Anglo Saxon History 2

Roman Rule in Early England (1st Century–410 AD)

Period when the Britons and Celts were conquered and incorporated into the Roman Empire for nearly 400 years before Roman withdrawal in 410 AD.

Dates of the Anglo-Saxon Period

449–1066 AD.

Reason Anglo-Saxon England was a military society

Constant threat of violence and raids from the Danes, Vikings, and fighting between local tribes.

Wyrd

The Anglo-Saxon concept of fate or destiny.

Comitatus

The Germanic Anglo-Saxon code of mutual loyalty between a lord and his warriors.

Wergild

"Man-price" or blood price paid to a victim's family as restitution for death or injury to prevent feuds.

Evidence that Anglo-Saxons valued art and culture

Elaborate armor and helmets, fine craftsmanship, poetic traditions, and the founding of early public schools.

Saint Augustine of Canterbury

Missionary who established a monastery in Canterbury and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Caedmon

The earliest known English religious poet, who lived at Whitby Abbey.

Synod at Whitby Abbey

A 7th-century council that united the English Church with Roman Christianity, strengthening ties with continental Europe.

Scop

An Anglo-Saxon tribal poet and historian who recited epic poetry from memory to preserve history and praise heroic deeds.

Heroic Tradition

Anglo-Saxon poetic tradition centered on heroic feats, bravery, and epic battles.

Elegiac Tradition

Anglo-Saxon poetic tradition that mourns the loss of past glory, loved ones, or better times.

The Venerable Bede

8th-century monk known as "the father of English history" and author of A History of the English Church and People.

Key contributions of King Alfred the Great

Promoted literacy in English, initiated the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, established a code of laws, and founded public schools.

Boudicea

Celtic queen who led a major revolt against Roman forces, resulting in the deaths of 70,000 to 80,000 Romans.

Anglo-Saxon funeral rites

Practices that included public cremation of heroes and the recitation of dirges and eulogies.

Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon oral poetry

Verse sung or recited from memory using a strong four-beat rhythm, heavy alliteration, and recycled traditional material.

Abbess Hilda

Influential religious figure who mentored the poet Caedmon and presided over Whitby Abbey during its famous synod.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The first continuous historical record written in English, initiated under the direction of King Alfred the Great.

Ethelred the Unready

Anglo-Saxon king noted for his troubled reign during a period of intense violent raids in England.

Dirge

A mournful funeral song recited during Anglo-Saxon burial and cremation rites.

A History of the English Church and People

Important 8th-century historical text written in 731 AD by the Venerable Bede.

Impact of Roman withdrawal from England in 410 AD

Left the native Britons defenseless against violent raids by surrounding tribes and invaders.

Primary rhythm of Anglo-Saxon poetry

A verse structure defined by a strong four-beat rhythm and heavy alliteration.

Combination of Heroic and Elegiac traditions

The practice in Anglo-Saxon poetry of blending epic battles and heroic feats with mournful reflections on the passage of time and lost glory.

Eulogy in Anglo-Saxon tradition

A formal speech or poem of praise given during funeral rites to honor the achievements and bravery of a fallen hero.

Reign of King Alfred of Wessex

871–899 AD, a landmark period of military defense, legal reforms, and educational revival in Anglo-Saxon England.

Britons and Celts

The native inhabitants of early England who were conquered in the first century AD and integrated into the Roman Empire.

Pagan elements in Anglo-Saxon culture

Traditional beliefs characterized by a reliance on fate (Wyrd) and public cremation rituals for fallen heroes.