The building of the Nation (tratto da Performer Heritage)

Summary

This video explores the history of Britain from its early pre-Celtic days to the Norman Conquest. It covers the agricultural practices of prehistoric Britons, the arrival of Celtic invaders, and the Romans' influence on Britain. The script then moves on to the Anglo-Saxon period, Viking invasions, and the eventual establishment of the kingdom under Alfred the Great. It concludes with the Norman Conquest of 1066, the establishment of feudal society, and the impact of French culture and language on England.

Takeaways

• 😀 The earliest inhabitants of Britain, around 6,000 years ago, were farmers who cultivated cereals and raised cattle, pigs, and sheep.
• 😀 Around 3,000 BC, ritual sites like Stonehenge were constructed, marking the beginning of ceremonial practices in Britain.
• 😀 The Celts, who arrived from Northwest Germany, were farmers, hunters, fishermen, and metalworkers. They brought the Celtic language and worshipped natural elements.
• 😀 The Romans, led by Emperor Claudius, conquered Britain in 43-47 AD, introducing a complex road system, fortified towns, and Hadrian's Wall for defense.
• 😀 The Romans also brought their culture, including the Latin language and Christianity, significantly shaping Britain.
• 😀 The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings began invading Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries, following the Roman departure, and settled south of Hadrian's Wall.
• 😀 By the 7th century, there were seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms known as the Heptarchy, with Wessex becoming the most dominant.
• 😀 Christianity was reintroduced to Britain in 597 AD with Augustine's arrival, and the Cathedral of Canterbury was built in 602 AD.
• 😀 In 793 AD, the Vikings (Danes) attacked British coastal towns, destroying monasteries and establishing settlements in areas like Danelaw.
• 😀 King Alfred of Wessex, along with his brother Ethelred, stopped the Viking advance, creating a new capital at Winchester.
• 😀 The Norman Conquest in 1066, led by William Duke of Normandy, resulted in the introduction of a feudal society, the Doomsday Book, and French becoming the official language of the court.

Q & A

Who were the earliest inhabitants of Britain?

The earliest inhabitants of Britain, dating back to around 6,000 years ago, were farmers who cleared forests, grew cereals, and kept cattle, pigs, and sheep.

What is significant about Stonehenge in relation to prehistoric Britain?

Stonehenge, a ritual site located in Southwest England, is one of the key pieces of evidence from around 3,000 BC that showcases the early ritual practices of the prehistoric inhabitants of Britain.

Who were the Kelts and what did they contribute to Britain?

The Kelts, who were the first invaders from Northwest Germany, were farmers, hunters, fishermen, and metal workers. They also brought the Celtic language, built hill forts, and worshipped natural elements with Druids as their priests.

How did the Romans impact Britain?

The Romans, who conquered Britain in 43-47 AD under Emperor Claudius, introduced a complex road system, built fortified towns, Hadrian's Wall for defense, and brought their culture, the Latin language, and Christianity to Britain.

What role did the Anglo-Saxons play in early British history?

The Anglo-Saxons, made up of Angles and Saxons from the North Sea region of Europe, invaded Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries after the Romans left. They settled south of Hadrian's Wall and formed a society based on loyalty to family and clan, eventually leading to the formation of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

What was the Heptarchy, and which Anglo-Saxon kingdom became the most important?

The Heptarchy was the term used for the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms formed by the 7th century. Wessex became the most important of these kingdoms.

How did Christianity re-enter Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period?

Christianity was reintroduced to Britain after 597 AD when Augustine arrived. He established the Cathedral of Canterbury in 602 AD, and became its first Archbishop.

What was the impact of Viking invasions on Britain?

The Vikings, also known as Danes in England, attacked British coastal towns and islands starting in 793 AD, destroying monasteries and settling in an area known as Danelaw.

How did Alfred the Great and his brother Ethelred respond to the Viking threat?

Alfred the Great and his brother Ethelred stopped the Viking advance, creating a new capital at Winchester. Alfred's efforts were crucial in halting the Vikings' spread.

What happened after the Battle of Hastings in 1066?

After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold, was defeated by the Normans, leading to the Norman Conquest. William, Duke of Normandy, was crowned King of England and introduced a feudal society.

How did William the Conqueror reshape England after his victory?

William the Conqueror established a feudal society based on land ownership and loyalty to the king. He also had the Domesday Book created as a record of his conquest, replacing Anglo-Saxon nobles with French Barons and making French the official language of the court.