A Brief History of Britain A Brief History of Britain from 2000 BCE – 1066 from 2000 BCE – 1066

CECEBy: Mr. FallonBy: Mr. Fallon

Some Advice About Some Advice About NotetakingNotetaking SummarizeSummarize with key words, important bits of with key words, important bits of

information, and headings. Do not copy verbatim information, and headings. Do not copy verbatim (word for word).(word for word).

Write any Write any questionsquestions you have with the related you have with the related content in your notes, and mark your question with content in your notes, and mark your question with a “Q”.a “Q”. For example, “Q: How long is this powerpoint?”For example, “Q: How long is this powerpoint?” Write the answer beneath the question when you receive it.Write the answer beneath the question when you receive it.

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they use same outline and layout.”they use same outline and layout.” BonusBonus: If you write at least five questions, and ask : If you write at least five questions, and ask

at least one of those questions personally, you will at least one of those questions personally, you will receive bonus points. If you write at least five receive bonus points. If you write at least five connections, you will receive bonus points.connections, you will receive bonus points.

Brief Overview of Historic Epochs Brief Overview of Historic Epochs as they pertain to Britainas they pertain to Britain

Neolithic PeriodNeolithic Period: c. 5000-2000 BCE : c. 5000-2000 BCE Agriculture, farms, circular huts.Agriculture, farms, circular huts. Mound tombs, Mound tombs, StonehengeStonehenge (2800-2000 BCE) (2800-2000 BCE)

Bronze AgeBronze Age: 2000 – 500 BCE: 2000 – 500 BCE Indo-European Language Indo-European Language Burial with cups, flint, metal Burial with cups, flint, metal ““Celtic” inhabitants arrive 750 BCE, hill fortsCeltic” inhabitants arrive 750 BCE, hill forts

Iron AgeIron Age: 600-55 BCE – : 600-55 BCE – Tribes develop (Britons and Celtic Tribes such as Tribes develop (Britons and Celtic Tribes such as

Atrebates, Belgae, Brigantes, Dumnonii, etc); Atrebates, Belgae, Brigantes, Dumnonii, etc); Languages: Gaelic, Brythannic (Britannic); Languages: Gaelic, Brythannic (Britannic); Coins, Potter’s Wheel (used for making clay pots), Coins, Potter’s Wheel (used for making clay pots), Cremation, c 100 BCE Cremation, c 100 BCE More Migrations from Gaul.More Migrations from Gaul.

StonehengeStonehenge

Pre-Roman CulturePre-Roman Culture

Pre-Roman Britannia was probably Pre-Roman Britannia was probably influenced by:influenced by:Gallic culturesGallic culturesNorse culturesNorse culturesDruids. Druids.

People here are typically referred to People here are typically referred to as “Celtic” but this is a term that is as “Celtic” but this is a term that is ill-defined, and historically fictional.ill-defined, and historically fictional.

Early Roman Invasions of Early Roman Invasions of BritainBritain

During his During his Gallic WarsGallic Wars, , Julius CaesarJulius Caesar invaded Britain twice, in 55 BCE and 54 invaded Britain twice, in 55 BCE and 54 BCE. BCE.

Roman Emperor ClaudiusRoman Emperor Claudius (41-54 CE): In CE (41-54 CE): In CE 43, Claudius sent four legions to Britain 43, Claudius sent four legions to Britain

Britain was an attractive target for Rome:Britain was an attractive target for Rome:Material wealth Material wealth Safe haven for Gallic rebels.Safe haven for Gallic rebels.

Map of Caesar’s Gallic Wars; Map of Caesar’s Gallic Wars; Britain Invasion of 54 BCE Britain Invasion of 54 BCE

circled.circled.

