Early English History

1
Early English History

• (Beginnings to 1066)

2
Story of Invasions

• England as an island
• Pangea
• Native Britons
• Iberians (Spain Portugal)
• Celts (800-600 BC)

3
Celts

• Brythons (Britons)
• Settled in England/Britain
• Gaels
• Settled in Ireland

4
Celtic Life

• Farmers and hunters
• Clans
• Loyal to Chieftain
• Druids
• Religious and literary

5
Roman Invasion

• 55 BC Julius Caesar
• Quick Invasion and army left
• Influence
• Paved roads
• Skill in warfare
• Christianity
• Left Britain in 407 AD

6
Anglo-Saxons (449-1066)

• Angles, Saxons, Jutes
• Tribes (King chosen by Witan)
• Earls Heredity class of warlords
• Freemen Land owners
• Churls Bonded servants
• Thralls Slaves/Prisoners

7
Conflicts

• Tribal Battles
• Intertribal marriage
• Common language
• Pagan Beliefs (Ancient German Gods)
• Grim view of life
• Fate
• Christianity
• By 640 almost all Christian
• Education/Literature (Monks Scribes)

8
Danish (Vikings)

• Norway, Denmark
• Sacked Plundered (Pirates)
• Wessex
• Alfred the Great (871)
• Education
• Availability of literature
• Anglo-Saxon translations
• Danelaw
• Area and rule

9
Danelaw Map
10
Norman Invasion

• 1066
• William the Conqueror
• King Harold the battle of Hastings
• Begins the Medieval Period