Anglo Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons: 449–1066

300 B.C.- Celts in Britain

55 B.C. to 409 A.D.- Roman Occupation

449 A.D.- Anglo Saxon Invasion

878 A.D- King Alfred against the Danes

1066 A.D.- Norman Invasion

400 A.D.- 699 A.D.- spread of Christianity

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The Celts in Britain

  • Britain named for one Celtic tribe—the Brythons
  • Celtic religion a form animism   * animism-

    the attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena

  • Druids were Celtic priests

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The Roman Conquest

55 B.C. & 56 B.C.- Julius Caesar made hasty invasions

  • Roman rule of Britain lasted for nearly 400 years
  • Rome was threatened in Italy and soon Roman ended
  • Romans left for Rome in 407 A.D.

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The Roman Occupation

  • 43 A.D.- Celts defeated by Claudius
  • 409 A.D.- Britain left vulnerable to attack and central government breaks down

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  • Romans liked to build walls, villas, baths, and roads

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Result of Roman Rule

  • Constructed a system of well-paved roads and formed cities
  • Made @@Hadrian’s Wall@@ to protect them from Picts and Scots   * the wall linked the North Sea to the Atlantic   * held back the Picts and Scots for 250 years
  • Introduced Roman law and order
  • Used Latin
  • Introduced Christianity

\ Dispersal of the Britons

  • After the Romans left, the Britons were unable to protect themselves from new invaders
  • To flee the Anglo-Saxons and the Britons fled to other parts of the island: Cornwall, Wales, and Ireland

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Anglo-Saxon Society

  • Tribes were ruled bu a king chosen by a council of elders or a leader elected by physical prowess and achievements
  • Kingship groups led by strong warrior chief
  • people farmed, established local governments
  • English emerged as a written language
  • Mead is a fermented drink made of water, honey, alt, and yeast

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Hierarchy

  • Had two-class society:   * ==earl’s==- who ruled and were related to the leader of the tribe   * ^^Churls^^- whose ancestors had been captured by the tribe
  • Churls were provided hard labor and were bound to the earls’ service

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The Anglo-Saxon Invasion

why did the Anglo-Saxons settle in England?

  • mid climate
  • rich soil
  • safe for invading ships

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Anglo-Saxon Life

  • singers called a SCOP entertained with stories of heroism
  • The communal hall offered shelter and a place for council meetings

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