Caesar and the Druids Caesar and the Druids (excerpt)(excerpt) ““Throughout all Gaul there are two orders of those men who are of any Throughout all Gaul there are two orders of those men who are of any

rank and dignity… one is that of the Druids, the other that of the knights. rank and dignity… one is that of the Druids, the other that of the knights. The former are engaged in things sacred, conduct the public and the The former are engaged in things sacred, conduct the public and the private sacrifices, and interpret all matters of religion…. To these a large private sacrifices, and interpret all matters of religion…. To these a large number of the young men resort for the purpose of instruction, and they number of the young men resort for the purpose of instruction, and they [the Druids] are in great honor among them…. This institution is supposed [the Druids] are in great honor among them…. This institution is supposed to have been devised in Britain, and to have been brought over from it into to have been devised in Britain, and to have been brought over from it into Gaul; and now those who desire to gain a more accurate knowledge of that Gaul; and now those who desire to gain a more accurate knowledge of that system generally proceed thither for the purpose of studying it.system generally proceed thither for the purpose of studying it.

They are said there to learn by heart a great number of verses; accordingly They are said there to learn by heart a great number of verses; accordingly some remain in the course of training twenty years. Nor do they regard it some remain in the course of training twenty years. Nor do they regard it lawful to commit these to writing, though in almost all other matters, in lawful to commit these to writing, though in almost all other matters, in their public and private transactions, they use Greek characters. That their public and private transactions, they use Greek characters. That practice they seem to me to have adopted for two reasons; because they practice they seem to me to have adopted for two reasons; because they neither desire their doctrines to be divulged among the mass of the people, neither desire their doctrines to be divulged among the mass of the people, nor those who learn, to devote themselves the less to the efforts of nor those who learn, to devote themselves the less to the efforts of memory, relying on writing; since it generally occurs to most men, that, in memory, relying on writing; since it generally occurs to most men, that, in their dependence on writing, they relax their diligence in learning their dependence on writing, they relax their diligence in learning thoroughly, and their employment of the memory. They wish to inculcate thoroughly, and their employment of the memory. They wish to inculcate this as one of their leading tenets, that souls do not become extinct, but this as one of their leading tenets, that souls do not become extinct, but pass after death from one body to another, and they think that men by this pass after death from one body to another, and they think that men by this tenet are in a great degree excited to valor, the fear of death being tenet are in a great degree excited to valor, the fear of death being disregarded. They likewise discuss and impart to the youth many things disregarded. They likewise discuss and impart to the youth many things respecting the stars and their motion, respecting the extent of the world respecting the stars and their motion, respecting the extent of the world and of our earth, respecting the nature of things, respecting the power and and of our earth, respecting the nature of things, respecting the power and the majesty of the immortal gods.” -- De Bello Gallico, Book 6, Chapters the majesty of the immortal gods.” -- De Bello Gallico, Book 6, Chapters 13-14, J. Caesar. 13-14, J. Caesar. Link to Caesar's De Link to Caesar's De BelloBello GallicoGallico

Tacitus – Roman historian and Tacitus – Roman historian and senator (ca. 56 – ca. 117)senator (ca. 56 – ca. 117)

Chapter 30.Chapter 30. [The Druids at Mona Island – between  [The Druids at Mona Island – between Britannia and Ireland] Britannia and Ireland] 

“On the opposite shore stood the Britons, close embodied, “On the opposite shore stood the Britons, close embodied, and prepared for action. Women were seen running through and prepared for action. Women were seen running through the ranks in wild disorder; their apparel funeral; their hair the ranks in wild disorder; their apparel funeral; their hair loose to the wind, in their hands flaming torches, and their loose to the wind, in their hands flaming torches, and their whole appearance resembling the frantic rage of the Furies. whole appearance resembling the frantic rage of the Furies. The Druids were ranged in order, with hands uplifted, The Druids were ranged in order, with hands uplifted, invoking the gods, and pouring forth horrible imprecations. invoking the gods, and pouring forth horrible imprecations. The novelty of the fight struck the Romans with awe and The novelty of the fight struck the Romans with awe and terror. They stood in stupid amazement, as if their limbs terror. They stood in stupid amazement, as if their limbs were benumbed, riveted to one spot, a mark for the enemy. were benumbed, riveted to one spot, a mark for the enemy. The exhortations of the general diffused new vigour The exhortations of the general diffused new vigour through the ranks, and the men, by mutual reproaches, through the ranks, and the men, by mutual reproaches, inflamed each other to deeds of valour. They felt the inflamed each other to deeds of valour. They felt the disgrace of yielding to a troop of women, and a band of disgrace of yielding to a troop of women, and a band of fanatic priests; they advanced their standards, and rushed fanatic priests; they advanced their standards, and rushed on to the attack with impetuous fury.” Annals, Book XIV on to the attack with impetuous fury.” Annals, Book XIV

