

Alfred The Great & The Anglo Saxons
13 snips May 11, 2023
Marc Morris, a historian specialized in the Anglo-Saxon period and author of 'The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England,' dives into the fascinating life of King Alfred. The conversation covers the power struggles of pre-Norman England, the impact of Viking invasions, and how identity transformed after the Norman Conquest. Morris challenges the notion of 'Great' regarding Alfred while exploring the rich tapestry of Anglo-Saxon culture through poetry, chronicles, and early English political dynamics.
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The Drive for Power
- Charlie Higson explores the motivations of British monarchs throughout history.
- He questions why they pursued the crown despite the hardships and often miserable lives they faced.
Post-Roman Britain and the Vikings
- After the Romans left Britain, Germanic tribes and Vikings began to invade and settle.
- The Vikings' slave trade was a significant factor during this period.
Anglo-Saxon Expansion
- The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes gradually took over Britain, pushing the Celts to the fringes.
- The term "Welsh" comes from a Germanic word meaning "foreigner."