The Old English period, also referred to as the Anglo-Saxon era, runs roughly from the fifth century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. England underwent tremendous historical and cultural change throughout this period.
Although this era witnessed many changes, additions, and conversions in the then society, these are some significant aspects that are to be considered as important from the examination point of view.
- The Anglo-Saxons arrived in Britain following the collapse of the Roman Empire.
- Germanic tribes from what is now Germany and Denmark, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, moved to Britain.
- In the latter half of the sixth century, the Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity.
- In 597 AD, Pope Gregory the Great dispatched Saint Augustine of Canterbury to convert the Anglo-Saxons.
- The founding of monasteries was essential to the spread of Christianity and the preservation of knowledge.
- “Beowulf” is one of the most important literary works of the Anglo-Saxon era.
- This Old English epic poem narrates the story of the heroic Beowulf and his conflicts with monsters.
- Although the document was written in the tenth century, it most likely originated from older oral traditions.
- Bede was an Anglo-Saxon scholar and monk also known as the Venerable Bede.
- His most well-known work, “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” offers insightful historical details of the Anglo-Saxon era.
- Wessex had a monarch named Alfred the Great who reigned from 871 to 899 AD.
- He is famous for his defence of England against Viking incursions as well as his advocacy of reading and education.
- Viking invaders from Scandinavia often invaded England in the late Anglo-Saxon era.
- The result of these invasions was a great deal of cross-cultural interaction, which culminated in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
- During the Viking Age, the Danelaw was an area of England where Danish law and tradition prevailed.
- It came about as a result of the Vikings conquering and settling certain areas of England.
- The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era.
- The Battle of Hastings, in which William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II, led to the establishment of Norman rule in England.
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These are some important events that occurred during the Anglo-Saxon era and learning about these events can be a great help if you are preparing for literature examination, specially the UGC NET Paper 2 of English Literature.