Where were the Anglo-Saxons from? - Map

The Anglo-Saxons were a group of people who originated from the regions that are now known as Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. To understand their origins, students can use a map of Europe and shade in these areas to visually identify where the Anglo-Saxons came from before they migrated to Britain. This geographical exercise helps to contextualise the movement of the Anglo-Saxon tribes during the early medieval period and their eventual settlement in what is now England.

Britain underwent significant changes between the end of Roman rule and the year 1066. The Anglo-Saxons played a crucial role in this transformation. After the Romans withdrew from Britain in the early 5th century, the Anglo-Saxons invaded and settled in the region, bringing with them new customs, language, and governance structures. They were a collection of various tribes who, over time, established several kingdoms within Britain. The reasons behind their invasion are thought to include seeking new lands to farm, as well as fleeing instability and conflict in their homelands. The Anglo-Saxon period is a defining era in British history that laid much of the groundwork for the country's future social and cultural landscape.