begins with a prelude to Harold's visit to Bosham on his way to Normandy and concludes with the flight of Harold's English forces from Hastings. Originally, the story may have continued, but the end of the tapestry is lost.

Decorative borders with figures of animals, scenes from husbandry and the chase, and occasional scenes related to the main narrative run along the top and bottom. The tapestry is a significant work of art and important historical evidence for the Norman Conquest, particularly regarding Harold's relationship with William before 1066. Its depiction of events appears straightforward and convincing, despite some ambiguities. The decorative borders are valuable for the study of medieval fables. However, the tapestry's contribution to the understanding of everyday life around 1100 is limited, except for military equipment and tactics.

Tok Pisin

Tok Pisin is a creole language spoken throughout Papua New Guinea. It is one of the country's three national languages and the most widely used language. A form of Melanesian Pidgin English, Tok Pisin developed in the early 1800s due to increased travel and economic activity between Melanesians and Europeans. It remains one of the most dominant and universal languages in Papua New Guinea. In a nation with over 800 languages, Tok Pisin is an integral part of communication for almost all native citizens.