Discover the fascinating transition from Roman Britain to the early foundations of England with this engaging and comprehensive exploration. This book offers a detailed examination of a pivotal period in history, capturing the end of Roman rule in 410 CE and the subsequent cultural shifts that shaped the future of the British Isles.
In 410 CE, Roman control of Britain came to an end, concluding centuries of occupation. A century later, Britain was divided into two contrasting regions: the expansive “Anglo-Saxon” south and east, and the increasingly Celtic west and north. This book investigates how this transformation occurred and why the customs of the Germanic incomers became dominant in England, unlike in other parts of Europe.
Authored by Nicholas J. Higham, this deeply researched account addresses these complex questions with clarity and insight. Higham draws on a wide range of archaeological evidence and contemporary literature, including the writings of Gildas, to challenge and reconsider the accepted narrative. The book highlights the significance of culture, warfare, and language during this period, illustrating how the arrival, spread, and eventual dominance of the Anglo-Saxons irrevocably changed the landscape of Britain.
This era marks the origins of English identity and the development of insular cultures such as Welsh and Cornish. Offering surprising new insights, Higham provides a penetrating and nuanced account of how, as Roman Britain drew to a close, Anglo-Saxon England began to take shape. An essential read for anyone interested in the history of Britain’s formative years, this book sheds light on a transformative chapter that laid the groundwork for modern England.