Link to Link to Tacitus'sTacitus's Writings Writings

A Tale of Two WallsA Tale of Two Walls

Emperor HadrianEmperor Hadrian (117-138): Builds (117-138): Builds ““Hadrian’s WallHadrian’s Wall” in Britain: 73 miles long, ” in Britain: 73 miles long, built in 121-127 and served as a defensive built in 121-127 and served as a defensive fortification from the Picts and Scots of fortification from the Picts and Scots of northern Britannia.northern Britannia.

Emperor Antonius PiusEmperor Antonius Pius (138-161): Tries (138-161): Tries to follow in Hadrian’s footsteps and builds to follow in Hadrian’s footsteps and builds his own Wall (started 142 CE) north of his own Wall (started 142 CE) north of Hadrian’s, but due to constant skirmishes Hadrian’s, but due to constant skirmishes with native peoples, the wall is never with native peoples, the wall is never finished.finished.

Hadrian’s WallHadrian’s Wall

Modern Photo: Hadrian’s WallModern Photo: Hadrian’s Wall

Antonine WallAntonine Wall

Map of the Roman Empire (at Map of the Roman Empire (at peak) under Marcus Aurelius peak) under Marcus Aurelius

(161-180)(161-180)

Split of the EmpireSplit of the Empire In 285, In 285, DiocletianDiocletian splits the Empire into splits the Empire into

Eastern and Western halves. Eastern and Western halves. The Western Roman Empire would collapse The Western Roman Empire would collapse

200 years later, but the 200 years later, but the Eastern Roman Eastern Roman EmpireEmpire would become the “Byzantine would become the “Byzantine Empire” centered at Constantinople, which Empire” centered at Constantinople, which would survive for another 1,000 years. would survive for another 1,000 years.

Constantine IConstantine I (324-337): Known as the first (324-337): Known as the first “Christian Emperor” (adopts it himself on his “Christian Emperor” (adopts it himself on his deathbed) and for setting up what would deathbed) and for setting up what would become Eastern Orthodox Church. become Eastern Orthodox Church. Christianity is accepted as the official Christianity is accepted as the official religion of the Empire.religion of the Empire.

Constantine: King of the Britons? Constantine: King of the Britons? A search for Historical A search for Historical

ConnectionConnection Geoffrey of Monmouth (11Geoffrey of Monmouth (11thth Century): Century):

Historia Regum BritanniaeHistoria Regum Britanniae: Because of his : Because of his fame and his being proclaimed Emperor on fame and his being proclaimed Emperor on the territory of Great Britain, Constantine the territory of Great Britain, Constantine was later also considered a British King. was later also considered a British King. This “historical record” narrates the This “historical record” narrates the supposed history of the Britons and their supposed history of the Britons and their kings from the Trojan War to King Arthur kings from the Trojan War to King Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon conquest and and the Anglo-Saxon conquest and connects Constantine to the mythical King connects Constantine to the mythical King Cole.Cole.

Roman Britain at a GlanceRoman Britain at a Glance

The Romans introduced the following The Romans introduced the following things in Roman Britannia:things in Roman Britannia:City planning and roadsCity planning and roadsWritten Scholarship (with the Druids, Written Scholarship (with the Druids,

everything was oral)everything was oral)Christianity towards the twilight of the Christianity towards the twilight of the

EmpireEmpire

Invaders of Roman BritainInvaders of Roman Britain

Western Roman Empire collapses due to political and Western Roman Empire collapses due to political and economic corruption in 395-476. Legions pulled economic corruption in 395-476. Legions pulled back.back.

