Anglo-Saxon period

Anglo-Saxon Period

The Anglo-Saxon period refers to the era in England from the early 5th century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. This period is characterized by the migration and settlement of the Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes, in England following the decline of Roman Britain.

Historical Background

The Anglo-Saxon period began after the withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain around 410 AD. The vacuum left by the Romans led to the arrival of various Germanic tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. These tribes established several kingdoms, such as Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.

Migration and Settlement

The migration of the Anglo-Saxons was a gradual process that took place over several decades. Initially, they came as mercenaries to help defend against Pictish and Scottish raids. Over time, they began to settle and establish their own territories, leading to the formation of the Heptarchy, a term used to describe the seven main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Society and Culture

Anglo-Saxon society was predominantly rural and agrarian. The social structure was hierarchical, with a king at the top, followed by nobles, freemen, and slaves. The witan, or council of wise men, played a crucial role in advising the king and making important decisions.

Language and Literature

The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English, a Germanic language that is the ancestor of modern English. This period saw the creation of significant literary works, including Beowulf, an epic poem that is one of the most important works of Old English literature. Other notable texts include the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the works of Bede, such as Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

Religion

Initially, the Anglo-Saxons practiced a form of paganism, worshipping gods such as Woden and Thor. However, by the 7th century, Christianity began to spread, largely due to the efforts of missionaries like Augustine of Canterbury and the influence of Irish and Celtic Christianity. The conversion to Christianity had a profound impact on Anglo-Saxon culture and art.

Art and Architecture

Anglo-Saxon art is known for its intricate metalwork, illuminated manuscripts, and stone carvings. The Sutton Hoo burial site is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries from this period, revealing a wealth of artifacts that demonstrate the craftsmanship of the Anglo-Saxons.

Architecture

Anglo-Saxon architecture was primarily wooden, but some stone structures, such as churches, have survived. The use of timber was prevalent in domestic buildings, while stone was reserved for more important structures.

Decline and Legacy

The Anglo-Saxon period came to an end with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold Godwinson. The Norman Conquest brought significant changes to English society, law, and language.

Despite the end of the Anglo-Saxon rule, their legacy continued to influence English culture, language, and legal systems. Many place names in England still bear Anglo-Saxon origins, and Old English forms the basis of much of the modern English vocabulary.

See Also

• Heptarchy
• Old English
• Sutton Hoo
• Norman Conquest

References

• Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People
• The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
• Higham, N. J., & Ryan, M. J. (2013). The Anglo-Saxon World.