The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded Britain after the Romans left, as the country had no defense. They initially raided and plundered Britain but eventually decided to conquer and settle the land. Their settlement was violent, as they destroyed cities and killed priests. The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes established kingdoms in Britain organized around a king, councilors, nobles, free peasants, and slaves. Their language became the basis for modern English.

1. The Anglo Saxons
When the Romans left, Britain had no army to defend
itself from the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. These were attacking
tribes. They shared the same language but were each ruled
by different strong warriors. At first they came to Britain to
plunder the country (they stole cattle, took prisoners for
slaves and destroyed villages).
Then, they decided to conquer Britain and settle down.
Tribes of Angles, Saxons and Jutes lived in Northern Europe
(what is now Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands). These
tribes were not Christians, They worshipped their own gods.

2. When the Romans were in Britain they traded with
them, they sold objects of iron, leather and cloth. They also
supplied amber (a glowing yellow “stone”).
Britain was for the Angles, Saxons and Jutes a rich and
easy prize. There were precious objects and gold in the villas
and towns. The fields were fertile. There were no high
mountains to cross and rivers gave routes inland.

3. Their settlement was violent. They devastated the cities
and the countryside. Buildings were burnt and priests were
killed. Lots of people died.

4. How a kingdom was organized?
The King gave gifts of weapons and land to his people.
In return they fought for him.
The Witan, a group of councilors, advised him.
The Thanes were the nobles. They owned land and fought
for the king. Some became ealdormen: Judges.
The Churls were free peasants who owned some land. They paid taxes and fought
for their thane. They took part in village meetings: FOLK MOOTS.
Slaves could be bought, sold or given away. They were not free.
A person was worth 8 oxen. They were prisoners taken in battle
or born into slavery.

5. Why are the Anglo Saxons important? Anglo Saxon Legacy
The English language of today comes from the language they spoke. Many settlers
came after and before them and added something to life in this country. But
when we speak English, it is the Anglo-Saxon words that we use.