Notes for the Anglo-Saxon Unit English IV Anglo-Saxons Notes for the Anglo-Saxon Unit English IV

General Info Time Period: 449 – 1066 Anglo-Saxon is term applied to the English speaking inhabitants of Britain up to the time of the Norman Conquest, when the Anglo-Saxon line of English kings came to an end.

Invasions of Great Britain Celtic in 55 B.C. (Julius Caesar invaded Britain, but did not establish Roman rule) Roman rule was not established until 43 A.D. with Claudius; during this time, towns grew and prospered, roads were built, and peace was enjoyed. As the Roman Empire fell apart, the Romans abandoned Britain, leaving it prey to other Celtic tribes (Irish, Scots, Picts). Britain was ultimately conquered by Germanic invaders from across the North Sea – the Anglo-Saxons.

Maps of Invasions

World Map

Tribes The Anglo-Saxons were actually three major tribes: the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes, whose homeland was along the NW coast of Germany and the Danish peninsula. They were pushed out of central Europe during the 4th and 5th centuries (449) and for a while were Vikings – sea rovers. In this society that was in a constant state of war, the warrior occupied a prominent position in society. The warrior leader and his courage were greatly admired.

Comitatus Bond This was a bond that existed between a warrior king and his thanes (free citizens and warriors of a community) who in return, promised to be loyal to their king.

Tribe/Community Members Earls – ruling class Churls – responsible for hard labor that sustained the predominantly agricultural society. Witans – wise men who advised the king and the scop Scop – the professional bard, chief entertainer, historian, poet laureate, and press agent for the king and his tribe Slaves – owned by earls and churls.

Anglo-Saxon Religion The Anglo-Saxons were polytheistic meaning they worshipped many gods before the advent of Christianity in 550.

Christianity 550 A.D. Introduced by St. Augustine, a missionary Their conversion to Christianity widened the spiritual and intellectual outlook of the Anglo- Saxons. Schools grew up around the monasteries, which were homes to devout monks and institutions of learning. The Anglo-Saxons went on pilgrimages to Rome to worship and to learn.

Alfred the Great In addition to being the only ruler able to successfully resist Danish invasions, Alfred was a patron of learning. He furthered and encouraged the education of his people. He invited scholars to his court, and he himself translated the scholarly works. He also helped save Wessex and other kingdoms in England from the Danes of Denmark. He helped to create a cohesive English society instead of one of many kingdoms.

Wyrd/Fate Because war was constant in their society, Anglo-Saxon life was brief and strife-ridden. As a result, the Anglo-Saxons believed in the inevitability of fate (wyrd) as the ruling force in their lives. The sense of doom is often reflected in Anglo-Saxon literature, as well.

Three Common Themes in Anglo-Saxon Literature The terror of a northern winter An awareness of the transitory nature of human life The fear of the sea because of its majesty and cruelty.

Three Types of Anglo-Saxon Literature Epics – a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger than life hero who embodies the values of a particular society; deals with global political change of an entire society rather than a single family unit Lyrics – short, personal poems which are more emotional Riddles – short poems which are often metaphorical in nature

Wergild or Man Payment According to this code, an Anglo-Saxon who killed someone had to pay the price (the value set for each person) for his deed or accept the fact that the victim’s relatives would seek revenge. Each person’s value was generally based on social status or class. If you did not have any money or worldly goods, often you had to give up a body part, like a hand or a foot, in payment.

Crime and Punishment -- Anglo-Saxon Style Punishments were doled out according to a specific code. Hanging – used to publicly punish someone and serve as a warning to others Burning or Boiling – the most painful way to die – it often took 10-15 minutes for the person to die Stoning – a bound criminal was hit with stones of all sizes -- a way for the whole community to get involved with the punishment Drowning – the criminal was tied up and thrown into a pond – if he floated he was guilty and if he sank he was innocent Beheading – the most spectacular way to die (also the most humane as it was quick and pretty painless)

What a Way To Go!

1066 (Dum, Dum, Duuuummm) Both Danes and Anglo-Saxons are defeated by Normans and William the Conqueror This ends the Anglo-Saxon period