Anglo Saxons and Normans are two groups of people who played an essential role in the history of England. The Anglo Saxons were a group of people who lived in England from the 5th to the 11th century. The Normans, on the other hand, were a group of people who originated from Normandy, France. They invaded England in 1066 and conquered the Anglo Saxons. This article will explore the differences between these two groups of people.
Anglo Saxons
The Anglo Saxons were a group of Germanic people who migrated to England from present-day Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. They arrived in England in the 5th century, after the Romans left Britain. The Anglo Saxons were divided into different kingdoms, and they spoke Old English, which is the foundation of the English language we speak today.
The Anglo Saxons were skilled warriors and were known for their bravery and military tactics. They fought several battles to protect their land from invaders. Some of their famous battles include the Battle of Hastings, the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and the Battle of Maldon.
Normans
The Normans were a group of people who originated from Normandy, France. They were descendants of Vikings who settled in Normandy in the 10th century. The Normans were known for their military skills and were feared by many. They conquered England in 1066, after the Battle of Hastings, and established the Norman dynasty.
The Normans brought many changes to England, including the introduction of the feudal system, the construction of castles, and the adoption of the French language. They also introduced new architectural styles, such as the Romanesque style, which is characterized by rounded arches and thick walls.
Differences between Anglo Saxons and Normans
The Anglo Saxons and Normans had many differences, including their language, culture, and way of life. The Anglo Saxons spoke Old English, while the Normans spoke French. The Anglo Saxons were pagans, while the Normans were Christians. The Anglo Saxons were divided into different kingdoms, while the Normans were united under one ruler.
The Anglo Saxons were known for their bravery and military tactics, while the Normans were known for their military skills and their use of cavalry. The Anglo Saxons were farmers and fishermen, while the Normans were skilled in agriculture, trade, and commerce.
Impact of the Normans on England
The Normans brought many changes to England, which had a significant impact on the country's history. They introduced the feudal system, which was a hierarchical system of land ownership and loyalty. They built many castles, which were used to defend the country and control the people. They also introduced new architectural styles, such as the Romanesque style, which can still be seen in many buildings today.
The Normans also introduced new words to the English language, many of which are still used today. They introduced new concepts, such as chivalry and courtly love, which influenced English literature and culture for centuries.
Legacy of the Anglo Saxons
The Anglo Saxons left a lasting legacy on England. They were responsible for the formation of the English language, which is still spoken today. They also introduced new concepts, such as trial by jury and habeas corpus, which are still part of English law. They were skilled craftsmen and created beautiful works of art, such as the Sutton Hoo treasure and the Lindisfarne Gospels.
The Anglo Saxons also influenced English literature, with famous works such as Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. They left behind a rich cultural heritage, which is still celebrated today.
Conclusion
The Anglo Saxons and Normans were two groups of people who played an essential role in the history of England. While they had many differences, they both left a lasting legacy on the country. The Anglo Saxons were responsible for the formation of the English language and introduced new concepts to English law. The Normans brought many changes to England, including the introduction of the feudal system and new architectural styles. Both groups of people contributed to the rich cultural heritage of England, which is still celebrated today.