The AngloSaxon and Medieval Periods 449 1485 A

The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods 449 -1485 A. D. This Lesson Will Teach you about: n. Impact of Christianity n. Feudalism n. Sociology of Medieval Europe n. The Hundred Years War

The Anglo-Saxon Period 449 -1066 Britannia (Great Britain) had been abandoned by the Roman Empire—the Roman Army fled to protect the city of Rome from invasion during the early part of the 5 th century.

The Anglo-Saxon Period n Without protection, 449 -1066 the islands were invaded by Germanic peoples beginning in the 5 th century (449 A. D. ) n Primary Tribes: – Angles – Saxons

The Anglo-Saxon Period 449 -1066 n The “Britons” were led by a Christian commander named Arthur. Unfortunately, they were unable to protect Britannia n German tribes took over southern & central parts Brittania forcing the native people (Celtics) to the north and west. n Celtic culture & pagan religions all but disappeared. Interesting Fact: The Celtics reemerged in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) in 1946

The Anglo-Saxon Period 449 -1066 Because the Angles Tribe was the predominant tribe in southern Britannia at the time, the new settlement became known as “Angle-land, ” or England (modern pronunciation). Although the Angles were the dominant tribe, scholars still refer to this period as the Anglo-Saxon Period.

Lives of the Anglo-Saxons Changed Over Time n In the beginning… – Seafaring people – Short – Bleak – Violent – Pagan Religion n After Christianity… – Strong belief in the “Wyrd” (fate) – Admired warriors whose “wyrd” was to prevail in battle – Less violent – More secure – More civilized – agriculturalists

Growth of Christianity n Anglo-Saxons began adopting Christianity during late 6 th century. n Gaels (native tribe) spread Christianity to Angles. n Augustine establishes first monastery at Canterbury in 597 A. D. n Within the next century, most people became Christian.

Final Invasion of England n Dispute as to who would succeed the throne in 1066. n William, Duke of Normandy, attacks Harold in the “Battle of Hastings” on Christmas day 1066 A. D. n William takes over throne and is renamed William “the Conqueror. ” n Medieval Period begins.

The Medieval n Introduction of the. Period Normans (French: “north men”) to the region brought about a lot of change. n Brought over “French practices. ” n Ushers in new regime —beginning of the Medieval Period. 1066 -1485

Feudal System of Medieval Period n Definition—a political and economic system in which the hierarchy was based on the king owning all the land in the kingdom and subdividing it. n 25%--The King lived on and owned (castles) n 25%--Dedicated to the Church (cathedrals) n 50%--Gets further subdivided to loyal nobles— mostly Norman barons (manors). – Normans supplied king with warriors on horseback called knechts <Old Eng: servant>

Feudal System Hierarchy Ø King—owned all the land in the kingdom Ø Nobles/Barons—”rented” subdivided land by providing knights and allegiance to the king. Ø Knights—warriors for protection & allegiance to the Nobles and Barons. ØSerfs—the Anglo-Saxons that were conquered by the Normans became peasants bound to the land the could not own.

Creation of new Judicial System Henry II takes over and enacts new system § Royal Courts throughout the country § System of Juries § Formation of English Common Law – based on old practices, tradition, and values. Discussion Question: Why is the idea of a judicial system such a revolutionary concept compared to the feudal system? n Compare Henry’s system of government to modern democracies. What are some similarities? n

Chivalry Wife of Henry II introduced ideals of chivalry she brought with her from France when she took over as Queen of England. n Chivalry—code of honor intended to govern knightly behavior. – Honor and protection of women, children, and most importantly: CHRISTIANITY! – Go on Holy Quests (Crusades) in order to spread and maintain Christian principles and teachings. n

Crusades Richard I (“Richard the Lion. Hearted”) spent much of 10 year reign fighting Crusades in France to protect Christianity. n Brother John ruled during his absence and was dubbed a tyrant n – Subject of “Robin Hood” stories Treasury had become bankrupt from wars. n “Magna Carta” signed in 1215 giving more power to barons. n – Step toward modern democracy.

End of Feudalism n Signing of Magna Carta in 1215 A. D. brought about socioeconomic change. n Commoners power increased as trade increased with Western Europe and Asia. n Merchants & Craftspeople formed Guilds. – Set up rules for trading/economy – Moderated prices in the market – Wealth shifted from land ownership to mercantilism and trade. n Universities blossomed (Oxford)

The Hundred Years War 1337 -1453 n On-and-Off War Between England & France. n “The Plague”—Black Death killed 30 -40% of England’s population n Domestic “War of the Roses” to seat new King n “Red Rose” wins out and seats as Henry VII. n Seating of new King ends “Middle Ages” (Medieval Period) in England.