Christianization and Cultural Development
The spread of Christianity across Anglo-Saxon England began in 597 when Pope Gregory I sent Bishop Augustine to reintroduce the faith. This mission led to the founding of Canterbury Cathedral in 602, with Augustine becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
Highlight: Monasteries became important cultural centers in Anglo-Saxon England, playing a crucial role in education and the preservation of knowledge.
One of the most significant monasteries was Lindisfarne, founded in 635. The monks at these institutions produced illuminated manuscripts, which are beautifully decorated handwritten books.
The last Anglo-Saxon kings played important roles in shaping the kingdom:
- Alfred the Great, who died in 899, was known for his military and cultural achievements.
- His son Edward and grandson Athelstan succeeded to the throne.
- Athelstan created a unified kingdom in 927 by establishing the idea of royal authority, law, and coinage.
Definition: Illuminated manuscripts - Handwritten texts decorated with gold, silver, and vibrant colors, often featuring intricate designs and illustrations.
The Viking invasion of 1015 marked the beginning of the collapse of Anglo-Saxon England. The last Anglo-Saxon king was Harold Godwinson of Wessex, whose reign would be cut short by the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Quote: "The Viking invasion of 1015 marked the beginning of the collapse of Anglo-Saxon England."
This period of Anglo-Saxon history demonstrates the complex interplay between invasion, settlement, religious change, and political development that shaped early medieval England.
