英国文学——盎格鲁撒克逊时代.pptVIP

British Influence on America Common law Parliamentary Government Literature Language Celts Early inhabitants Tall, blonde warriors Group within group: Brythons (sounds like….) Celtic Religion Animism – from Latin word for “spirit” Everything had spirits: rivers, trees, stones, ponds, fire, thunder Spirits had to be constantly satisfied Druids, priests, acted as intermediaries between gods and people Ritual dances, rites: Stonehenge? Celtic Mythology Arthur – legendary Celtic warrior; became embodiment of English values (Sir Thomas Malory, 15th Century, Le Morte D’Arthur) Different from Anglo-Saxon (which came later) Full of strong women Enchanted lands where magic and imagination rule Video break: 1 2 The Dark Ages Roman Britain Roman Invaders 55 B.C. Julius Caesar began invasions and claimed Britain for Rome Claudius settled Britain in earnest about 100 years later Roman Contributions Armies to defend Britain against further invasions Network of roads (some still in use) Defensive wall 73 miles long (Hadrian’s Wall) Public baths Brought Christianity and Celtic religion began to vanish Roman Evacuation Trouble at home (Italy) Evacuated Britain, leaving fixtures but no central government Island weak, ripe for invasion Video break: 3 The Anglo-Saxon Invasions of Britain Anglo-Saxons Sweep Ashore 5th Century Angles and Saxons from Germany Jutes from Denmark Attack across the North Sea Drove old Britons out before them “Germanic” Language became dominant in Engla land from the Angles Anglo-Saxon Invasion Celts put up a fight, then retreated to Wales Welsh chieftain: Arthur The Danes Invade Alfred the Great unified the independent principalities against the invading Danes (Vikings, pirates, from Denmark) Plundered and destroyed a path through the country before settling in northeast and central England Battle continued until 1066 (over 150 years), when William, Duke of Normandy, defeated them all Video break: 4 6 Stowa Dark Ages: Three Elements that Join Anglo-Saxo