Characteristics of Old English

Periods of English Old English 449—1066 Middle English 1100—1500 Modern English 1500 forward

Influences on OE Celtic Meager influence. Celtic preserved primarily in place names. Two main groups of words: 1. Popular words Anglo-Saxons learned through everyday contact with Celtic natives, 2. Words introduced through Irish missionaries in the North.

Influences on OE Latin—3 periods  First Period--occurred on continent before Germanic tribes penetrated reached England. reflected early contact between Germanic tribes and Roman Empire  Second Period--acquired from Celts after invading England

Influences on OE Third Period--Roman missionaries introduced Christianity EARLY: 597, St. Augustine sent to Christianize Anglo-Saxons; conversion gradual; many churches & monasteries built LATE: Benedictine Reform caused by Danish invasions at end of 8th century

Influences on OE Scandinavian Influence Three main attack periods: 1. Period of early raids: recorded in Anglo- Saxon Chronicle in 787 and intermittently until 850

Influences on OE Large armies; widespread plundering. In 850--Danish fleet arrives, captures Canterbury London, & countryside. West Saxon army defeats them, but attacks resume. Shortly after Alfred's accession, Wessex attacked; Alfred hides in marshes, regathers troops, attacks and defeats Guthrum and Danish army. Danes then sign Treaty of Wedmore (878), defining line; foreigners to remain east of line; east land known as Danelaw.

Influences on OE period of political adjustment & assimilation; Guthrum frequently broke treaty, but situations improved under Alfred's son, Edgar (900-25) & grandson Athelstan (925-39)

Influences on OE More invasions Vikings – Battle of Maldon – Olaf, King of Norway – Aethelred the Unready – Cnut--OE period ends