Anglo-Saxon Culture
Throughout the history of what we call the 'Anglo-Saxon' culture that we see in modern day United Kingdom, there have been a number of different cultures, new peoples, and invasions that define what it is today. It is important to understand who influenced these people, and how they each shaped and molded it into what it is now.
THE ROMANS
The first major influence on the Britannic people were the Romans, who colonized and invaded much of the territory that belonged to the native Britons starting around the time of 55 B.C.E. during the reign of Julius Caesar.
The Romans brought with them their culture, along with roman technological advances. They built stone baths, temples, walls, brought written works, new weapons. They later influenced the Britons with Christianity, which would later take root as the primary religion in Britain. In the early fifth century, leading up to the collapse of the Roman empire, the people had returned closer to the center of the empire in order to sustain the parts that Rome felt were more important, leaving behind their stone buildings.
The first major influence on the Britannic people were the Romans, who colonized and invaded much of the territory that belonged to the native Britons starting around the time of 55 B.C.E. during the reign of Julius Caesar.
The Romans brought with them their culture, along with roman technological advances. They built stone baths, temples, walls, brought written works, new weapons. They later influenced the Britons with Christianity, which would later take root as the primary religion in Britain. In the early fifth century, leading up to the collapse of the Roman empire, the people had returned closer to the center of the empire in order to sustain the parts that Rome felt were more important, leaving behind their stone buildings.
THE ANGLO-SAXONS
Following the retreat of the roman people from Britain, the 'Saxon'-(Germanic tribe) had come from Denmark, and settled in the eastern and southern regions of Britain alongside the 'Anglo'-(English) peoples.
These settlers began forming small tribes, which later became small kingdoms. by the 9th century during the Saxon period, four major kingdoms had risen up in Britain, these kingdoms were known as North Umbria, Mercia, East Anglia, and Wessex.
These Germanic people brought their own religion along with them, but by the late 6th century A.D., most of the population had been converted to the Christian faith by Saint Augustine (597).
Following the retreat of the roman people from Britain, the 'Saxon'-(Germanic tribe) had come from Denmark, and settled in the eastern and southern regions of Britain alongside the 'Anglo'-(English) peoples.
These settlers began forming small tribes, which later became small kingdoms. by the 9th century during the Saxon period, four major kingdoms had risen up in Britain, these kingdoms were known as North Umbria, Mercia, East Anglia, and Wessex.
These Germanic people brought their own religion along with them, but by the late 6th century A.D., most of the population had been converted to the Christian faith by Saint Augustine (597).
Examples of Anglo-Saxon period relics
THE DANES
The Danish invasion began as a series of raids, starting as early as the 8th century A.D. These Viking invaders came seeking wealth, and raided cities as well as monasteries. The Danes gained control of most of the regions in the north as well as the eastern parts of Britain.
While these Danes were warlike, and killed many of those whom they plundered, they are often regarded as the most assimilating of the Britannic invaders, meaning they were most influenced by the native culture. Even some of the Danish rulers, such as Guthrum, had converted to Christianity.
The Danes were never able to take full control of Britain, as Britain kings like Alfred the Great of Wessex was able to repel many of the Danes, and lessen their grip on the country.
THE NORMANS
The French-Norman invasion of Britain was the last, and marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon period. The invasion began in the late 11th century, and was led by William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy.
The well-known battle of Hastings allowed William to take the throne from his distant cousin Harold, establishing a new, French aristocracy on England.
This conquest also staged what would become a fierce rivalry between the two countries, leading to the 'Hundred Years War' and other significant conflicts.