1. Unit 1- Coach Philley

3. Often called the Dark Ages, the Anglo-Saxon period was a time of bloody conflicts, ignorance, violence, and barbarism. Life was not easy and the literature of the time reflected those difficulties. Many of the stories and poems present heroic struggles in which only the strong survived.

4. People of the Island: Britons (Celts) Picts Gaels Julius Caesar crossed the channel in 55 B.C. Attempted to conquer British Isles Faced opposition by fierce Celtic warriors Claimed victory, then left

5. Roman army returned a century later Britain became a province of the Roman Empire Roman rule lasted nearly 300 years Britain relied on Roman army for protection

6. Early in 5 th century, Rome pulls out Called home to defend crumbling empire Britain lost: Central government Army protection Becomes target for invasion

7. Germanic tribes invade, beginning 449 A.D. Angles, Saxons, and Jutes Main part of Britain renamed Angle-land, or England

8. There appears to have been a Celtic chieftan named Arthur that fought against the Germanic invaders during this time. It is very likely that this was the source of the legendary King Arthur myth and folklore.

9. Also called Danes Seafaring marauders from the coasts of Denmark and Norway looted, killed, and burned down entire villages

10. In the beginning, the Danes “hit and ran”. Later, they set up camps during the winter. Gained control of most of the north and east of the country. In the south, the Danes were defeated by powerful Anglo- Saxon king Alfred the Great.

11. 1042-Edward the Confessor takes throne Descendent of Alfred the Great Dies without an heir William, Duke of Normandy Edward’s French cousin Claims Edward named him heir Leads last successful invasion of the island 1066-After the Battle of Hastings, crowned King of England

13. Early Britain-pagan strong belief in wyrd, or fate. no belief in an afterlife the only way to achieve some form of immortality was a name that would live on after your death. great importance was placed on the heroic warriors

14. Roman Britain The Britons became Christians after the conversion of Constantine, along with the rest of the Roman Empire After the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons, Christianity remained only in the remoter regions

15. Anglo-Saxon England Originally pagan 597 A.D.-the Pope sends missionary Augustine to Kent (south) to convert the King Establishes monastery at Canterbury Missionaries from Ireland (north) begin teaching Christianity Within 75 years, island is once more predominately Christian

16. Monasteries Centers of intellectual, literary, artistic, & social activity Only opportunity for education Most of what we have from this period was written by clergy

18. Introduced cities, roads, & written scholarship Hadrian’s Wall – an enormous wall constructed out of stone and turf to help with defense; named for Emperor Hadrian British people enjoyed many of the luxuries of Rome, including villas and public baths

19. Clans or tribes: Safety in numbers, usually familial, gathered around a superior leader Entertainment: Scop (poet), Bard (storyteller), rhapsodes or gleeman (singers) Gave news, sang songs, told stories, & asked riddles Valued member of court

20. Great feasting in Mead Halls: served as a gathering place for spectacular occasions Feasted on pies and roasted meats, as well as mead. Mead was fermented water and honey with malt and yeast (beer). Thanes (warriors) and Athelings (nobles) gathered in mead halls

21. The front of the mead hall was raised for the highest officials to sit. There were long tables down both of the sides where the thanes and athelings sat. There was a long fire pit down the center of the hall. Hay and dogs were on the floor.

22. Cruelly ferocious, but faithful until death to their leader. Brave – liked action, fighting, and contests of physical strength. Skill in all areas (taming a horse, swimming a river, choosing a camp site, sailing a ship, building a hall, ect.) and courage were primary qualities of successful king.

23. Fair play and sportsmanship was important. Generosity was aspect of heroic behavior – the successful king was called a “ring-giver” or “bracelet- bestower” Faithfulness to a cause, to a love, or to a quest. Believed in Revenge very strongly – an eye for an eye

24. Celtic influence: place names like Kent and Avon the lais or lays (lyrics or short verse romances) Roman influence: small number of Latin words (mile, street) Anglo-Saxon influence: Gutteral, vigorous language became the spoken language of the people, now known as Old English Although different from the English we speak today, about half of our modern basic vocabulary comes from the Old English.

25. Epic Long, narrative formal poem Grand scale, vast, many characters & adventures Central character with heroic qualities (but is human) Often has assistance from the gods Sometimes has a special weapon Noble or of elevated birth Faces great obstacles/central quest against an evil foe Memorized and performed orally Written down years after originally told