Anglo-Saxons

by
Bianca Brastin
Tania Buptea
Bianca Nicola
 Where does the
term come from?
 The term “Anglo-
Saxon” is a relatively
modern one. It refers to
settlers from the
German regions of
Angeln and Saxony,
who made their way
over to Britain after the
fall of the Roman
Empire around AD 410.
How about their
religion?
The Anglo-Saxons also
brought their own
religious beliefs, but
the arrival of Saint
Augustine in 597
converted most of the
country to
Christianity.
 What do we know
about their culture?
 Early Anglo-Saxon buildings in
Britain were generally simple, not
using masonry except in foundations
but constructed mainly using timber
with thatch for roofing. Generally
preferring not to settle within the
old Roman cities, the Anglo-Saxons
built small towns near their centres
of agriculture, at fords in rivers or
sited to serve as ports. In each town,
a main hall was in the centre,
provided with a central hearth.
How did they
dress?
 Women used to wear
brooches at the shoulders
pinned two sides of a
tubular dress together.
Men used to
wear baggy trousers and
'bandages' wound round
their legs.
What did they
eat?
The Anglo-Saxons loved eating and
drinking and would often have feasts
in the Hall. The food was cooked over
the fire in the middle of the house;
meat was roasted and eaten with
bread.
They grew
•cereals - Wheat and rye for bread,
barley for brewing and oats for animal
food and porridge.
•vegetables - carrots, parsnip,
cabbages, peas, beans and onions.
•fruit - such as apples, cherries and
plums
Anglo-Saxons wars
Anglo Saxons arrived on the British Isles in the 5th century. Right from
their arrival, they were pitted in warfare against different tribes. The
earliest people that the Anglo Saxons encountered were the Pics and
Scotis in the north of the Isles. After successfully defeating them, the
Anglo Saxons were then pitted against the Breton population.
 After a long series of wars, the Anglo Saxons prevailed against the
Bretons as well. Towards the 9th century, the Vikings began raiding
England and Anglo Saxons fought many wars against them. The wars
with Vikings were to prove fateful for the Anglo Saxons who were
ultimately subdued by Normans in the 11th century.
The early settlers kept
to small tribal groups,
forming kingdoms:
Northumbria, Mercia,
East England, Wessex
and other
sub-kingdoms.
 Where does the
information come
from?
 Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
is a year-by-year account
of all the major events of
the time. The original
manuscript was created
late in the 9th century in
Wessex.
Among other things it describes the It begins with Hengist and Horsa in
rise and fall of the bishops and AD 449. They were the legendary
kings and the important battles of leaders, fought for the British king
the period. Vortigern against the Picts.

Hengist
Who ruled the
kingdom?
Edward the Confessor, king of the House of Wessex, ruled from 1042 to
1066. Unfortunatelly, he didn’t have a heir. He had gave the kingdom to
William of Normandy, but also seemed to favour Harold Godwinson as
his successor.
 Harold was crowned king
immediately after Edward died,
but he failed in his attempt to
defend his crown, when
William and an invading army
crossed the Channel from
France to claim it for himself.
Harold was defeated by the
Normans at the Battle of
Hastings in October 1066 and a
new era was born.
Thank you for your
attention!