What was the long-term impact of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings on our lives today? - Presentation

The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings have left a significant legacy that has shaped modern Britain in various ways. The Anglo-Saxons improved agricultural methods and contributed to the establishment of our legal system, including the concept of fines for crimes and the weregild system, where compensation was paid for injuries or wrongful deaths to prevent feuds. They also introduced poetic tradition and were instrumental in creating the county boundaries that are still recognised today. Society was structured into distinct classes, from kings and thanes to ceorls and slaves, each with specific roles and rights. As for the division of Britain, the Anglo-Saxons formed several important kingdoms, such as Kent, Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria, each with its own settlers and leaders.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have had a lasting impact on British culture, language, and technology. They were skilled shipbuilders, introducing advanced designs like the longboat, and they also popularised skiing in Europe. The Vikings established Dublin, which became a significant centre for trade and influence. Their storytelling traditions, or sagas, have provided valuable historical insights and contributed to narrative forms that persist today. Additionally, the Vikings took personal grooming seriously, as evidenced by archaeological finds of combs and other grooming tools. They also left their mark on the English language, with many words and even the names of the days of the week tracing back to Old Norse origins, reflecting the deep intertwining of Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures with the British Isles.