Early and Roman Britain Overview

Ancient Britons primarily lived on milk, meat, and without much grain. They used animal skins for clothing and built homes of straw.

Ancient Britons constructed dwellings with ditches and walls, as well as simple boats from animal skins, and they did not use coins. They used metal rings for money.

Britons were skilled craftsmen, producing bronze urns, copper swords, shields, and daggers.

Britons were divided into numerous tribes (20 to 40).

Druids were Celtic priests and enchanters, who controlled religious rituals and calendars, and led important gatherings.

Stonehenge, a large stone structure, was believed to be a temple, likely used for sun worship ceremonies.

Julius Caesar, a Roman general, intended to conquer the Gauls but subsequently targeted the island of Britain when he learned of the Britons' support of the Gauls’ resistance.

Ancient Roman writers such as Julius Caesar, Ptolemy, and Pliny the Elder described the customs and traditions of the Britons.

The process in which the Roman Empire gradually took control of the British Isles, starting in the 1st century AD.

The Roman Emperor who launched a major military expedition to conquer Britain in 43 AD.

A defensive fortification built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in Britain, running between the Tyne and Solway rivers.

A queen of the Iceni tribe who led a resistance against the Roman conquest of Britain in the 1st century AD.

A British chief who fought against the Romans but was ultimately captured.

The roads, systems and engineering marvels built by the Romans, which greatly helped transport between areas within Britain.

The efforts by the British to resist the Romans in their conquest of the British Isles.

The military campaign led by the Emperor Claudius to conquer Britain in 43 AD.

An English monk and historian who wrote "Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum" describing the Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain.

Mercenary chieftains who led Anglo-Saxon tribes to Britain in 449 AD, starting the conquest process.

A British king who initially welcomed the Anglo-Saxons but later lost control as their numbers grew.

A treacherous massacre of British leaders by Anglo-Saxons at a peace feast, led by Hengist.

A Romano-Briton who became a leader for the Britons after the massacre, organizing resistance against the Saxons.

A legendary British leader who fought against Saxon invaders, depicted in medieval stories and romances.

A historical record documenting the history of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain, including details of the conquest.

The Anglo-Saxon conquest had a profound impact on Britain, ultimately leading to the establishment of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the decline of the Roman-British culture.

The ruler of Mercia who achieved the peak of Mercian power during the Anglo-Saxon period. He was recognized in Europe as a powerful king and maintained diplomatic ties with Charlemagne.

The King of Wessex who defeated Mercia and became the first King of all England, uniting most of the British Isles under his rule.

A renowned Wessex king who strengthened his kingdom by building up its military, promoting education, and inviting scholars to England. He played a crucial role in consolidating English power against Viking incursions.

The Anglo-Saxons were pagans, believing in many gods like Woden, Thor, and Freya. They worshipped these gods long before the arrival of Christianity.

A branch of the Christian Church that spread from Ireland and Wales to the north of England, bringing Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.

The branch of Christianity that spread from the south, bringing Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons, starting with the mission of St. Augustine.

A Christian missionary who introduced Christianity to Kent, converting Aethelbert, the king, and his people.

The first Anglo-Saxon king to convert to Christianity, following the example of his wife, who was a daughter of the West-Frankish king.

Alfred the Great was a king of Wessex who fought against and drove back the Vikings, ultimately saving England from Danish rule. He is known for his military leadership, intelligence, and legal reforms.

Vikings, also known as Danes or Norsemen, came from Denmark, Sweden and Norway. They arrived in England in powerful ships, crossing the North Sea.

Vikings were fierce warriors who often raided and plundered for wealth. They particularly hated Christianity and burned churches and monasteries. Their goal was to conquer land and resources.

The year 871 was a critical one for King Alfred and England. It was marked by constant battles against the Vikings, including Alfred's decisive victory at Ashdown.

The repeated Viking attacks caused significant damage to England, destroying towns, monasteries and churches. It led to a period of instability and fear for the English people.

The first Viking raids on England are documented to have occurred in the year 787 AD.

The period of Viking raids on England is known as the Viking Age.

Egbert, a strong leader, united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Anglia under his rule, creating a powerful kingdom that could better resist Viking attacks.

The territory in northern England given to the Danes after Alfred's victory at Eddington. It was governed by Danish law and customs.

A king of England known for his peaceful reign, earning him the title "The Peaceful King."

An English king who was considered weak and indecisive, often paying off Danish invaders with "Danegeld."

Money paid by Ethelred the Unready to Danish invaders to buy peace and avoid attacks.

A Danish king who conquered England after Ethelred's weakness and flight to Normandy.

A king of England who focused on religious life rather than war, known for building the Westminster Abbey.

A famous church in London built by Edward the Confessor, inspired by Norman architecture.

Edward the Confessor preferred a peaceful, religious life and was more focused on building churches, most notably Westminster Abbey.