1. The Anglo-Saxon Period 449-1066 A.D.

2. A Brief History
Original inhabitants of what is known as England were the Celts, the original Britons
Pagan
Much of their history is unknown until later

3. The First Invasion of the Celts

4. The Romans
Julius Caesar raided “Britain” in 55 and 54 B.C.

5. Introduced the concept of Christianity

6. Roman rule lasted for nearly 300 years
During this time, commerce flourished
Civilization advanced
Roman rule crumbled in the fourth and fifth centuries

7. The Romans Built Hadrian’s Wall
A great fortification running across the island neat the Scottish border
Built circa 123 A.D. for protection from invading Picts and Scots
Nearly 70 miles long

8. The Second Invasion of the Celts: The Germanic Invasion

9. According to history, in 449 the first band of people from the North German plain crossed the North Sea and settled in what is now known as Kent.
These people were the Jutes from Jutland.

10. After the first wave of Jutes came the Angles.
Present day England derives its name from the name “Angle-Land.”
Known as the “hook-men.”

11. Following the Jutes and the Angles, the next invaders were the Saxons.
Known as the “swords-men.”

12. The Three Tribes Combined to Create Anglo-Saxon England

13. What Were the Anglo-Saxons Like?
Hardy
Athletic
Wandering
Fierce in personal valor
Pagan
Sea-Faring
Loyal to leader and tribe
Ruled by fate called “wyrd”

14. They believed in the Norse Gods as part of their superstitions and religious beliefs.

15. Even now, our weekdays are named after their ancient Norse gods...

16. Wednesday for the warlike Woden

17. Thursday for Thor, the god of thunder

18. Friday for Frigga, the goddess of love and the home

19. Anglo-Saxon Lives Divided into tribes and kingdoms
Each tribe led by a king or chieftain
Followers of these kings were called thanes
After hunt and battles, they would gather in a mead hall
Entertained by a scop and gleeman
Governed themselves democratically
Decisions made in meeting called folkmoots- the term now applies a moot point

20. The Mead Hall

21. The Scop

22. Elements of Anglo-Saxon Literature

23. •Composed in Old English •Each line is divided by a caesura (a natural
•Composed in Old English •Each line is divided by a caesura (a natural pause or break in a line of poetry, is essential for rhythm) •Incorporates kennings (a metaphorical phrase used to replace a concrete noun) •Usually includes a blend of pagan and Christian elements

24. As the Anglo-Saxons had no written language, they relied on the following as a means of literary preservation...

25. The Oral Tradition
Defined as a body of songs, stories, and poems preserved by being passed from generation to generation by word of mouth.
Often sung by a scop- a traveling storyteller often accompanied by a harp.