The Anglo-Saxon period marks a foundational era in the history of England, spanning from the 5th century to the Norman Conquest of 1066. This epoch was characterized by the migration of Germanic peoples from what are now the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany to England following the retreat of the Romans. These tribes, most notably the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, gradually established seven independent kingdoms known as the Heptarchy, which included Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Wessex. This era laid the groundwork for the English language, law, and culture, profoundly influencing the identity of modern Britain.
Throughout the Anglo-Saxon period, England was a tapestry of shifting alliances and conflicts, both among the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms themselves and against external invaders like the Vikings. The unification of these kingdoms under a single ruler, most famously achieved by King Alfred the Great of Wessex, marked a pivotal moment in English history. Alfred's military resistance against Viking invasions and his efforts to foster learning and legal systems are legendary. The period also saw the spread of Christianity, which replaced the Germanic paganism practiced by the early settlers, leading to the establishment of monasteries and the flourishing of Anglo-Saxon art and literature, including works like the epic poem "Beowulf".
The end of the Anglo-Saxon period came with the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. This event marked a significant shift in English culture, language, and governance, but the legacy of the Anglo-Saxons endures in many aspects of British life today. The period's contribution to the English legal system, language, and territorial organization has left an indelible mark, making the study of the Anglo-Saxon era essential for understanding the foundation of modern England.