History of Britain: From Early Settlers to the Danelaw

Flashcards about early British history, covering the arrival of various groups and their impact on Britain.

When did farmers arrive in Britain from Europe, bringing seeds and animals?

Around 4000 BC (6000 years ago)

What did the farmers do upon arriving in Britain?

Cleared forests to create farms and build stone houses.

Who were the first people to live in Britain?

Immigrants from Europe, hunter-gatherers.

What skills did the first people in Britain develop?

Lighting fires and making tools.

When did the Beaker people and Celts arrive in Britain?

Around 500-43 BC (2500 years ago)

What are the Beaker people known for?

Pottery cups they made.

When did the Romans arrive in Britain?

43 BC - AD 401

How long did the Romans rule Britain?

Over 400 years

When did the Romans leave Britain?

AD 401 onwards

Why did the Romans leave Britain?

To defend their homeland (Italy).

Which tribes invaded Britain after the Romans left?

Anglo-Saxons from Denmark and northern Germany.

What areas of Britain did the Anglo-Saxons NOT capture?

Cornwall, Wales, and the far north.

What was the role of lords and chieftains in Anglo-Saxon villages?

To lead and fight one another to gain more land.

What was the title given to the strongest Anglo-Saxon tribal chiefs?

Bretwalda or 'Ruler of Britain'.

By what year had most Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity?

AD 800

When did the Vikings begin to raid Britain?

Around the AD 790s

Why did the Vikings attack Britain?

They knew of their wealth from trading with the Anglo-Saxons.

What was the first recorded Viking attack in Britain?

The monastery at Lindisfarne in Northumbria in AD793.

What did the Vikings steal during their raids?

Gold, silver, cattle, and even slaves.

What factors contributed to the Vikings decision to settle in Britain?

Sandy soil in Denmark, overcrowding in Scandinavia, hilly terrain in Norway, and inheritance laws.

What was the part of England under Viking control known as?

The Danelaw.

Name some influences that the Vikings brought to the Danelaw that are still around today

Place names, measurements, skilled crafts, farming techniques, and words.

Give examples of days of the week named after Viking gods.

Thursday named after Thor and Friday after Freya.