1. The Anglo-Saxons “…born of warfare, remained forever a military society, and came to its end in battle”– J.R. Lander

2. British Rule Celts Romans Angles, Saxons, Jutes Vikings Normans

3. Celtic Heroes/Heroines Brythons (Britons) Animism: form of religion of the Celts. Latin = Spirit Saw spirits everywhere in nature (rivers, trees, stones, fire, thunder, etc) “Spirits” or “Gods” controlled everything. Druids = Priests Led ritual dances/human sacrifices Mother Goddess: fertility, motherhood, creation

5. Celtic Heroes/Heroines Stonehenge: thought to be used by Druids for human sacrifices and other rituals.

6. Celtic Heroes/Heroines Mythology: Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur Characteristics: Strong women Fantastical animals Passion Adventure

7. Roman Invasion 55 B.C.E. to 410 C.E. Julius Caesar Built roads Defensive wall 73 miles long Religion: influenced by Greek mythology Jupiter: King of Gods, God of Sky and Thunder Saturn: God of wealth, agriculture, time Mars: God of war (second only to Jupiter), guardian of agriculture.

8. Anglo-Saxon England Anglaland = England Angles & Saxons = Germany Jutes = Denmark Invaded the North and drove out Old Britons. Celtic resistance, retreat to Wales in far West. Divided Briton into seven independent principalities, each with own King.

9. Angles, Saxons, Jutes King Alfred of Wessex (871-899) “Alfred the Great” Fought against invading Danes (Vikings) who came from North Sea in dragon-powered boats. Plundered and settled in NE and central England.

10. Anglo-Saxon England Society developed from kinship groups led by strong chief. People farmed, maintained local governments, created fine crafts (metalwork). Christianity eventually replaced warrior religion, linking to Continental Europe. Monasteries center of learning English gained respect as written language.

11. Anglo-Saxon England: Warrior Gods Religion: ethics over mysticism. (bravery, loyalty, generosity, friendship) Odin: God of death, poetry, magic “Woden” Wednesday aka “Woden’s day Thunor: God of thunder and lightning “Thor” Hammer Swastika (found on Anglo-Saxon gravestones) Thursday aka “Thor’s day” Beowulf: Dragon, protector of treasure and personification of death

12. Anglo-Saxon England Women’s Rights: Inherited and held property Morgengifu or “morning gift” from prospective husbands. Personal control. Leadership in Christianity (Abbesses) Rights curtailed after Norman Conquest 1066.