The Emergent Period (450-1066)

Overview of England's Historical Context (Page 2)

• Geographical Significance

  • England is part of a small island with Scotland and Wales.

  • The island has been invaded and settled by various groups: Iberians, Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, and Normans.

• Cultural Contributions

  • England is known for its legends, beauty, and contributions to science and literature.

  • Key achievements include the theory of gravity, the Industrial Revolution, radar, and penicillin.

• Political Legacy

  • The Magna Carta (1215) initiated a political system "by and for the people."

  • English common law and parliamentary government influenced American governance and culture.

The Celts and Their Religion (Page 3)

• Celtic Settlements

  • Greek travelers noted the presence of Celts in Britain, particularly the Brythons.

• Religious Beliefs

  • Celtic religion was animistic, with spirits in nature needing placation.

  • Druids served as priestly intermediaries, conducting rituals including dances and sacrifices.

• Celtic Deities

  • The Mother Goddess was central, representing fertility and nature, balanced by a male counterpart.

  • Believed that marriage between Great Mother and Great Father would produce perfect harmony

  • Great Father is associated with the tribe and its culture

Roman Influence (Page 4)

• Roman Conquest

  • Julius Caesar initiated the conquest in 55 B.C., with Claudius completing it in the first century A.D.

• Administrative Contributions

  • Romans established infrastructure (roads, walls, baths) but left no central government upon withdrawal around 410 A.D.

• Cultural Shift

  • Christianity began to spread during Roman rule, gradually replacing Celtic religion.

The Anglo-Saxons (Page 4-5)

• Invasion and Settlement

  • Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded, leading to the establishment of Anglo-Saxon England.

• Cultural Resistance

  • The Celts resisted but eventually retreated to Wales, leaving traces of their culture.

• Political Fragmentation

  • Early Anglo-Saxon England was divided into principalities until King Alfred unified it against the Danes.

The Reemergence of Christianity (Page 5)

• Missionary Efforts

  • St. Augustine converted King Ethelbert of Kent in 597, establishing Canterbury as a religious center.

• Cultural Integration

  • The coexistence of Christian and Anglo-Saxon traditions influenced literature, including the epic "Beowulf."

Life in Anglo-Saxon England (Page 6)

• Social Structure

  • Anglo-Saxon society was marked by loyalty to leaders, with success measured by gifts from them.

• Community Living

  • Settlements were organized around communal courts and chieftain's halls, fostering security and consensus.

Anglo-Saxon Religion (Page 7)

• Deities and Beliefs

  • Thunor (Thor) and Woden (Odin) were significant gods, representing weather and poetry, respectively.

• Ethical Focus

  • The Anglo-Saxon religion emphasized bravery, loyalty, and generosity over mystical elements.

Bards and Poets (Page 8-9)

• Cultural Role of Bards

  • Bards (scops) were respected figures, providing entertainment and preserving history through poetry.

• Poetic Themes

  • Poetry often reflected themes of heroism and mortality, with a focus on collective memory.

Monasteries and Literature (Page 9-10)

• Centers of Learning

  • Monasteries preserved both Christian and Anglo-Saxon traditions, producing significant literary works.

• Language Development

  • King Alfred promoted Old English as a language of culture, leading to the creation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Old English Poetics (Page 10-11)

• Oral Tradition

  • Old English poetry was characterized by rhythmic patterns and alliteration, differing from later English poetry.

• Kennings and Formulas

  • Poets used descriptive compound words (kennings) and formulas to aid memory and enhance storytelling.

Timeline of Key Events (Page 11)

• Historical Milestones

  • 300 B.C.-55 B.C.: Celtic tribes inhabit Britain.

  • A.D. 410: Roman legions withdraw from Britain.

  • A.D. 597: St. Augustine converts Ethelbert of Kent.

  • A.D. 731: Bede writes "Ecclesiastical History of the English People."

  • A.D. 878: King Alfred defeats the Danes, solidifying