449-1066

Invaded by Iberians (came from Iberian Peninsula) Celts Romans Anglo Saxons Vikings Normans

These invasions shaped the country

• Known to be in England since 300 B.C.• 700 B.C. they dominated western and

central Europe• Artisans – introduced iron to the rest of

Europe• Farmers• Warriors• Language was dominant until 500 A.D. • Language was the basis for

– Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Irish (Wales, Scotland, Ireland)

One of the groups of Celts, Brythons, formed the basis for the name Britain

The legend of King Arthur was based on Celtic legends about one of their Chieftains

William Butler Yeats used Celtic legends as basis for his poetry

Celtic legends included strong powerful women

Practiced by the Celts “Spirits/Fairies” inhabit and controlled

everything Priests were called Druids Occasionally ritual dances were necessary Occasionally human sacrifice was

necessary Beliefs led the way for many fantastical

stories

Julius Caesar leads an invasion in 55 B.C. Romans kept other invaders away from

Britain for several hundred years Built 5,000 miles of roads

Enabled trade, taxes, and military Christianity is introduced Left Britain in 409 A.D.

Left Britain in 409 A.D. Left Britain governmentless Left Britain open for more invasions

•Angles and Saxons came from Germany•Jutes came from Denmark

Began as groups of families led by a chief

Farmers Metal Workers Anglo-Saxon language became the

dominant language Coined the name England

Not barbarians but warfare was common Loyalty was tantamount

Ensured survival Rewarded by leaders in form of gifts

Fame and success were gained by loyalty to the leader

Success was measured by gifts from the leader Fame: immortality could be found through

recognition for heroic deeds

Unified the many groups together to fight the Danes/Vikings

Rebuilt cities that had been destroyed during invasions

Revived interest in learning Helped spread the use of English as a

common language which allowed it to gain respect

Started the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a record of Anglo-Saxon history

Translated and wrote works

Woden God of death, poetry, and magic Led to the word Wednesday (Woden’s Day) Could help humans communicate with spirits Associated with burial rites and trances

Thunor God of thunder and lightning Led to the word Thursday (Thunor’s Day)

Bravery Rough life with constant invasions and harsh

conditions Loyalty

Rewarded because leaders needed to know they had help

Generosity Tokens of appreciation for bravery and loyalty

Friendship

Important part of Anglo-Saxon beliefs Protectors of treasure Associated with the Vikings/Danes

Carved on their ships Embodiment of evil and death

Scops Talented story tellers Sang stories of heroes and gods

Sung with a harp As important to society as warriors Sang sad stories of bravery and

hardships To be a hero of a story was the ultimate

reward – FAME Used common phrases to remember their

stories

432 all of Ireland converted Irish monks formed monasteries for

refugee scholars Eventually replaced the Anglo-Saxon

religion Linked England to Europe

Centers of learning Preserved stories by copying them by

hand

A reconstructed Anglo-Saxon home located in West Stow in Sussex, England

Mead Hall

• center of life

• sleeping quarters

• dining area

• meeting place

• Located in Woodbridge, Suffolk, England

• Discovered in 1939

• Burial ship of an Anglo-Saxon king

• Burial site contained 41 items of solid gold and 37 gold coins

Sutton Hoo

Anglo-Saxon pendant probably made in the 7th century AD

found in garden soil at Sacriston, County Durham.

made of solid gold with a goldwire or filigree decoration.

Anglo-Saxon Brooch

7th century helmet Reconstructed from

hundreds of corroded iron fragments