Unit 1 – Lesson 1 Introduction to the Early Middle Ages – The Roman Invasion Based on pages 8-9 of Elements of Literature by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

The Romans In 55 B.C., Julius Caesar invaded England. The Romans stayed there for about 500 years. While there, they did the following: Built a network of roads. Built Hadrian’s Wall (A defensive wall 73 miles long). Introduced Christianity. In 409 A.D., the Romans left due to troubles at home, leaving the Britons defenseless. This left England open for invasion from various Germanic peoples from the mainland.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall

Celtic Culture and Roman Invasion Many Celtic myths focus on rebellion against the overwhelming Roman forces: King Arthur – In some myths, takes on all of Rome. In others, he takes on the Anglo-Saxons, instead. Queen Boadicea – As mentioned previously, led a small rebellion against the Romans for murdering her husband. Her monument still stands in Britain.

Boedicea In Roman History, Dio Cassius described Boedicea like this: “She was very tall, the glance of her eye most fierce; her voice harsh. A great mass of the reddest hair fell down to her hips. Around her neck was a large golden necklace, and she always wore a tunic of many colors over which she fastened a thick cloak with a broach. Her appearance was terrifying.”

Rome’s Conquest of Britain Pt 1

Rome’s Conquest of Britain Pt 2

Rome’s Conquest of Britain Pt 3

Rome’s Conquest of Britain Pt 4

Rome’s Conquest of Britain Pt 5

The Celts and Heroes An epic hero is someone who embodies the values of a given society. What might the Celts value in a hero, given their history? What might they find important? How does your response to the previous question line up with their heroes, Arthur, Queen Connacht, and Queen Boadicea, who, according to myth, fought against the Romans?

The Celts and Heroes For many peoples, an epic hero protects his people. Such is true with the epic heroes of the Celts. They were threatened many times over the ages (by the Romans and soon, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes). When the Romans leave and the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade, we will see a hero that represents Anglo-Saxon culture. All epic heroes bear certain similarities (making what we call an archetype). However, as each culture is different and epic heroes reflect a culture’s values, how do you predict an Anglo-Saxon epic hero will be different from a Celtic epic hero?

Activity – Draw a Scene At this time, you will receive a blank sheet of paper. Art supplies can be found at the front of the room. Using the knowledge you’ve obtained from the past two days, draw a scene from the Roman invasion. Your drawing must include at least one Roman soldier and at least one Celt. Use whatever other elements you feel appropriate from what you’ve learned about both cultures and the war. Remember class appropriateness. At the end of class, we will share our drawings.