Who were the Angles and where did they primarily settle?

The Angles were one of the main Germanic peoples who migrated to and settled in Great Britain during the post-Roman period. They established several kingdoms within what is now known as Anglo-Saxon England.

What is the origin of the name "England" and the term "English"?

The name "England" derives from the Angles, meaning "Engla land" or "Land of the Angles." Similarly, the term "English" refers to both the people and the language that originated from the Angles. This naming convention arose because the Angles constituted the majority of Germanic settlers in Britain, and they identified themselves as "Engle" (Angles).

According to Tacitus, where did the Anglii people live around 100 AD?

Writing around 100 AD, the Roman historian Tacitus noted that a people known as the Anglii lived beyond the Langobards and Semnones. These tribes resided near the River Elbe, suggesting the Anglii were located northeast of them in what is modern-day northern Germany.

What are the proposed Germanic etymologies for the name "Angles"?

Two main theories suggest Germanic origins for the name "Angles." One theory posits it derives from a root meaning "narrow," possibly referring to the Schlei estuary. The second theory suggests the name relates to "hook," referencing the shape of their homeland, or that they were a fishing people.

How did the name "Angles" relate to the Schlei estuary and the concept of "angling"?

One etymological theory suggests the name "Angles" comes from a Germanic root for "narrow," potentially referring to the narrowness of the Schlei estuary where they may have lived. Another theory connects it to the word "hook," similar to "angling" for fish, possibly describing the shape of their peninsula.

What does the Old English term "Engle" refer to?

In Old English, the term "Engle" referred to the Angles both before and after their migration to Britain. It became the collective name for the people who settled in England, distinguishing them from how Latin and Celtic speakers might have referred to Germanic settlers.

According to the Gesta Danorum, who were the legendary founders of the Danes and Angles?

The Gesta Danorum legend states that brothers named Dan and Angul were chosen as rulers by their people due to their bravery. The Danes are said to be named after Dan, and the Angles are named after Angul.

What is the earliest known written mention of the Angles, and who recorded it?

The earliest surviving mention of the Angles, recorded as "Anglii," appears in Chapter 40 of Tacitus's *Germania*, which was written around AD 98. Tacitus described them as one of the Suebic tribes living near the lower Elbe River.

Which other Germanic tribes did Tacitus mention in proximity to the Anglii?

Tacitus mentioned the Anglii alongside several other tribes: the Reudigni, Aviones, Varini, Eudoses, Suarines, and Nuithones. He noted that these tribes lived behind natural defenses like rivers and woods, making them difficult to attack.

What deity did Tacitus associate with the Anglii and other Suebic tribes?

Tacitus associated the Anglii and six other tribes with the worship of Nerthus, referred to as Mother Earth. Her sanctuary was described as being located on an island in the Ocean.

How did Ptolemy's *Geography* describe the location of the Angles, and what are the challenges in interpreting this?

Ptolemy's *Geography* describes the Angles, referred to as Sueboi Angeilloi or Suevi Angili, as living inland between the northern Rhine and central Elbe rivers. However, this description is considered confusing and potentially inaccurate due to textual inconsistencies and the possibility of combining different older sources, making their precise location difficult to ascertain from this text alone.

What is another theory regarding the location of the Angles mentioned in relation to Ptolemy's work?

An alternative theory suggests that all or part of the Angles may have lived or moved among other coastal peoples, potentially in the region of the Saale River basin, near the Unstrut valleys. This area is associated with the origin of the legal code known as the *Lex Anglorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum*.

What did the 6th-century historian Procopius state about the settlement of the island of Brittia?

Procopius, a Byzantine historian, wrote that an island called Brittia (distinct from Britain) was settled by three nations: the Angili, Frissones, and Brittones, each ruled by its own king. He did not mention the Saxons in his account of this island.

What story did Procopius recount about the Angles and the Franks?

Procopius recounted that the king of the Franks sent some of his associates, including some of the Angili, as envoys to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. This was reportedly done to support the Frankish king's claim that Brittia was under his rule.

What did Procopius mention regarding a large army of Angles sailing to Europe?

