Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between the Angles and Saxons: An Exploration of Settlements and Terminology
Despite the common misconception, there is no clear-cut distinction between the Angles and the Saxons in terms of historical identity and settlement patterns. This article delves into the origins, early migrations, and the usage of the terms 'Angles' and 'Saxons' to clarify the confusion and shed light on the historical records.
The Origins and Usage of the Terms ‘Angles’ and ‘Saxons’
The terms 'Angles' and 'Saxons' became prominent in the context of the early Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. Historically, the Brythonic author Gildas, writing in the early 6th century, used the term 'Saxon' exclusively to refer to the settlers, while mentioning 'Angles' with 'Saxons' in some contexts. The confusion arises from the fact that the term 'Saxon' was more frequently used during this time, reflecting the perspective of the Romano-Britons who experienced the raids and migrations.
Anglo-Saxon, a term employed to distinguish British Saxons from those on the European continent, began to emerge in the late 8th century. The distinction was not intended to represent a combination of Angles and Saxons as a single group but rather to differentiate between the British invaders and their continental counterparts. This term was coined by continental writers and became part of the historical discourse later on.
Settlement Patterns and Kingdom Names
The Angles and Saxons settled in different parts of Britain, a pattern that is still largely misunderstood. According to historical sources, including St. Bede the Venerable and archaeological evidence, the first settlers from continental Europe included Frisians, who migrated to Britain around 410 CE. These early migrants established several kingdoms, with some of them, like the Kingdom of East Anglia, actually adopting the term 'Saxon' in their names to reflect the broader Germanic confederacy.
The Kingdom of Wessex, later a major player in the political landscape, used the term 'Saxon' but its inhabitants referred to themselves as 'Angles/English' from the beginning of the kingdom’s existence. This suggests that there might have been a leading role of Angles in the early conquests, leading to the adoption of 'Angle' or 'English' as a broader identifier for the Germanic settlers.
Early Sources and Controversies
The historical records regarding the first arrivals in Britain are sparse. The primary sources include Gildas, a monk who wrote in Latin in the 6th century, and St. Bede the Venerable, who wrote in the 8th century. Gildas, in his work De Excidio Britanniae, criticizes the Britons and describes the battles against the Saxons, but his specific usage of 'Angles' and 'Saxons' is debated. Gildas' works were heavily influenced by Christian values and historical interpretations, and his accounts are often seen as less reliable due to the lack of contemporary verification.
St. Bede, writing in the 8th century, suggests that the Anglo-Saxons were descendants of three Germanic tribes that came to Britain in the 5th century. Bede attributes this migration to a ruler named Vortigern, who invited the Saxons to help defend his kingdom against invasions. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the first settlers included Frisians and others who antedated the withdrawal of the Roman legions.
Conclusion
The distinction between the Angles and the Saxons is more a question of terminology than a clear separation of distinct peoples. The term 'Saxon' was more commonly used in the early records, reflecting the perspective of the local Britons. Later, with the advent of the term 'Anglo-Saxon,' it became a way to distinguish the British settlers from their continental counterparts. The settlement patterns and the usage of these terms offer valuable insights into the complex identity and migration patterns of the early Anglo-Saxons in Britain.
Key Takeaways:
- '.Angles' and 'Saxons' were terms used to describe various Germanic tribes settling in Britain, with usage reflecting local perspectives.
- '.Archaeological evidence suggests that the first settlers were Frisians and others, predating the Roman withdrawal from Britain.
- '.Settlement patterns varied, with different kingdoms using the term 'Saxon' or 'Angle' based on their specific historical contexts.'