Around 400 AD towards the end of Roman

Around 400 AD towards the end of Roman rule, Britain was being attacked by the Picts and Scots from the north, and the Anglo-Saxons from the sea. The Romans had built forts along the coast to fight off the sea-raiders and Hadrian's wall defended the north. Things were changing, and in about AD 410, the last Roman soldiers were ordered to leave. Britain no longer had the strong Roman army to defend it from the invaders. There were many battles between Anglo-Saxons and Britons. Over time, the Anglo-Saxons took control of most of Britain. AD: After Jesus Christ was born BC: Before Jesus Christ was born

Picts The Picts were a group of tribes who lived in Scotland. They had a fearsome reputation and the Romans had built Hadrian's Wall to keep them out of Britain. But with the Romans gone, the Picts started to invade Britain from the north.

Briton The Britons were tribes of people who had been living in Britain for centuries. But without the Roman army to protect them, the Britons had to face the invading Anglo. Saxons alone.

Anglo-Saxon The Anglo-Saxons invaded Britain from mainland Europe. They weren't all looking for a fight, some just wanted a peaceful place to live. However, many were fighters who pushed the Britons out of their lands

Why did the Anglo-Saxons come to Britain? • To fight Some Anglo-Saxons were warriors who enjoyed fighting. They thought the Britons were weak and easy to beat without the Romans around. • To farm Many Anglo-Saxons came peacefully, to find land to farm. Their homelands in Scandinavia often flooded so it was tough to grow enough food back there. • To make new homes Whole families set sail across the sea to live in Britain. They brought tools, weapons and farm animals with them and built villages with new homes. • They were invited With Picts and Scots attacking from the north, the Britons invited some Anglo-Saxons to help defend them. But they didn’t leave! They took over.