Anglo-Saxon Nonfiction Lesson

Nonfiction texts allow a glimpse into the reality of a particular person, situation, or time period. Anglo- Saxon monks worked hard to preserve the history of the Anglo-Saxon time period, and there are nonfiction texts that demonstrate the desire to relay the events of the people. Along with fictional writings from the Anglo-Saxons, maps, medical journals, grammar books, and historical accounts survived in order to reveal more about society. Two of the important nonfiction texts from the Anglo-Saxon time period survived: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Ecclesiastical History of England. Specifically note the module themes of bravery and morality throughout the nonfiction texts.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle details the history of the Anglo-Saxon people. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of Old English annals compiled in the late 9th century, initiated by King Alfred the Great, that documents English history from the Roman period to 1154 in a year-by-year format. It exists as multiple surviving manuscripts, which were updated in monasteries across England and serve as the primary source for early English history, providing a comprehensive account of battles, kings, and Christianity during this period.

Ecclesiastical History of England

The Venerable Bede, a monk, wrote the Ecclesiastical History of England, and King Arthur was responsible for the translation of the text to English. The text details how Christianity came to the Anglo-Saxon people.

Reading Assignment

📚 Read Chapters I, II, XXIII, and XXVI in order to understand the arrival of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.

As you read through the Ecclesiastical History of England, use the following to help you comprehend each of the chapters:

Use knowledge of the text's distinct disciplinary purposes to aid comprehension.
Evaluate the extent to which historical, disciplinary, and/or personal perspectives affect the author's stylistic and thematic choices in text
Analyze how the text draw on themes, event patterns, or character types from different time periods
Note the main dates and events that occurred throughout the time period

You will be responsible for the information in this lesson.

Practice Activity

Now that you have read and understand Ecclesiastical History of England, practice your comprehension here in the activity below. Ponder the question and select "Show Answer" to check your response!

According to Bede, which of the following natural resources was Britain known for?

Show Answer

Salmon, eels, metals, and shellfish

Who were the first inhabitants of Britain according to Bede?

Show Answer

Britons

How did the Picts come to settle in northern Britain?

Show Answer

They were driven from Scythia and settled in the north after advice from the Scots.

Which Roman general first attempted to invade Britain?

Show Answer

Caius Julius Caesar

In what year did Pope Gregory send Augustine and other monks to convert the English?

Show Answer

596 AD

How did Augustine and his fellow monks live upon arriving in Kent?

Show Answer

They lived simply, prayed, fasted, taught, and ate only what they needed.

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