PPT Anglo-Saxon

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Meadow (Morena),Graceman, Millie (Meredith), Dove (Davide), Abigail (Annalisa), Mario

Anglo-saxon

A group of Anglo-Saxons have been kidnapped by strangers, to free themselves they must reveal their role in Anglo-Saxon society.

Introduction

Dove (Poet)

The Anglo-Saxon poets belong to the literary tradition of England before the Norman Conquest (1066). Their work is part of a complex historical and linguistic context, characterized by the spread of the Anglo-Saxon language (a precursor of modern English). Here are some important aspects of Anglo-Saxon poetry:1. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon poetry • Metaphors and images: Anglo-Saxon poetry is full of elaborate metaphors and evocative images. A common feature is the use of "kennings", which are compound metaphors.• Heroic and religious themes: Anglo-Saxon poems often deal with heroic and religious themes.

Dove (Poet)

2. Poets and main works Some of the most important poets and works of the Anglo-Saxon era include: • Beowulf: Probably the most famous work of Anglo-Saxon literature, an epic poem that tells the story of the hero Beowulf, who fights monsters such as Grendel and the dragon. "Beowulf" is written in Old Anglo-Saxon, reflecting both the world of warriors and the influence of the new religion.• Caedmon: He is one of the most famous poets of the Anglo-Saxon tradition, known for being the first English poet whose name we have. His "Hymn" is one of the earliest examples of Old English religious poetry. According to legend, Caedmon received the gift of poetry directly from God. • The Exeter Book: A collection of Anglo-Saxon poems that includes a variety of genres, such as didactic poems and lyrics. An important example of poetry contained in the Exeter Book is the famous "The Wanderer".

Dove (Poet)

2. Poets and main works Some of the most important poets and works of the Anglo-Saxon era include: • Beowulf: Probably the most famous work of Anglo-Saxon literature, an epic poem that tells the story of the hero Beowulf, who fights monsters such as Grendel and the dragon. "Beowulf" is written in Old Anglo-Saxon, reflecting both the world of warriors and the influence of the new religion.• Caedmon: He is one of the most famous poets of the Anglo-Saxon tradition, known for being the first English poet whose name we have. His "Hymn" is one of the earliest examples of Old English religious poetry. According to legend, Caedmon received the gift of poetry directly from God. • The Exeter Book: A collection of Anglo-Saxon poems that includes a variety of genres, such as didactic poems and lyrics. An important example of poetry contained in the Exeter Book is the famous "The Wanderer".

Dove (Poet)

3. Main themes • Heroism and battles: Many Anglo-Saxon poems celebrate warriors' heroism, loyalty and sacrifice for their country. These poems are often linked to historical and mythological contexts, such as the Beowulf cycle. • Life after death and the Christian faith: With the rise of Christianity, many Anglo-Saxon poets wove religious themes in their works, trying to harmonize pagan traditions with Christian ones.

4. Language and style The language of Anglo-Saxon poetry is Old English. The metrical structure is based on lines of alliteration. While Old English is difficult for modern English speakers to understand today, many of the styles and themes, have influenced subsequent English literature. 5. Decline and influence Anglo-Saxon poetry began to decline after the Norman conquest of 1066, when Old English was influenced by Norman French.

Meadow (Farmer)

The life of Anglo-Saxon peasant woman was hard, women played a fundamental role, taking care of not only the home but also many agricultural activities.Daily activities were:1) Work in the fields Peasant women helped sow, harvest and process crops such as wheat, barley and opts. They also took care of animals: chickens, sheeps and pigs.2) Food preparation Women ground grains with hard mills to make flour, baked bread, and prepared simple soups and stews. They preserned food, often by salting or smoking meat and fish or using methods such as drying.

3) Family care Mothers cared for their childreb, teaching them practical skills necessary for village life. They saved clothes for the family, spun wool and woven fabrics using rudimentary tools.4) Local crafts Peasant women often made everyday utensils, such as clay containers. In some cases, they participated in bartering or selling goods at the local market.

