Anglo-Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons were groups of people who lived in England from the 400s to the 1000s. They came mainly from areas now known as Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. After the Roman Empire left Britain in the early 400s, these groups began to settle in different parts of the land. Over time, they formed several small kingdoms, each with its own rulers, laws, and customs.

Daily life for Anglo-Saxons was based on farming, craftwork, and small village communities. Most people lived in wooden houses with thatched roofs. Thatched means covered with dried plant material such as straw or reeds. Families grew crops like wheat and barley, raised animals such as pigs and sheep, and made tools and clothing by hand. Villages often gathered around a hall, which was a large wooden building used for meetings, feasts, and celebrations.

The Anglo-Saxons had their own language, now called Old English. A language is a system of words used for communication. Old English is the early form of the English language spoken today, although it sounded very different. Many everyday English words, such as house, father, and bread, come from Old English. The Anglo-Saxons also created stories and poems, including the famous epic Beowulf, which tells of a hero who fights monsters.

Religion changed over time in Anglo-Saxon England. At first, they followed a belief system with many gods, similar to the beliefs of other northern European peoples. These gods were linked to nature, strength, and daily life. Around the 600s, Christian missionaries arrived from Europe and began teaching Christianity. Christianity slowly spread, and churches and monasteries were built. A monastery is a place where monks live, study, and work.

The Anglo-Saxons also had a form of government based on kings, councils, and laws. Different kingdoms formed over the centuries, including Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. Kings ruled with the help of advisers called a witan, or council. Laws were written to help settle disputes and keep order. These early systems influenced later English government.

Anglo-Saxon rule began to change in the late 800s when Viking groups from Scandinavia arrived. Some Vikings raided towns, while others settled and mixed with local communities. In 1066, the Normans from northern France invaded England after winning the Battle of Hastings. This event brought an end to Anglo-Saxon rule. However, the Anglo-Saxons left a long-lasting impact on England. Their language, laws, art, and traditions shaped the early development of English society.