Why did the Anglo-Saxons come to Britain? - Anglo-Saxons - Year 5

The migration of the Anglo-Saxons to Britain in the 400s AD was a significant historical event that reshaped the island's cultural and political landscape. As the Roman Empire's grip on Britain weakened, the country found itself under threat from various groups. The Picts and Scots from the north and the Anglo-Saxons from the sea frequently attacked. The Romans had previously fortified the coastline and built Hadrian's Wall to defend against such incursions. However, the withdrawal of the last Roman legions around 410 AD left Britain exposed, lacking a robust military force to fend off these invaders. This power vacuum led to numerous skirmishes between the native Britons and the Anglo-Saxons, with the latter eventually establishing dominance over much of the territory.

Among the Anglo-Saxons were warriors eager for combat, who saw the Britons as weak adversaries, especially in the absence of Roman support. When the Britons sought help from some Anglo-Saxon mercenaries to repel northern attackers, these warriors chose to stay, seizing control instead of departing. However, not all Anglo-Saxons came as conquerors; many arrived in search of arable land. Back in Scandinavia, their own lands were frequently ravaged by floods, which hampered agriculture. Seeking a better life, these settlers journeyed to Britain with their families, bringing along their tools, weapons, and livestock, and went on to establish new homes and communities across the land.