Introduction
The Saxons, a Germanic tribe that originated in Northern Europe, played a significant role in the early history of Britain and the formation of modern English culture. As teachers, it is essential to educate our students about this unique and influential civilization. This article provides an overview of Saxon history, culture, and legacy so you can shed some light on this fascinating topic in the classroom.
Saxon Origins and Migration
The Saxons were one of several Germanic tribes that emerged from northern regions such as modern-day Denmark and Germany around the third century. They established new territories by migrating southwards, reaching the British Isles during the fifth and sixth centuries. The reasons behind their migration were diverse, ranging from environmental changes, and population pressure, to Roman pitfalls in Britain.
Understanding Saxon Culture
Teaching students about Saxon culture requires highlighting key aspects such as society structure, religion, art, and warfare:
Society Structure: The Saxon social structure was fairly rigid, with social classes including kings or chieftains at the top; a warrior elite called “eorls” or “aldormen,” followed by free men (“ceorls”); and slaves at the bottom.
Religion: Before converting to Christianity in the seventh century, Saxons practiced polytheism by worshipping various gods that played different roles in life. Some significant gods include Woden (chief god), Thunor (the god of thunder), and Frig (the goddess of love).
Art: The artistic skills of the Saxons are evident through their metalwork—especially in creating intricately crafted gold-adorned jewelry—along with wood and stone carvings used for architecture.
Warfare: Saxon warriors wore chainmail armor, wielded spears or swords, and carried circular shields for protection. They were known for their fierce fighting spirit and military tactics, which significantly influenced medieval warfare in England.
Integrating Saxon History into Lessons
Several historical events were integral to the formation of Saxon heritage in Britain:
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: A key source of information, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was a series of manuscripts commissioned by King Alfred the Great, detailing historical events from the Roman Conquest until his reign in the ninth century.
The Heptarchy: During this period, from the fifth to the eighth centuries, seven major Anglo-Saxon kingdoms (Kent, Sussex, Wessex, Essex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria) emerged in England.
The Viking Invasions: In the ninth century, England faced invasions from pagan Norse warriors (Vikings) who fought fierce battles with Saxons over dominance and land control.
The Battle of Hastings: A crucial point in British history when the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, was defeated by William the Conqueror in 1066. This led to the Norman Conquest and an end to the Saxon reign.
Conclusion
By incorporating these elements into well-rounded lessons on Saxon history and culture, educators will be well-equipped to teach students about this important part of history. Delving deep into ancient Britain will enrich your student’s historical knowledge and help them understand how each civilization has played a vital role in shaping today’s world.
