[4] The Danes ravaged the countryside, demanding huge tributes (Danegeld) from Æthelred, the Anglo-Saxon king.
However, the attacks continued and their plunder and pillage tactics, combined with a rapid march strategy brought them as far as Æthelingadene.
[1][4] It began with the arrival of the Viking fleet off the Sussex coast, which then proceeded to "Æthelingadene", where the men of Hampshire united to fight against them.
[1][4] An indication of the severity of the English casualty list is given by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle that cites the total English losses as 81, it included two high-reeves and three thegns, of the Bishop of Winchester,[clarification needed] this was compared, to 'a much greater number' lost by the Danes.
[1] Ætheling is the Old English for Prince, Ingas is a settlement of people associated with a common leader and Dene is derived from denu the name for valley.