Shining Light on the British Dark Ages: Anglo-Saxon Warfare, 400-1070
In a country fragmented by Roman withdrawal during the 5th century, theemployment of Germanic mercenaries by local rulers in Anglo-Saxon Britain wascommonplace. These mercenaries became settlers, forcing Romano-Britishcommunities into Wales and the West Country. Against a background of spreadingChristianity, the struggles of rival British and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were exploited bythe Vikings, but eventually contained by the Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred of Wessex. Hisdescendants unified the country during the 10th century, however, subsequent weakrule saw its 25-year incorporation into a Danish empire before it finally fell to theNorman invasion of 1066.Scholars of the early Church have long known that the term ‘Dark Ages’ for the 5th to11th centuries in Britain refers only to a lack of written sources, and gives a falseimpression of material culture. The Anglo-Saxon warrior elite were equipped withmagnificent armour, influenced by the cultures of the late Romans, the ScandinavianVendel people, the Frankish Merovingians, Carolingians and Ottonians, and also theVikings.Today’s guest is Stephen Pollington, author of ”Anglo-Saxon Kings and Warlords AD 400-1070.” We look at the kings and warlords of the time with latest archaeological research.