Who were the Anglo-Saxons and why did they invade Britain? - Teacher notes

The Anglo-Saxons were a collective of tribes predominantly composed of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who originated from regions that are part of present-day Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. These tribes began migrating to Britain during the 5th century, a period that followed the retreat of the Roman Empire from the British Isles. Understanding the timeline of these events is crucial for pupils, as it places the Anglo-Saxon invasion in historical context, after the era of Roman and Greek dominance and the ancient civilisations that preceded them.

The invasion and settlement of Britain by the Anglo-Saxons marked a significant change in the country's history. Teachers are encouraged to use maps to help pupils identify the origins of the Anglo-Saxons and to discuss the reasons behind their migration to Britain. One of the key factors was the power vacuum left by the departing Romans, which made Britain vulnerable to invasions by other groups, such as the Picts and Scots. The Anglo-Saxons eventually established themselves in Britain, bringing their farming techniques and improving the lives of the indigenous population. The region where they settled became known as Angle-land, which evolved into the name England. Through various activities, including games and research supported by online resources, pupils will explore the Anglo-Saxon way of life, their reasons for settling in England, and the impact of their invasion on British history.