GREAT BRITAIN ENGLAND The United Kingdom
Pre Anglo-Saxon 800-600 B.C. Two groups of Celts invaded --- Brythons(Britons) and Gaels Celts primarily rule Britain for the next 500 years in a tribal/clannish system. They introduce Gaelic to the native language which is unknown.
Pre Anglo-Saxon (cont.) 55 B.C. Julius Caesar conquers England with Roman legions. Rule lasts until 407 A.D. when legions leave to defend Rome. Romans introduce Latin, organized seats of government, road systems, forts, and they build Hadrian’s wall.
Anglo-Saxon England 449 A.D. Anglo-Saxons invade. Three tribes from Northern Germany the Angles, Jutes, and Saxons invade the island. The Anglo-Saxons bring German to the island and set up permanent settlements. They are constantly being harassed by marauding Vikings from central England and Scandinavia.
Anglo-Saxons (cont.) 871-899 A.D. Alfred the Great takes over as ruler of the Saxons and unites all the tribes. He fights against the Vikings and pushes them back to the Danelaw. He forces a treaty that establishes England as a nation.
Beowulf Beowulf the text was composed as an oral poem/song in the 8th century, but was not written down until the late 10th century in manuscript form. The action of the poem probably takes place 2nd-3rd century.
The English Language York Celtic Britons named Caer Ebruac Romans Latinize name by calling it Eboracum Anglo-Saxons change name to Eofor , their word for boar (pronounced Aver) because it sounds similar; they also add “wic” (pronounced witch) which means dairy farm. Vikings subbed vik for wic and pronounced eofor as “your” calling the town “Yorvik” Eventually shortened to modern day York.
Sutton Hoo An estate near Suffolk, England An Anglo-Saxon burial site was found by a farmer in 1939. It was one of the richest Germanic burials ever found in Europe. Granted validity to descriptions in Beowulf. 41 Items were found on board an Anglo-Saxon ship.