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Period: 400 to
The Spread of Christianity
Christianity was introduced to Britain during Roman rule, but it didn’t become a major religion in the area until much later, when Irish Monks and Roman missionaries settled in the region. Christianity had nearly replaced the Anglo-Saxon paganism by the 6th century. -
567
Saint Augustine
His arrival to England converted most of the country from their traditional pagan beliefs to Christianity. -
Jan 1, 615
Lyre
The lyre beguns to be used by the Anglo Saxons during the early 600's. <ahref='http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ZvjTHpb1A' >Song with lyre</a> -
Jan 1, 670
Caedmon's "Hymn"
Caedmon, the earliest English Christian Poet, writes "Hymn" in honor of God the Creater. -
Sep 13, 675
Staffordshire Gold Hoard
Anglo Saxon items were found underground in England in 2009. It was primarily military supplies. However, the weapons were decorated artistically. Seventy-five percent were made of gold. The swords were decorated with herringbone and chevron patterns, so they appeared like snakes in the light. -
Period: Jan 1, 700 to Jan 1, 750
Beowulf Published
Beowulf is the first large work of national english literature. It represents the Anglo-Saxon society to those living in the present day. -
Jan 1, 725
The Franks/Auzon Casket
This small box is constructed from carved whalebone and shows Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Germanic themes. The sides have carved text in Latin and Old English. -
Jan 1, 730
Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
This book tells the history of politics and religion in England from the fifth century to 731 AD. As it is written by a saint, much of the history written has a Christian focus, and revolves around many of the dates on the christian calendar and important political changes in power during this time period. -
Jan 1, 1030
Triangular Harp
The Anglo-Saxons began to use the triangular harp during the early 1000's, The harp was considered a instrument only played by higher class and royal Anglo-Saxons. -
Jan 1, 1066
Norman Invasion
In 1066 A.D., William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon armies at the Battle of Hastings, and took control of England, ending Anglo-Saxon reign. -
The Fuller Brooch
The Fuller Brooch uses hammered silver to depict the five senses as human figures. Sight, the most important sense to Anglo-Saxon culture, is the largest and in the middle. Taste, smell, touch, and hearing are also depicted. The outside has human, plant, and bird designs. -
Anglo-Saxon Unification
The Anglo-Saxons originally formed for kingdoms, but they united under the rule of King Alfred the Great of Wessex in the 9th Century A.D. in response to Danish aggression. -
Benedictional of St. Aethelwood
This illimunated manuscript was made in the Winchester school style. It depicts a Christian saint. It uses rich colors such as green, gold, and purple. -
Monastary Music
Music cultivated in Anglo-Saxon monostaries during the 800's -
"The Wife's Lament"
"The Wife's Lament", a poem thought by historians to be sung, is written in the Book of Exeter. -
The Exeter Book is Composed
The Exeter Book is a collection of all Old English poetry and also contains many riddles which were popular during the Anglo-Saxon period. This book was handwritten and given by Bishop Leofric to the exeter cathedral. -
The Book of Kelles is first copied
The Book of Kells was regarded in Ireland as a masterpiece during the time of composition in 760. This book is a manuscript of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and a partial transcription of the gospel of John. The text was copied letter by letter in ornate calligraphy and has illustrations drawn by the most talented monks. The manuscript was deemed one of a kind and has been preserved in the halls of the monastery. -
Anglo-Saxon Invasion
In 449 A.D. the Angles and the Saxons, from Germany, and the Jutes, from Denmark, invaded England. They drove the Britons to the edges of the country, and imposed their rule on most of Britain. The Anglo-Saxons split up into clans and principalities and imposed their traditions, including their warrior culture and language, on the land. -
Period: to Jan 1, 1025
Winchester school
This was a 10th and early 11th century painting style for illuminated manuscripts characterized by boldness, incisiveness, ornamentation, and thick borders. Most of the works were created in Winchester, but some were made in Canterbury as well.
