Anglo-Saxon Life: The Warm Hall, The Cold World

Harper Yankey, Jessica Price, Joel Van Bree, Jack Brown, Ethan MillerPeriod 1

Anglo-Saxon Leadership

Society was cultivated from groups that were led by a single, strong chief The chief was given the responsibilities of

maintaining law and order Allegiance and loyalty to the chief were

mandatory in every family, kingdom, etc. The leader gave gifts to the people, which were

representative of their success The loyalty of the people came from their

desire for protection, given by the leader

Anglo-Saxon Monasteries Anglo-Saxons were polytheistic (many

gods) They were also superstitious, and believed in

the power of lucky charms Monasteries were places where men

devoted their whole lives to religion They faced harsh living conditions, along with

tedious work Most of their lives were spent in the monastery

with little-to-no outside contact whatsoever Larger monasteries were known as “abbeys” Each abbey was run by a single monk, the

“Abbot”, who was elected into the position by his brethren

Anglo-Saxon Common Life The majority of Anglo-Saxon people were

farmers Typical crops included einkorn, rye, barley, and

more They also raised animals on their farms for use of

their strength, and also for food and other goods Farming was very primitive, and was done with the

use of simple machines and animal power The Anglo-Saxons also maintained small,

localized governments amongst themselves An oath was taken at age twelve to ensure that

citizens wouldn’t commit crimes

Anglo-Saxon Common Life (con’t)

King was the head of the government Family and kin could be punished as a result of

the actions of an individual Even children could be executed for crimes

Also known for their metalwork In the midst of the Iron Age Knives, forks, pots, swords, etc. Skilled in the arts of smelting and fire-welding Brass and bronze were also used, but not as

much

Anglo-Saxons and Christianity

Monks copied old manuscripts, which preserved their old religion

Before Christianity, they believed in many warrior-like gods Close to Norse mythology

Christianity brought the people hope Also connected England to Europe

through Ireland’s own Christian reformation

Anglo-Saxons and the English Language

Monks preserved Old English works Preservations allowed for respect

towards English and the beginning of widespread use▪ Written and spoken

Latin was the major focus in terms of language

More and more literature started to be written in English English stemmed from Latin and Old

English

Quick Quiz

1) What material were the Anglo-Saxons famous for using?

2) What was the title given to a monk in charge of an abbey, and how was he chosen?

3) What was determined in an individual based on the gifts they received from their leader?

4) What country “connected” England and the rest of Europe through Christianity?

5) What language was the main focus of England until English gained more respect?