Early Anglo-Saxon Kings
Before the powerful and well known monarchs of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries, what is now known as England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland were ruled by a paganistic and heathenistic group of people called the Anglo-Saxons (Anglo-Saxon England and Wales" pg.2). These rulers were mostly ruthless, illiterate barbarians but in the later years of the Anglo-Saxon era they started to convert to Christianity and become educated and more intelligent people. The Anglo-Saxon monarchs and the monarchs of the Elizabethan age shared many common characteristics, but their differences numbered much more. The Elizabethan monarchs were products of a more cultured, civilized society, and their manner of rule reflected the socially acceptable customs and beliefs of the time. The Anglo-Saxons, on the other hand, ruled as individuals in an almost primitive society, without culture or refinements ("Anglo-Saxon England- culture and society" pg.1). Their rule was dictatorial, brutal and ruthless. Anglo-Saxon kings were known for their acts of bravery, loyalty and kinship, and they were honored for these traits. The throne rested in the hands of the bravest, most tested Anglo-Saxon who showed the most leadership. The Elizabeth
The first notable king remembered in Anglo-Saxon tradition is Aella ("Historical Heathens" pg.1), who ruled about 480 A.D. He became known as the first Germanic king of the South Saxons in the area of Sussex. Aella's fame comes from his participation in many battles in the second half of the fifth century, and as king, he united all of the other Anglo-Saxon kings south of the Humber River under one rule, a powerful feat for one man in such uncivilized times. He is thought to be a very powerful leader of the time for this reason. Late in the 5th century, around 490 A.D., a military leader known as Cerdic assumed the Anglo-Saxon throne (pg.1). Cedric's rule lasted until 530 A.D., and during his reign, there are many recorded military exploits chronicled in Anglo-Saxon historical documents. His campaigns were mounted in the areas known today as Hampshire and South Wiltshire and northward into Southampton. Although thought to be Germanic, this reader finds it interesting to note that the name Cerdic is a Celtic name, reflecting the influence of a growing Celtic culture coexisting at the time Cerdic ruled. Cerdic passed the throne to Ida (pg.2), the first king of Bernicia, the northern half of the kingdom of Northumbira. Ida became king in 560 A.D. and his rule lasted about a dozen years, though his court was limited to the Northumbrian coast and did not stretch inland. The limitations of the area ruled were later extended over a wider area, when Ida's grandson Ethelfrith became king of Bernicia. There was no early success in this attempt. At about the time missionaries were being dispatched to the Anglo-Saxon people, king Ceawlin ruled the West Saxons of Wessex ("Historical Heathens" pg.2). He was a barbarous, dictatorial leader, without compassion or interest in Christian conversion. Du
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1224
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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