The Anglo Saxon Chronicles

Posted : 10 Mar, 2019 06:26 AM

As the western Roman empire faded into obscurity at the end of the 5th century AD, the Britons were left to fend for themselves. A people who were heavily influenced and indoctrinated by Roman culture found themselves isolated and alone. Not so long after the Roman withdrawal from Britannia the Picts from the northern parts of the island began raiding the lands of the Britons in the south. The Britons asked for help from the dying western empire but were given no relief as the empire had its own problems to deal with on the continent. Since help was not coming from Rome, King Votigern of the Britons made the bold decision to ask for help in the form of mercenaries from the many Germanic tribes scattered across Europe. The call was answered by Hengest and his brother Horsa. They led a massive contingent of Angles, Saxons and Jutes across the sea into Britannia. At first they heeded to the will of King Vortigern, but once they realised how fertile and bountiful the lands of Britannia were they turned against Vortigern and took his Kentish lands for themselves. Thus the migration of many Saxons, Angles and Jutes began. Anglo Saxon England was born.



The Anglo Saxon Chronicles is the story of this new nation and its inhabitants. The Chronicles cover much of the pre-Saxon period of Britannia. But is mainly concerned with the period of the arrival of the Anglo Saxons to Britain (450 AD), up to the coronation of the first Plantagenet king Henry II (1154 AD). The Chronicles heavy rely upon the writings of the Venerable Bede for the first few hundred years. As it began to be compiled around the time of King Alfred the Great in the late 9th century AD and continued so for over 250 years after.



The Chronicles covers many key events throughout Anglo Saxon history such as the creation of many of the kingdoms throughout the land. The power struggles between many of the great kings of the period. The wars between the Saxons, Picts, Scots, Irish and Britons throughout the centuries. The Viking raids and invasions of the isles. Plus the famous Norman invasion of England in 1066 AD. If you are a connoisseur of British and European history the the Anglo Saxon Chronicles is a must have for your book collection.

Post Reply