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The Anglo-Saxon Period. 449-1066 A.D. Original inhabitants of what is known as England were the Celts, the original Britons Pagan Much of their history is unknown until later. A Brief History. The First Invasion of the Celts. Julius Caesar raided “Britain” in 55 and 54 B.C. The Romans.
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The Anglo-Saxon Period 449-1066 A.D.
Original inhabitants of what is known as England were the Celts, the original Britons Pagan Much of their history is unknown until later A Brief History
Julius Caesar raided “Britain” in 55 and 54 B.C. The Romans...
Introduced the concept of Christianity The Romans...
Lasted for nearly 300 years During this time, commerce flourished Civilization advanced Roman rule crumbled in the fourth and fifth centuries The Roman Rule...
A great fortification running across the island near the Scottish border Built circa 123 A.D. for protection from invading Picts and Scots Nearly 70 miles long The Romans Built Hadrian’s Wall
According to history, in 449 the first band of people from the North German plain crossed the North Sea and settled in what is now known as Kent. These people were the Jutes from Jutland. The Germanic Invasions
After the first wave of Jutes came the Angles. Present day England derives its name from the name “Angle-Land.” Known as the “hook-men.” The Germanic Invasion...
Following the Jutes and the Angles, the next invaders were the Saxons. Known as the “swords-men.” The Germanic Invasions
What Were the Anglo-Saxons Like? • Hardy • Athletic • Wandering • Fierce in personal valor • Pagan • Sea-Faring • Loyal to leader and tribe • Ruled by fate called “wyrd”
Believed in the Norse Gods as part of their superstitions and religious beliefs...
Wednesday for the warlike Woden Even now, our weekdays are named after their ancient Norse gods...
Anglo-Saxon Lives • Divided into tribes and kingdoms • Each tribe led by a king or chieftain • Followers of these kings were called thanes • After hunt and battles, they would gather in a mead hall • Entertained by a scop and gleeman • Governed themselves democratically • Decisions made in meeting called folkmoots- the term now applies a moot point (a question that can be argued)
As the Anglo-Saxons had no written language, they relied on the following as a means of literary preservation...
Defined as a body of songs, stories, and poems preserved by being passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Often sung by a scop- a traveling storyteller often accompanied by a harp. The Oral Tradition
Elements of Anglo-Saxon Literature • Composed in Old English • Each line is divided by a caesura (a natural pause or break in a line of poetry, is essential for rhythm) • Incorporates kennings (a metaphorical phrase used to replace a concrete noun) • Usually includes a blend of pagan and Christian elements