The AngloSaxons Beowulf Describe this culture based on
The Anglo-Saxons & Beowulf Describe this culture based on the representative pictures…
History of England: 4 th Century – 1066 AD 43 BC-410 AD: Roman Empire controls England 400’s BC: The Celts inhabit England 400’s-1066 AD: Anglo-Saxons inhabit England 1066 AD: Normans conquer England
The Celts: 400 BC-43 BC • Inhabitants Briton tribe = “Britain” • Religion: – Priests - Druids – Beliefs - spirits in nature – Practices - ritual dances, sacrifices (human) • Themes: – Magic, Violence, Passion, Adventure Druid priests at Stonehenge worshipping the summer solstice (beginning of summer)…still a mystery how this monument was built
Roman Britain: 43 BC-410 AD • Roman Influences: – – – Economy and trading Organized government Lasting settlements (cities) Transportation (roads) Protection – Hadrian’s Wall (15 ft tall) • Romans left Britain when forced back to Italy to defend homeland
Anglo-Saxons: 400’s-1066 AD • Invading Tribes: – Angles from Germany – Saxons from Germany – Jutes from Denmark Kent
Anglo-Saxons • Settlements: Main Hall Where King would entertain people with storytellers, hold meetings and parties Wooden Barricade To keep out monsters and other evil creatures
Anglo-Saxons • Society: tribes focused on loyalty between leaders and followers – Warriors would serve King – King would give warriors lands, riches, and titles GOD KING WARRIORS (Thanes) SLAVES
Anglo-Saxons • Religion: mix of pagan and Christian values Early Anglo-Saxons – Pagan Influence of Christianity-597 AD No afterlife – goal is earthly glory Afterlife in heaven/hell, goal is morality Live for honor, pride, and reputation Against human pride Law of Revenge Law of Forgiveness Many gods, spirits One God
Anglo-Saxons • Anglo-Saxon Values: – Loyalty • To King, tribe, fellow warriors – Physical Strength – Bravery in Battle • Heroes, (Scops)
Beowulf • Oral Tradition (scops) – Written down: 700 -750 AD by monks (added Christian parts) • Plot / Setting: – Beowulf = Geat from Sweden travels to rescue the Danes (Denmark) – Hrothgar = King of the Danes – Grendel = monster attacking the Danes – Herot = Main (Mead) Hall where Grendel attacks Danes Sweden
Check for Understanding • What people ruled Britain before the Anglo. Saxons? • Describe a typical Anglo-Saxon village. • Describe the relationship between kings, warriors, and their followers. • Name some important values of the Anglo. Saxon culture found in Beowulf.
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