Anglo-Saxons Overview Quiz

Anglo-Saxons

• The Anglo-Saxons were a mix of tribes from northern Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands
• They migrated to Britain in large rowing boats
• After the Romans left Britain, the Anglo-Saxons began to arrive
• Some Anglo-Saxons lived peacefully, but many fought the British for land
• They brought their families with them to their new home
• The main tribes were the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes
• They raided the British coast from 360 CE, even before the Roman withdrawal
• They targeted villages and Roman villas, stealing gold, jewellery, and animals
• The Romans typically repelled the raids quickly
• After the Romans left, Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain permanently

Anglo-Saxon Rule

• Anglo-Saxons lacked a single ruler or emperor
• Each tribe had its own leader, controlling different parts of Britain
• Strong tribal leaders were called cyning (king)
• Each cyning ruled over a kingdom
• Tribes often fought amongst themselves for land
• By 600 CE, five main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms existed
• Kings were supported by advisors known as thanes

Anglo-Saxon Villages

• Villages were built by the Anglo-Saxons, not the Romans
• They often were built near water sources, such as rivers
• Villages were primarily agricultural
• Homes were simple, made of wood with thatched roofs
• Most homes had only one room
• Wooden fences protected homes and livestock from wild animals
• Shared fields were important for growing crops
• Villagers raised cattle, and grew wheat, barley, oats, and rye

Anglo-Saxon Children

• Boys learned practical skills like farming and warfare from a young age
• Around the age of 10, they began to imitate adult behaviours
• Girls learned household skills from their mothers
• Women's roles included cooking, childcare, and crafting