Saxons

Anglo-Saxon Homelands and Settlements

Saxons were a group of Germanic peoples who were first mentioned by Roman authors in the early centuries AD. They inhabited the region of what is now Northern Germany and the Netherlands. Over time, they expanded westward into what is now England as part of the larger Anglo-Saxon settlement in the 5th and 6th centuries. The Saxons played a significant role in the early Middle Ages, particularly in the formation of England's kingdom and its cultural and linguistic development.

Origins and Identity

The origins of the Saxons are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have originated from the North German Plain. The name "Saxon" is thought to derive from the Seax, a type of knife for which they were known. Early Roman sources describe them as pirates and raiders, emphasizing their seafaring skills which allowed them to raid the coasts of the Roman Empire.

Migration and Settlement

During the Migration Period, the Saxons expanded their territory, moving into what is now England in the 5th century. This migration was part of a broader movement of Germanic peoples, including the Angles and Jutes, who collectively came to be known as the Anglo-Saxons. They established several kingdoms in England, such as Wessex, Essex, and Sussex, which are indicative of their tribal origins.

Culture and Society

Saxon society was organized into closely knit tribal units. Their economy was primarily based on agriculture, though trade and craftsmanship were also important. The Saxons were pagans, worshipping a pantheon of Germanic gods, until their conversion to Christianity beginning in the 7th century, largely due to the missionary efforts of figures like Saint Augustine of Canterbury.

Saxon England

In England, the Saxons, along with other Germanic settlers, laid the foundations for the English nation. The period of their rule, known as the Anglo-Saxon period, saw the development of the English language, legal systems, and cultural practices that would shape the country's future. The Viking invasions of the 9th century posed a significant threat to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, leading to the eventual unification of England under King Alfred the Great of Wessex.

Legacy

The legacy of the Saxons is evident in modern England, from place names and the English language to legal systems and cultural practices. The term "Anglo-Saxon" is still used today, albeit in a broader sense, to refer to the early medieval culture of England before the Norman Conquest of 1066.