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Anglo Saxons. A Day in the Life of…. History. 5 th Century: Germanic tribes invade Angles Saxons Jutes Established Anglo-Saxon presence in England (Angle-Land) Alfred the Great: “Rex Angul-Saxonum” Late 800s: fights away Danish invaders Promotes sense of national identity
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Anglo Saxons A Day in the Life of…
History • 5th Century: Germanic tribes invade • Angles • Saxons • Jutes • Established Anglo-Saxon presence in England (Angle-Land) • Alfred the Great: “Rex Angul-Saxonum” • Late 800s: fights away Danish invaders • Promotes sense of national identity • Converts Latin texts to Old English
Civilizations • Anglo-Saxons settled away from old Roman cities • Strategic sites for agriculture or river ports to control land. • One-room structures of timber and thatch • Village centered around “Mead-Hall,” with central hearth.
Values • Strength, courage, and power • Hated peace—fighting is more honorable. • Revenge taken seriously • War ended only by “wergild” or “peace-weaver.” • Worst fate: survive fellow warriors or exile.
Religion Beliefs carried over from Germanic Paganism • Pagan Gods: Tyr, Woden, Thor, Frigg • Christianization occurred between 597-686AD • Pagan information documented through priests set out to destroy it. • Example: St. Augustine, Kentish King, and Woden
Law • Saxon Chiefs chopped off hands and noses to punish petty crimes. • Fear maintained control. • A good king was a fearsome king. • A good king was also generous. • Warrior gifts for acts of bravery in battle.