The Anglo-Saxons 449-1066 CE

Ancient Britain Celts Native British tribe: “the Britons” Believed in the pagan religion of Animism Celtic language (Welsh, Scottish, and Gaelic are all forms of the Celtic language)

Roman Empire Invaded in 55 CE Built roads and fortifications throughout Britain Hadrian’s Wall Established political order The Romans were polytheistic, but Christianity was first introduced during this time. Threatened by Germanic tribes and Roman Empire fell in 476 CE

Germanic Tribes Angles, Saxons, Jutes invaded Britain and defeated the Romans Originated in what is now Scandinavia and Germany/Northern Europe Brought new language and traditions to Britain. They spoke Germanic languages. Language not written down until the 7th Century when King Alfred created The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a running history of England “English” begins in the 800s CE

The Normans- 1066 Their language was called Middle English From France, they brought a great deal of French and Latin to the language Moving more toward the English we speak today

The Bottom Line Britain started out with the Celts and their Celtic language (300s BC). The Romans came and introduced Latin (55 BC). The Anglo-Saxons added their Germanic language to create Old English (AD 446). The French (through William of Normandy) added French and created Middle English (1066).

The Bottom Line Things like the printing press stabilized the language and moved it toward Modern English (1600s). Dialects arose as a result of colonization.

Anglo-Saxon Rule Feudalism Warrior Society Culture Religion Literature

Feudalism The Hall Wealth Distribution Slavery Fortification Religious and cultural uses Wealth Distribution Slavery

Warrior Society Status of Warriors Weaponry Glory through death Allegiance to the King Weaponry Glory through death

Culture Largely maritime cultures Loyalty! The role of ceremony Funeral rights The Scops Status Importance

Religion Early Pagan beliefs Conversion to Christianity in late 7th Century There are possibly numerous Christian revisions to Beowulf

Literature Oral tradition Poetry Beowulf The Church’s role in preservation of literature Only one copy of Beowulf survived the Middle Ages!

GALLERY WALK! What is this artifact? At each station, answer the following in your notes: What is this artifact? What is interesting or intriguing about what you read/see? What does this artifact demonstrate to us about the Anglo-Saxons and/or the English language? What does this artifact illuminate from the notes that we took yesterday?

Birth of a Language As you watch the video, record 12 facts that you learn about how the English language was formed. You should record specific words that are reviewed as well. This will be collected as your exit ticket today!