The Battle of Reading occurred as part of the ongoing Viking incursions into Britain, where Danish forces sought to expand their control over English territories. Æthelred of Wessex and his brother Alfred led the Saxon troops against the Danish army, commanded by the formidable Viking chief Halfdan Ragnarsson. The Danes, having established a pattern of successful raids, focused on expanding their foothold in England, which necessitated confrontations with local rulers like Æthelred. The battle took place in the vicinity of Reading, a strategic location known for its accessibility and significance in the regional power dynamics.

Facing a well-organized and heavily armed Viking force, Æthelred and Alfred's troops suffered from a combination of poor planning and the superior tactics employed by the Danes. The Danes utilized their cavalry effectively, exploiting the Saxons' weakened formations. The defeat at Reading had immediate repercussions, disheartening the Saxon defenders and causing a shift in morale. Æthelred's leadership faced scrutiny, while Alfred would later be influenced by the lessons learned in this and subsequent confrontations.

The battle further illustrated the shifting landscape of power in England as the Danes continued to perpetrate their raids unchallenged in some regions. Despite the setback, Æthelred and Alfred persevered in the face of adversity, ultimately contributing to the gradual consolidation of Saxon resistance, paving the way for future confrontations with Viking forces. This battle set the stage for the eventual resurgence in Saxon fortunes as Alfred later emerged as a pivotal figure in stabilizing Wessex and resisting Viking invasions.