Meadow (Farmer)

Social and religious life The community was at the center of peasant life. Villages and farms worked together for collective survival . The church played a crucial role: women participated in religious celebrations, and the liturgical calendar dictated the rhythm of life. Many holidays were liked to agricultural cycles.Housing conditions Paesant women lived in simple huts made of wood abd straw, often with a single room shared with the family and sometimes, the animals. The furnishings were basic, wooden benches and straw matresses for sleeping.Status and rights Anglo-Saxon laws recognized certain rights, such as land ownership, the possibility of inheriting property and the right to partecipate in community decision. However, the status of a peasant woman was lower than that of landowners or women of higher rank.

Abigail (Monk)

I am a monk from the fifth century. I dedicate myself to reading and writing manuscripts. During the Anglo-Saxon period, between the fifth and sixth centuries, monks played a fundamental role:Spread of Christianity: Monks played a central role in introducing and spreading Christianity among the Anglo-Saxon populations. After the mission of Saint Augustine of Canterbury (597 A.D.) commissioned by Pope Gregory I, many monasteries were founded, becoming religious, cultural, and educational centers.Education and Literacy: Monasteries also became the main places of education. Monks were among the few who could read and write, so they preserved and transmitted culture, especially religious texts.Centers of Social and Economic Life: Anglo-Saxon monasteries were not only spiritual centers but also economic ones. They managed land and practiced agriculture. Monks were also involved in helping the needy, offering assistance to the poor and sick.Development of Art and Culture: Monks were also fundamental in the development of art, particularly in the creation of illuminated gospels Anglo-Saxon monks were central figures in the transition from paganism to Christianity, promoting education, art, culture, and social solidarity.

Millie (Blacksmith)

Hello everyone! I am a blacksmith, one of the most important professions in our community.Without me, warriors and farmers would be in difficulty: I forged swords, spears, axes, knives, but also usuful tools for agriculture, such as plows and sickles.I usually work iron and steel using fire, hammerand anvil. I heat the metal in the forge until it's red and hot and then I shape it precisely. Do you know that the Anglo-Saxon blacksmiths were also a bit of alchemists? We believed that fire and metal had a magical connection!My best friend is the hammer, with which I shape the metal on the anvil. I also use tongs to handle the hot metal and forge to heat it. Without these tools I would be lost!

Especially I work with iron and bronze; but, do you know that to make stronger swords we usea technique called "demasking"? It's like braiding several layers of metal, so they become resistant and flexible.in my village, everyone comes to me: wareriors want tools, and even craftmen request nails or hinges for their creations

Graceman (Warrior)

Anglo-Saxon warriors were members of a Germanic tribal society, known for their loyalty to their leader and bravery in battle. Often recruited from among farmers, they used weapons like spears, round shields, axes, and, for the wealthier, swords and armor. They favored the shield wall formation and close combat. Honor and fame were central to their culture, with the most prestigious warriors rewarded with land and weapons.Their equipment varied: most wore simple clothing and protected themselves with leather or padded fabric, while helmets and chainmail were symbols of wealth. Poems like Beowulf celebrate their ideals and deeds.

The most important Anglo-Saxon wars were: 1. The conquest of Britain (5th-6th century): Battles against the Britons, like the legendary Battle of Mount Badon, led to the creation of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms (Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria). 2. Internal conflicts (7th-8th century): Fights for dominance among Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, first led by Northumbria and later by Mercia. 3. Wars against the Vikings (9th-10th century): King Alfred the Great defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington (878) and started the reconquest of Viking-held lands, ending with the Battle of Brunanburh (937). 4. The end of the Anglo-Saxons (11th century): The Danish invasion by Cnut the Great and the Battle of Hastings (1066), where the Normans defeated Harold II, marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era.

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