The Anglo-Saxons

Term Paper # 102042

The Anglo-Saxons

A look at the impact of the Anglo-Saxons on British history and culture.

1,072 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly examines how the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons in A.D. 449 influenced the history, geography and culture of Britain. In particular it discusses their influence on the English language and the eventual introduction of Christianity.

From the Paper:

"The introduction of Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon period had a significant effect on their language. In the year A.D. 597 the Christian Latin vocabulary was introduced in England. St. Augustine and about 50 monks came to Britain to spread Christianity to the savage warriors. St. Augustine was fortunate to land in the small kingdom of Kent, which contained a small Christian community. King Aethelbert of Kent was married to a Christian woman so he allowed St. Augustine to preach and attempt to convert the English, but he warned him that most people would not easily abandon their long held beliefs. (McCrum et al., 1993). It took the Christians seven years to convert the majority of Kent. In Origins of the English Language it is noted that, "By 700 [A.D.] England could be called a moderately Christian nation" (Williams, 1975). "

Sample of Sources Used:

McCrum, R., Cran, W. & MacNeil, R. (1993). The Story of English. New York: Penguin Books.
Williams, J. M. (1975). Origins of the English Language. New York: The Free Press.