The Anglo-Saxons

medieval history · england · germanic peoples · language roots

Germanic settlers arrived. The Anglo-Saxons came from what is now Germany and settled in Britain starting around 450 CE, mixing with the people who already lived there and creating a new English culture.

They spoke Old English. The Anglo-Saxons developed a language called Old English (or Englisc), which is the great-great-grandfather of the English we speak today. Most of the everyday words you use right now, like 'water,' 'mother,' and 'house,' come directly from Old English.

Created English kingdoms. By the 8th century, the Anglo-Saxons had built several powerful kingdoms across Britain, and by 1066 they had united most of what is now England under one English identity and language.

Lasted over 600 years. The Anglo-Saxon period ran from around 450 until 1066, when Norman invaders from France conquered England. But even after the Norman Conquest, Anglo-Saxon language and culture remained the foundation of English society.

Mixed cultures together. The Anglo-Saxons didn't just replace the Roman-British people who lived in Britain before them. Instead, they blended with the existing culture to create something entirely new that became the basis for modern England.