The Anglo-Saxon Period

Britain Before the Anglo-Saxons A. Rome ruled Britain for over 300 years. B. Roman forces finally left Britain around 410 A.D. C. Numerous present day towns ending in “caster” and “chester” have origins in Roman occupation.

The Germanic Invasion A.D Angles, Saxons, other Germanic people invade Britain for several decades A.D Angles, Saxons, other Germanic people invade Britain for several decades Britons believed to be led by a Christian named Arthur were forced to retreat Britons believed to be led by a Christian named Arthur were forced to retreat Germanic tribes organize heptarchy (7 kingdoms) Germanic tribes organize heptarchy (7 kingdoms)

The Germanic Invasion Angles most dominant tribe Angles most dominant tribe Angle-land → England Angle-land → England Historians term period Anglo-Saxon (AS) Historians term period Anglo-Saxon (AS) As invaders, AS were violent seafarers living by the idea of Wyrd (fate) As invaders, AS were violent seafarers living by the idea of Wyrd (fate) AS assimilate into existing culture and become more of an agricultural and peaceful group AS assimilate into existing culture and become more of an agricultural and peaceful group

Anglo-Saxon Society A. The Code 1.Brought loyalty and honor to the king 2.Strict codes of conduct and behavior 3.Love of action and adventure B. Although illiterate and crude, the Anglo- Saxons had an innate intellectual curiosity and an appreciation of beauty.

Anglo-Saxon Lives (con’t) C. Faced constant invasion 1.Vikings of Scandinavia 2.Jutes  first of the Germanic tribes 3.Saxons  Danish origin

Anglo-Saxon Lives (con’t) D. Pagan Gods and Religion 1.Our weekdays, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday come from old Anglo- Saxon gods. 2.Saint Augustine, first archbishop of Canterbury, tries to Christianize the Anglo- Saxons.

The Church as a Cultural Force/ The Danish Invasions and King Alfred A. The Venerable Bede 1.Father of English history. 2.Wrote the earliest recorded histories of the English people. B. Alfred the Great 1.Founded the first public schools. 2.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, first historical record of written English. 3.Managed to temporarily unify Britain by defeating the Danes.

Anglo-Saxon Literature A. Spreading of Anglo-Saxon Tradition 1.The written literature began to evolve with the coming of the church 2.In Mead Halls songs were preformed a.For entertainment purposes b.Stories sung of heroes and heroic legend

Anglo-Saxon Literature (con’t) B. Anglo-Saxon poetry and poets 1.The Oral Tradition: reciting the poems, songs, and tales of a culture for large audiences 2.Most Anglo-Saxon tales and poetry is based on Pagan beliefs with Christian additions a.The Wyrd  Pagan belief of Fate determining all things.

Anglo-Saxon Literature (con’t) C. Three notable characteristics of Anglo- Saxon poetry 1.Alliteration 2.Kennings 3.Emphatic rhyme