PRE-CELTS
The Pre-Celts lived in Britain. They grew cereals and bred animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep. They built large enclosed spaces to organise their settlements.
They lived during the Bronze Age, a period in which they developed metalworking, produced pottery and manufactured leather and cloth. Their society included people who depended on granaries, roundhouses and enclosed spaces for protection and storage.
CELTS
The Celts gradually settled in north-western Europe and later in Britain. Their society included farmers, hunters, fishermen and metalworkers. They used tools such as the iron plough, and many of them lived in hill forts—groups of houses built on the top of hills, usually made of wood.
Celtic women had rights, and Celtic men and women often wore clothes similar to what we imagine today as Celtic clothing. They spoke Celtic languages, including Welsh and Gaelic.
The Celts were pagans. They worshipped natural elements and believed in the immortality of the soul. Druids acted as priests and judges; they gave justice and solved quarrels within extended families.
ROMANS
The Romans came from Italy. They built towns with a forum, public baths and built roads to transport troops and goods. Their arrival brought big changes to daily life, including new foods, new goods and new building styles. They also introduced Christianity.
In 409 AD, the Romans withdrew their soldiers from Britain to defend Rome against barbarian attacks. Their departure marked the end of Roman control of Britain.
ANGLO-SAXONS – From Concept Map to Discursive Text
The Anglo-Saxons came mainly from Germany during the 5th and 6th centuries. They were divided into different groups, such as the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes, and they settled in various parts of England after the end of Roman rule.
Their society was organised in a clear hierarchy that included the king, the thanes (noble warriors), the freemen, the ceorls, and the slaves. The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms included Northumbria, Mercia, Essex, Sussex, Wessex, and Kent. Each kingdom was independent, although they often fought against one another.
The Anglo-Saxons were mostly farmers, but they were also fishermen, including deep-sea fishing. They lived in wooden houses, often built near a river, and their communities were organised into small villages. The hall, the largest building in the village, was an important communal place used for meetings and celebrations.
Before Christianisation, the Anglo-Saxons believed in pagan gods and had many legends and stories, which were part of their oral tradition. Their religious practices began to change when Christianity returned to England.
✍️CHRISTIANISATION – Exact Transcription
CHRISTIANISATION
597 → Pope Gregory I the Great sent a monk to bring Christianity back to England → He succeeded
602 → He built the Cathedral of Canterbury → Augustine became the first Archbishop
They started to build monasteries and they became important cultural and communal life centres
And churches were important for education and public administration.
Anglo-Saxon Literature –
Anglo-Saxon literature represents the earliest form of English literary tradition. It includes different genres, such as poetry, prose, religious writings, and historical documents. Much of this literature was originally transmitted orally by storytellers, often called scops, who played a crucial role in preserving cultural memory.
A dominant form within Anglo-Saxon poetry is the epic poem, a long narrative composition that celebrates heroic deeds and great warriors. These poems typically recount the actions of legendary heroes who confront military challenges or supernatural forces. They are meant to exalt values such as courage, loyalty, and honour. Their aim was not only to entertain but also to teach moral lessons and inspire the community.
Epic poetry often focuses on warfare, heroic struggles, and the glory gained through battle. One well-known example is the story of warriors who fought to protect their people and achieve everlasting fame. These narratives highlight the Anglo-Saxon belief in fate, and the desire to be remembered for heroic actions.
Another important characteristic is that many of the works were anonymous. Since they were transmitted orally for generations before being written down, the names of the original authors were often lost. When the Church later started to write these stories, some elements of Christian ideology were added, blending with the earlier pagan traditions.
In summary, Anglo-Saxon literature is a rich combination of oral tradition, heroic values, and cultural identity. It preserves the stories, beliefs, and ideals of one of the earliest periods of English history.