As a result, Germanic tribes invade Roman Britain:As a result, Germanic tribes invade Roman Britain: AnglesAngles SaxonsSaxons JutesJutes

The Legend of King Arthur, if it has historical basis, The Legend of King Arthur, if it has historical basis, probably comes from a Roman Briton general left probably comes from a Roman Briton general left behind with remaining forces to defend Britannia; behind with remaining forces to defend Britannia; the final stand at Mt Badon.the final stand at Mt Badon.o Gildas, Gildas, De Excidio BritanniaeDe Excidio Britanniae (The Fall of Britain) (c. C.E. (The Fall of Britain) (c. C.E.

540) , a Latin work describing and lamenting the fall of 540) , a Latin work describing and lamenting the fall of Britain to the Anglo-Saxons.Britain to the Anglo-Saxons.

Migrations Throughout Migrations Throughout EmpireEmpire

The Anglo-Saxon HeptarchyThe Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy

The Germanic tribes quickly cut out The Germanic tribes quickly cut out territories for themselves in Roman territories for themselves in Roman Britannia, eventually settling on a Britannia, eventually settling on a loose collection of generally “seven loose collection of generally “seven kingdoms” (though other tribes kingdoms” (though other tribes existed):existed):

Kent, Sussex, Wessex, Essex, East Kent, Sussex, Wessex, Essex, East Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia.Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia.

““Angle-land” ==>> “England”Angle-land” ==>> “England”

Life as an “Anglo-Saxon”Life as an “Anglo-Saxon”

Early invaders were seafaring wanderers Early invaders were seafaring wanderers who lived a life of pillage and plunder. who lived a life of pillage and plunder. Though the Angles, Saxons and others Though the Angles, Saxons and others eventually settled down, Britain was beset eventually settled down, Britain was beset by this type of invader in the form of Vikings by this type of invader in the form of Vikings and Norsemen later on in the 8and Norsemen later on in the 8thth-10-10thth centuries.centuries.

Their lives were bleak, violent, and short.Their lives were bleak, violent, and short. Brought pagan religion (influenced by Norse Brought pagan religion (influenced by Norse

and Druidic cultures) and a belief in Wyrd; and Druidic cultures) and a belief in Wyrd; Wyrd was a warrior concept of “fate” – if it Wyrd was a warrior concept of “fate” – if it was with you, you would prevail in battle.was with you, you would prevail in battle.

Spread of ChristianitySpread of Christianity

Christianity spreads throughout the extent Christianity spreads throughout the extent of the collapsed Roman Empire through of the collapsed Roman Empire through missionaries such as St. Patrick (378-493). missionaries such as St. Patrick (378-493). Patrick himself brings it to Ireland’s Gaels, Patrick himself brings it to Ireland’s Gaels, Scots, and Dal Riata, who bring it to the Scots, and Dal Riata, who bring it to the Picts in the north (Scotland). Picts in the north (Scotland).

Meanwhile, from the south, in Kent, Meanwhile, from the south, in Kent, Roman Catholic Missionary Augustine Roman Catholic Missionary Augustine ministers to people in Kent in 597. ministers to people in Kent in 597.

By 690, all of Britain was at least By 690, all of Britain was at least nominally “Christian”.nominally “Christian”.

Early Anglo-Saxon works of Early Anglo-Saxon works of LiteratureLiterature

Most Anglo Saxon works were Historical, Epic, and/or Most Anglo Saxon works were Historical, Epic, and/or Religious in content. Some were in Latin, some in Old Religious in content. Some were in Latin, some in Old English:English: CaedmonCaedmon, (scop/poet) oldest poetic vernacular work (, (scop/poet) oldest poetic vernacular work (""Hymn of Hymn of

CreationCreation", c. 670", c. 670), monastery at Whitby ), monastery at Whitby WidsithWidsith (c. 650-700), a poem in which a poet named Widsith (c. 650-700), a poem in which a poet named Widsith

recounts his own experiences as a wandering minstrelrecounts his own experiences as a wandering minstrel Lindisfarne Gospels, 698, Latin Vulgate text with interlined Old , 698, Latin Vulgate text with interlined Old

English paraphraseEnglish paraphrase Venerable Bede (673-735),Venerable Bede (673-735), Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis

Anglorum (Ecclesiastical History of the English People) (731), Latin work. Latin work.

