Survey of British History From the Anglo-Saxons to today

The Anglo-Saxons, 449 – 1066 From the fall of Roman rule to William the Conqueror

Reading Review  Who settled and ruled Britain for over 400 years before leaving to fight at home?  What is a ‘ scop ’ ?  Which king united Britain against the Jutes or Danes?  Which icon brought Christianity to King Ethelbert?  Who preserved the literature and language of the Anglo-Saxons?  Extra credit: Who defeated the Anglo-Saxons in 1066 at Hastings?

Britain ’ s ‘ Dark Ages ’  5 th century – Many Germanic elements had already settled in Britain.  5 th & 6 th centuries – Roman legions withdraw from the island. Germanic mercenaries are increasingly hired for city protection.  English presupposed Celtic as the dominant language.  Individual cities strive to survive and subdue potential threats: tribalism.

7 th – 9 th centuries  Anglo-Saxon (Germanic and Scandinavian) Britain forms multiple smaller kingdoms.  Constant in-fighting keeps the island separated into these smaller kingdoms.  Vikings continually invade and sack British towns. 100 years of invasions.  King Alfred the Great unites and defends the island from the Danish Vikings, 878.

10 th and 11 th centuries  Alfred ’ s defense against the Danes secured southern England from the pagan invaders.  Danes settled northern England.  Britons show signs of nationalism through stories, art, and religion.  Alfred ’ s use of the common tongue, English, promoted education to all.  The consolidated kingdom brought stability and safety.

Religions of the Anglo-Saxons  Animism – spirits live everywhere and control everything. Mystery and the unknown dominate thought, actions, and art.  Christianity – Pope-centered, most British kings were converted along with their subjects. Unifying force for England against outside pagans.

Social Considerations  Tribalism and Animism propagate fear, but make for fascinating myths and legends. Stories remain today.  Christianity, brought by Augustine, helps develop literacy, although much of it is in Latin. Also brings the Bible and other works of literature to England.  Women held property even after marriage; they were considered equals by most men.

Literary Contributions  English language, Old English, written using Latin letters in phonetic style;  Beowulf and “ The Seafarer ” ;  Celtic myths and legends;  Monastic life: both women and men contributed significantly to education and literary development;  Libraries in the monasteries.

Questions for Consideration  Living in this environment, what would be some of your primary daily concerns?  What were some of the motivations for art? How do we know?  Why was development and general progress slow during this period?  What, would you say, was the biggest advancement during this age? Why?