Anglo-Saxon Heritage Quiz                                                   Name:_________________

British Literature                                                                      Date:__________________

 

1. As closely as you can, state the years which encompass the Anglo-Saxon period.

                449-1066

 

2. What is the more common name historians give to the Anglo-Saxon period?

                The Dark Ages

 

3. Who dominated Briton in the years preceding the Anglo-Saxon period?

                The Romans

 

4. Who were the Angles and the Saxons? (i.e., where did they come from?)

                Germanic tribes form the northern Germanic Plains

 

5. List at least three values/beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

                fatalism, loyalty, strict tribal codes of conduct, love of action and adventure,

                fame as immortality, a religion of "god-heroes" with formal rituals, curiosity,

                appreciation of beauty, adaptability

 

6. What were two of the effects of the adoption of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Britain?

                unified Britain, connected Britain to the rest of Europe, established common law

                in place of old vengeance codes, arrival of books and writing though most in

                Latin, recorded history

 

7. Who were the next invaders of Britain around the end of the eighth century?

                Vikings (Danes)

 

8. What was the greatest threat these invaders posed to Post-Christian Britain?

                destruction of the cultural refinements

 

9. Who defeated the invaders and went on to lead the rebuilding of Britain?

                King Alfred  (Alfred the Great)

 

10. How did the Anglo-Saxons pass down their literature before Christianity?

                orally

 

11. Describe the types of stories created by the Anglo-Saxons.

                ones of heroic battles and fame; very serious, reflects difficult life

 

12. Describe the Anglo Saxon gathering places where they would share their stories.

                huge "mead halls" where they would share their stories over a feast with potent

                drink and beautiful cups and bowls; strangers and family alike were invited

 

13. Is Beowulf an Anglo-Saxon or Christian work? Explain.

                It is both: though translated by a Christian monk and infused with Christian values, Beowulf

                clearly celebrates the Anglo-Saxon values of heroism, fatalism, loyalty, and vengeance.