Ruthwell Cross (c.650), The Dream of the Rood (Old English poem): 18-foot-tall, free-standing stone carving that depicts scenes from the bible, decorative vine work, and 18 verses from the Old English poem

Book of Kells: Irish illuminated manuscript of four gospels in : Irish illuminated manuscript of four gospels in Latin. (c. 800)Latin. (c. 800)

Link to Old English worksLink to Old English works

Early Anglo-Saxon works of Early Anglo-Saxon works of LiteratureLiterature

VIKINGS!!!VIKINGS!!!

Between the 8Between the 8thth and 9 and 9thth Centuries (700’s- Centuries (700’s-800’s), Norsemen, Danes, and Vikings invade 800’s), Norsemen, Danes, and Vikings invade the British Isles. They actually land in the British Isles. They actually land in modern-day Scotland, and Ireland before modern-day Scotland, and Ireland before they invade lower England (see map). There they invade lower England (see map). There are still remnants of roundhouses (called are still remnants of roundhouses (called brochs) in Scotland, as well as hill forts, brochs) in Scotland, as well as hill forts, constructed between 0-600 CE as well as constructed between 0-600 CE as well as grain mills which show Norse influence.grain mills which show Norse influence.

First First Viking attacks 787, sack of Viking attacks 787, sack of Lindisfarne Priory 793 Lindisfarne Priory 793 (according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle)

Broch and MillBroch and Mill

Dark Age Scottish BlackhouseDark Age Scottish Blackhouse

Saxons Fight Back!Saxons Fight Back! King Alfred (849-899), king of Wessex (r. 871-899):

victories over Vikings at Ashdown 871, Edington 878, Treaty of Wedmore 878

Danish king Guthrum forced to accept Christianity and forced to accept Christianity and retreat to Danelaw; retreat to Danelaw; 886 Alfred captures London and is recognized as king of all England (except for Danish (except for Danish parts)parts)

King Alfred's employment of Mercian scholars (Plegmund, Waerferth, Aethelstan, and Werwulf) in educational and literary endeavors (885) leads to revival revival of learning, beginnings of of learning, beginnings of Anglo Saxon Chronicle.

Other Literature during this time: Other Literature during this time: Exeter BookExeter Book (c. 980): “A large English book containing poetic works” including containing poetic works” including The The Wanderer and The Seafarer, Widsith, The Wife's Lament, Guthlac, Juliana, Christ, The Ruin, and many others.

Vikings Resume Attacks and Vikings Resume Attacks and conquer England!conquer England!

Danish King Danish King Canute (Cnut)Canute (Cnut), becomes , becomes king of England (r. 1016-1035) after a series of after a series of campaigns which resulted in defeat of campaigns which resulted in defeat of Aethelred II (Unraed) and taking of his wife, Aethelred II (Unraed) and taking of his wife, Emma, and having a son with her.Emma, and having a son with her.

Edward the Confessor Edward the Confessor (last Anglo-Saxon (last Anglo-Saxon king) (r. 1042-1066),king) (r. 1042-1066), anotheranother son of Aethelred II son of Aethelred II and Emma; lived in exile in Normandy for and Emma; lived in exile in Normandy for around thirty years, during Danish rule of around thirty years, during Danish rule of England, until 1041; conflicts and power sharing England, until 1041; conflicts and power sharing with Godwin (half-brother) earl of Wessex under with Godwin (half-brother) earl of Wessex under Canute, and Godwin’s son Harold.Canute, and Godwin’s son Harold.

England becomes one kingdom England becomes one kingdom and what a mess it is.and what a mess it is.

