Saxons

Definition

The Saxons were a group of Germanic tribes that played a crucial role in the formation of early medieval England, particularly during the period following the decline of Roman Britain. Known for their migration and settlement in the British Isles, the Saxons contributed to the cultural and political landscape of Anglo-Saxon England, influencing language, law, and social structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Saxons migrated to Britain during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, after the Roman withdrawal from Britain.
2. They established several kingdoms in England, which later formed a unified Anglo-Saxon England.
3. Saxon culture included a rich tradition of oral poetry and storytelling, which helped shape the English language.
4. The Saxons played a key role in the spread of Christianity in England, particularly after the arrival of missionaries in the 6th century.
5. The term 'Saxon' eventually became associated with all inhabitants of Anglo-Saxon England, leading to a blending of various Germanic cultures.

Review Questions

• How did the migration of the Saxons influence the political landscape of early medieval England?
  • The migration of the Saxons led to the establishment of several independent kingdoms in what is now England, significantly altering its political landscape. As they settled, they competed for land and power with other groups such as the Angles and Jutes. This competition resulted in a patchwork of territories that eventually coalesced into a more unified Anglo-Saxon identity and governance structure.
• Discuss the cultural contributions of the Saxons to early medieval England and their lasting impact on English society.
  • The Saxons contributed richly to early medieval English culture through their language, legal systems, and social customs. They introduced elements of Germanic law that influenced later English common law and had a profound impact on place names and vocabulary. The oral traditions they maintained also played a key role in preserving history and folklore, ultimately shaping English literature and identity.
• Evaluate the significance of Saxon migration in relation to the decline of Roman Britain and its aftermath.
  • The significance of Saxon migration lies in its direct correlation with the decline of Roman Britain, which created a power vacuum that allowed these tribes to settle and establish dominance. The fall of Roman authority led to fragmented rule in Britain, where Saxons filled gaps left by departing Roman legions. This transition not only marked the end of Roman influence but also laid the foundations for what would become medieval English society. The ensuing mix of cultures paved the way for future developments in governance, religion, and social structures that characterize England today.

Related terms

Angles:

Another Germanic tribe that migrated to Britain alongside the Saxons, playing a significant role in the establishment of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Heptarchy: The term used to describe the seven kingdoms established by the Anglo-Saxons in England: Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, and Wessex.

Jutes:

A group of Germanic people who also migrated to Britain around the same time as the Saxons and Angles, contributing to the early settlement of England.