THE ANGLO-SAXSONS

-Germanic tribes.

-Language spoken: Germanic dialects.

-Entered in Great Britain after Romans had withdrown it, in 5th century.

-Stayed there until the Norman Conquest.

-They divided Great Britain into seven kingdoms (Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Wales, Wessex, Sussex and Kent).

THE MIDDLE-AGES

Culture

-Most important codes: religion (common people) and chivalry (aristocracy).

-Salvation is, however, the most important thing for both common people and aristocracy.

-Hierarchic social structure (Pope -> Emperor -> Vassals and land owners -> Serfs).

-Religion (regular code) à It was followed mainly by common people. Often common people weren't able to read and write à ORAL LITERATURE (Ballads...).

-Chivalry (worldly/secular code) à Aristocracy followed it. Noble people were cultivated à WRITTEN LITERATURE (Epic poetry...).

-Theme of the literary texts: chivalry problems and religious problems. Will to reach salvation or to gain the admiration of the beloved woman make the characters act.

-Languages used: Latin-> Church-lawyers; Old English (language of German people that lived in Britain) -> people; French -> court. These three languages later combined to form the English spoken in London.

Events

- The Middle Ages cover a long period in the history of Europe.

- In Britain, it goes roughly from 1066 to 1485.

- 1066: date of the first and last conquest of Great Britain by a foreign power; the Normans, led by William I, came from Northern France.

- After the victory of Hastings, Britain belongs to William I, called "The Conqueror".

- William The Conqueror introduces a new social organization brought from the continent, the feudalism.

- FEUDALISM à Pyramidal organization according to which the king divides his lands among his vassals and barons in exchange for specific services.

- The vassals become tired of the heavy taxes à 1215: they force the king to sign the Magna Carta.

- MAGNA CARTAà result of a process of negotiation of power between the king (King John Lackland) and the barons. It limited royal power.