Upon the death of the childless Upon the death of the childless Edward the Edward the ConfessorConfessor, the English throne was fiercely disputed , the English throne was fiercely disputed by three claimants—by three claimants—WilliamWilliam; ; Harold GodwinsonHarold Godwinson, , the powerful Earl of Wessex; and the the powerful Earl of Wessex; and the Viking King Viking King Harald III of NorwayHarald III of Norway, known as Harald Hardrada. , known as Harald Hardrada.

Basically it was like thisBasically it was like this::Harold Godwinson had Edward’s last will and political Harold Godwinson had Edward’s last will and political

vote to become King of England.vote to become King of England.Harald III of Norway basically wanted to invade and Harald III of Norway basically wanted to invade and

conquer England for himself.conquer England for himself.William felt that by distant blood relation and a William felt that by distant blood relation and a

number of other circumstances, that he had a number of other circumstances, that he had a legitimate right to the throne of England and legitimate right to the throne of England and decided to invade.decided to invade.

Norman invasion in 1066!Norman invasion in 1066!(Normans (from “Northmen”) come from Normandy, which is actually (Normans (from “Northmen”) come from Normandy, which is actually

northern France, conquered previously by the Vikings who then northern France, conquered previously by the Vikings who then adopt the French culture as their own in exchange for peace.)adopt the French culture as their own in exchange for peace.)

William had a tenuous blood claim through his great aunt Emma (wife William had a tenuous blood claim through his great aunt Emma (wife of Ethelred and mother of Edward). of Ethelred and mother of Edward).

William also contended that Edward, who had spent much of his life William also contended that Edward, who had spent much of his life in exile in Normandy during the Danish occupation of England, had in exile in Normandy during the Danish occupation of England, had promised him the throne when he visited Edward in London in promised him the throne when he visited Edward in London in 1052. 1052.

Further, William claimed that Harold had pledged allegiance to him in Further, William claimed that Harold had pledged allegiance to him in 1064: William had rescued the shipwrecked Harold from the count 1064: William had rescued the shipwrecked Harold from the count of Ponthieu, and together they had defeated Conan II, Count of of Ponthieu, and together they had defeated Conan II, Count of Brittany. Brittany.

On that occasion, William had knighted Harold; he had also, however, On that occasion, William had knighted Harold; he had also, however, deceived Harold by having him swear loyalty to William himself deceived Harold by having him swear loyalty to William himself over the concealed bones of a saint.over the concealed bones of a saint.

In January 1066, however, in accordance with Edward's last will and In January 1066, however, in accordance with Edward's last will and by vote of the Witenagemot, Harold Godwinson was crowned King by vote of the Witenagemot, Harold Godwinson was crowned King by Archbishop Aldred.by Archbishop Aldred.

Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, Battle of HastingsBattle of Hastings, 1066, , 1066, end of Anglo-Saxon Period. William claims the throne of England end of Anglo-Saxon Period. William claims the throne of England upon achieving victory. (see upon achieving victory. (see BayeuxBayeux Tapestry Tapestry))

Beowulf and Old EnglishBeowulf and Old English

Beowulf , written in Old English sometime before Beowulf , written in Old English sometime before the tenth century A.D., describes the adventures of the tenth century A.D., describes the adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. A a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. A rich fabric of fact and fancy, rich fabric of fact and fancy, BeowulfBeowulf is the oldest is the oldest surviving epic in British literature.surviving epic in British literature.

Beowulf exists in only one manuscript. This copy Beowulf exists in only one manuscript. This copy survived both the wholesale destruction of survived both the wholesale destruction of religious artifacts during the dissolution of the religious artifacts during the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII and a disastrous fire monasteries by Henry VIII and a disastrous fire which destroyed the library of Sir Robert Bruce which destroyed the library of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (1571-1631).The poem still bears the scars Cotton (1571-1631).The poem still bears the scars of the fire, visible at the upper left corner of the of the fire, visible at the upper left corner of the photograph. The photograph. The BeowulfBeowulf manuscript is now manuscript is now housed in the British Library, London.housed in the British Library, London.

Beowulf First Page and Old Beowulf First Page and Old EnglishEnglish