HEPTARCHY Meaning and
Definition
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Heptarchy refers to a historical term used to describe the period in early medieval England, specifically between the 5th and 9th centuries, when the island was divided into seven separate kingdoms, each with its own distinct ruler. The term "heptarchy" itself is derived from the Greek words "hepta" (meaning seven) and "archein" (meaning to rule).
During this era, the seven kingdoms that comprised the heptarchy were Kent, Essex, Sussex, Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria. Each of these regions had its own king, who held varying degrees of power and authority. It is important to note that the political organization of the heptarchy was not constant, as the size and influence of the individual kingdoms fluctuated over time due to alliances, warfare, and other factors.
The heptarchy was a complex and often turbulent period in English history, marked by rivalries, power struggles, and frequent conflicts between the kingdoms. Eventually, the heptarchy came to an end with the rise of the Kingdom of Wessex under King Alfred the Great, who successfully unified most of England under his rule. Nevertheless, the term heptarchy is still used today to refer to this unique moment in England's past when multiple kingdoms vied for dominance on the island.
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A government by seven persons; the country so governed; England, when divided into seven kingdoms, under the government of seven kings.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HEPTARCHY
- geptarchy
- beptarchy
- neptarchy
- jeptarchy
- ueptarchy
- yeptarchy
- hwptarchy
- hsptarchy
- hdptarchy
- hrptarchy
- h4ptarchy
- h3ptarchy
- heotarchy
- heltarchy
- he-tarchy
- he0tarchy
- heprarchy
- hepfarchy
- hepgarchy
Etymology of HEPTARCHY
The word "Heptarchy" originated from Ancient Greek and is a combination of two Greek words: "hepta" meaning "seven" and "arkhein" meaning "to rule". It was first used in the mid-19th century to refer to the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that existed in England from the 6th to the 9th centuries. These seven kingdoms were Kent, Sussex, Wessex, Essex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria. The term "Heptarchy" came to be used to describe this period of English history, which was characterized by the existence of these seven individual kingdoms.
