Anglo-Saxon England
Anglo-Saxon England refers to the period of English history from the 5th to the 11th centuries, when the Anglo-Saxons established their kingdoms in England following the decline of Roman Britain. This era is significant for the transformation of Britain from a Roman province into a series of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms which eventually unified to form the Kingdom of England.
Historical Context
- End of Roman Rule: The decline of Roman Britain began around the early 5th century, with the last Roman soldiers leaving by 410 AD.
- Anglo-Saxon Settlement: Following the Roman withdrawal, Germanic tribes including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes from modern-day Germany, Denmark, and Netherlands began settling in Britain. Their migration is often referred to as the Anglo-Saxon Settlement of Britain.
- Heptarchy: By the 7th century, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms had solidified into what historians call the Heptarchy, which included Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Wessex.
- Christianization: Christianity was reintroduced to England by missionaries like Saint Augustine of Canterbury in the late 6th century, leading to the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons.
- Viking Invasions: From the late 8th century, Viking raids and subsequent invasions posed a significant threat to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, leading to events like the Danelaw and the eventual unification under Alfred the Great of Wessex.
- Unification and the Kingdom of England: Alfred's descendants, particularly Æthelstan, completed the unification process, leading to the establishment of a single Kingdom of England in the early 10th century.
- Norman Conquest: The Anglo-Saxon period ended with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
Culture and Society
- Language: Old English, the language of the Anglo-Saxons, evolved from the dialects spoken by the Germanic settlers. It's the ancestor of Modern English.
- Literature: The Anglo-Saxon period produced significant literary works like Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and numerous poems, many of which are preserved in the Cotton library.
- Art and Architecture: Anglo-Saxon art included intricate metalwork, jewelry, and manuscript illumination. Architecture was primarily wooden, but stone churches like Escomb Church have survived.
- Law and Governance: The Anglo-Saxon legal system was based on custom and local law, with the concept of the 'wergild' or man price being prominent. Governance was initially tribal but evolved into more centralized kingdoms.
- Economy: The economy was agrarian, with agriculture being the primary source of livelihood, although trade with Europe and the Scandinavian world was significant.
Legacy
The Anglo-Saxon period laid the foundations for many aspects of English culture, language, and governance. The establishment of England as a political entity, the spread of Christianity, and the development of English law and land tenure systems all have roots in this era.
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