Conquests and Conquests and InvasionInvasion

Great Britain was invaded by the Iberians Celts Romans Angles & Saxons Vikings Normans

Celtic InfluenceCeltic Influence

Celtic invasion in the 4th century B.C.

Religion – animism – the belief that there is a spirit in everythingThese spirits often had to be appeased through

ritual dances and even human sacrifices.Stories contained strong women, enchanted lands,

magic, and imagination.Poetry, story, and song a major way to spread the

tales of the Celts

Roman InfluenceRoman Influence

Julius Caesar invaded in 55 B.C. Built roads Built a wall 70 miles long Brought Christianity to Britain Christianity became the unifying factor

between England and Europe.

Anglo-Saxon influenceAnglo-Saxon influence

Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade after the Romans left in 449 A.D.

The culture was very war-like and militant, but not barbaric.

The Angles give the name Engle Land, which later became England.

The Anglo-Saxons divided the land into principalities with rulers over each.

Women in the Anglo-Saxon culture had rights; they could inherit land and money. They joined and became leaders in religious communities.

Anglo-Saxon influence - Anglo-Saxon influence - continuedcontinued

Communal court or chieftain hall surrounded by single family homesteads with a wooden wall protecting Provides a sense of relationship between the leader

and the people Provides a sense of security Encourages communal discussion and rule by

consensus

Tales of heroes tell of fame and exploits in an attempt to protect or serve the leader. These tales demonstrate loyalty to the leader and

bring fame to the hero. (ex. Beowulf)

Anglo-Saxon influence-Anglo-Saxon influence-continuedcontinued

Religion – dark and fatalistic with warrior gods such as Woden and Thunor No afterlife – stories of bards carry legend on Dragons important Virtues are bravery, loyalty, generosity, and

friendship

Bards popular – poetry as important as fighting, hunting, farming, or loving Many poems in elegiac form

Influence of the DanesInfluence of the Danes

Invade and settle portions of northeast and central England – 871-899 A.D. King Alfred of Wessex The Angles and Danes fought but both were defeated

in 1066 by William Duke of Normandy. King Alfred institute The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a

history of England from early to 1154 English Language becomes prominent and begins to

overshadow Latin Old English stories first considered great literature Anglo-Saxon literature, much like the oral poems and

stories, often recounted heroic deeds of loyal servants to the king or ruler.

Influence of the DanesInfluence of the Danes

ResourcesResources

Youtube

Holt, Rinehart and Winston