Ethnic background of the English. The Anglo-Saxon Invasion.

The ethnic background of the English people is quite complex and has been shaped by a variety of historical migrations and invasions over centuries. The primary influences include the prehistoric peoples of Britain, the Celts, the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Norse, and others. ### Prehistoric and Celtic Foundations Before the Anglo-Saxon invasion, Britain was inhabited by various prehistoric peoples, including the Neolithic farmers and the later Celtic tribes that migrated to the island around 600 BC. These Celtic tribes (including the Britons, Gaels, and Picts) contributed significantly to the early cultural and ethnic landscape of Britain. ### Roman Britain From AD 43 to 410, Britain was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman presence introduced new cultural elements, infrastructure, and social organization. However, the Romans did not significantly alter the ethnic makeup of the island as most Roman settlers were concentrated in cities and did not alter local populations in a profound way. ### The Anglo-Saxon Invasion The Anglo-Saxon invasion began in the 5th century, following the decline of Roman control in Britain. The Anglo-Saxons were a group of Germanic tribes, primarily the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who migrated from what is now Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. This migration was driven in part by the search for arable land and the instability in their own homelands. #### Key Points of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion: 1. **Settlement**: The Anglo-Saxons began to settle in various parts of Britain, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. They established several kingdoms, including Mercia, Wessex, Northumbria, and East Anglia. 2. **Cultural Influence**: The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons had a profound impact on the culture, language, and societal structures in Britain. Old English, a Germanic language, became dominant, and many place names, legal systems, and societal norms were influenced by Anglo-Saxon traditions. 3. **Christianization**: The Anglo-Saxons played a crucial role in the Christianization of England, particularly after the mission of St. Augustine in 597 AD, which established the foundation for Christianity in the region. 4. **Conflict with the Celts**: The invasion also led to conflicts with the existing Celtic populations, resulting in the displacement and subjugation of many Celtic tribes. ### Genetic and Cultural Legacy The Anglo-Saxon period significantly shaped the ethnic makeup of the English people. While the Anglo-Saxons became a dominant group, they intermarried with the local Celtic populations and later groups, such as the Norse during the Viking Age, contributing to the genetic and cultural landscape of modern England. Overall, the English ethnic background is a mosaic that reflects influences from various waves of migration and settlement, with the Anglo-Saxon invasion being a major turning point in the formation of English identity.