The Battle of Brunanburh was one of the bloodiest and biggest battles of early medieval history. Fought 1100 years ago, Athelstan - the king of the English - opposed a coalition of Irish, Scots, Northumbrians and Vikings and won a decisive victory. The enemy shield wall was penetrated. Their troops ran back to their ships for safety. Thousands died. Apart from this we know little else. No physical evidence exists of where the battle was even fought. But recently, a stunning discovery has been made.