1. ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD 400 – 1066 AD
E. White
J. Skelton
ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD 400 – 1066 AD

2. I. Time Line of Important EventsBC
Westward movement from Europe
Celtic tribes

3. Roman invasion to conquer lowland Britain
43 AD
Roman invasion to conquer lowland Britain

4. 449 AD Anglo-Saxon invasion
Westward expansion of several Germanic tribes:
Jutes, Saxons, and Angles
Angle+Land=Angleland (England)
Culture characterized by warrior society

5. 596 AD Christianization of England
Many still held on to pagan beliefs/traditions

6. 797 AD Danish invasions begins
Danes and Norseman (Scandinavian Vikings) attacked Britain by sea

7. 1066 AD King Edward dies New King: William I (French)
Britain is exposed to French influences:

8. Feudalism—land parceled out to lords for military support
French Influences:
Feudalism—land parceled out to lords for military support
Chivalry—knights strove to be honorable, brave, and skillful in battle; respectful to women; and helpful to the weak

9. II. Literature

10. Germanic traditions of the Anglo-Saxons
Oral tradition:
Songs and stories glorifying earthly virtues
Performed by scops due to illiteracy

11. Christian teachings of the Roman church
Monks established libraries/schools to emphasize the written word—especially the Bible

12. Heroic verse— celebrates courage, honor, and loyalty
Old English poetry:
Heroic verse— celebrates courage, honor, and loyalty
Elegy— mourns a loss or laments the fleeting nature of life’s joys
Religious verse— focuses on Christian teachings and stories

13. The Epic Vast settings Dangerous quest or journey
Long, descriptive passages
Heroic deeds of valor
Supernatural forces
Descent into the Underworld

14. Epic Hero Immortality achieved through great deeds
Allegiance to lord or king
Loves glory
Honors truth

15. Beowulf Oldest known English epic: Author unknown
Passed down orally by scops
Composed in Old English

16. Images/Themes in Old English Poetry
Prominent sea-faring warriors
Depicts Anglo-Saxon society
Military and tribal loyalties
Pagan Germanic folklore—struggles between good and evil
Wyrd: Strong belief in fate
Express religious faith and give moral instruction

17. Old English Poetical Devices
Alliteration— repetition of initial consonant sounds
Kenning— metaphorical phrase; “sea-road” is the ocean

18. III. Anglo-Saxon Society
Mail— chain-link shirt to protect a warrior during battle
Mead-hall— lodge where warriors eat, drink, and sleep

19. III. Anglo-Saxon Society
Scop— storytellers who traveled from court to court; entertainers
Wergild— “man price;” the price paid to the family of a warrior who had been killed in battle