Procopius mentioned that a large army of 400 ships from Brittia, composed of Angles, had recently sailed to Europe and reached the Rhine. This expedition was apparently undertaken to enforce a marriage agreement with the Warini, who Procopius stated lived north of the Franks at that time.

How did the Venerable Bede describe the Angles' homeland before their migration to Britain?

Bede stated that before migrating to Great Britain, the Anglii lived in a land called Angulus. He described this region as lying between the province of the Jutes and the Saxons, and noted that it remained unpopulated at the time he was writing (died 735 AD).

How did King Alfred the Great and Æthelweard identify the location of Angulus?

King Alfred the Great and the chronicler Æthelweard identified the land of Angulus, mentioned by Bede, with Angeln in the province of Schleswig. This identification aligns with the geographical indications provided by Bede.

What did Ohthere of Hålogaland report about the lands near Schleswig, according to Alfred the Great's notes?

In his account of a voyage, the Norwegian seafarer Ohthere of Hålogaland described the lands on his starboard bow as he sailed from Oslo fjord to Schleswig. King Alfred appended a note to this account stating that the "Engle" (Angles) lived on these islands before they migrated to Britain.

What English and Danish traditions connect to the Angeln region?

English and Danish traditions preserve accounts of two kings, Wermund and Offa of Angel, whose exploits are linked to Angeln, Schleswig, and Rendsburg. The Mercian royal family claimed descent from these figures.

What role did the *Lex Angliorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum* play regarding the Angles?

The *Lex Angliorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum* is a legal code issued to the Thuringians. Its title suggests a connection to the Angles and Werini, and it is believed by many scholars to have originated from the region where the Angles may have resided before their migration.

What is the legend of Pope Gregory I and the Angle children?

According to a legend recounted by Bede, Pope Gregory I saw Angle children being sold as slaves in the Roman market. Impressed by their appearance, he made a Latin pun, noting they had an "angelic face" and deserved to be "co-heirs of the angels," which supposedly inspired him to send missionaries to convert the Angles.

What archaeological evidence from Schleswig supports the existence of Angle culture before their migration?

Archaeological findings in Schleswig from the fourth and fifth centuries include a cremation cemetery at Borgstedt with urns and brooches similar to those found in England. Additionally, large deposits at Thorsberg moor and Nydam have yielded arms, ornaments, clothing, and tools, providing insights into Angle culture before their migration to Britain.

Which kingdoms in England did Bede attribute to the Angles after their settlement?

Bede stated that after invading Britannia, the Angles established the kingdoms of Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia.

How did the tribal structure of the Angles evolve into kingdoms in England?

H. R. Loyn observed that tribal institutions could be disrupted by sea voyages. In England, the Angles formed kingdoms that initially included two northern ones (Bernicia and Deira) and two midland ones (Middle Anglia and Mercia). By the seventh century, these consolidated into two primary Angle kingdoms: Northumbria and Mercia.

What happened to the Anglian kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia in the 9th century?

During the 9th century, both Northumbria and Mercia fell to the Danish Viking armies. Their royal lines were largely destroyed, and their Angle populations came under the control of the Danelaw.

How did the Kingdom of England eventually form from the Anglian and Saxon territories?

After the Danish invasions, the Saxon kings of Wessex successfully resisted the Danes and later conquered areas inhabited by Angles that were part of the Danelaw. They integrated their rule by marrying into surviving Angle royalty and were accepted by the Angles, ultimately leading to the formation of the unified Kingdom of England.

What regions in modern England still bear names related to the Angles?

The regions of East Anglia and Northumbria in modern England retain names derived from the Angles. Northumbria historically extended from southeast Scotland down to the Humber Estuary and River Witham.

Where does the remaining population of Angles reside today, according to the text?

The text indicates that the rest of the Angle people remained in their homeland in the northeastern part of modern Schleswig-Holstein, on the Jutland Peninsula. A small area there is still called Angeln today, forming a triangle roughly between Flensburg, the City of Schleswig, and Maasholm on the Schlei inlet.

What is the significance of the image depicting "Anglo-Saxon Homelands and Settlements"?

The image titled "Anglo-Saxon Homelands and Settlements" illustrates the migration patterns of the Angles, shown in orange, and the Saxons, shown in blue, into the British Isles around 500 AD. This visual representation helps to understand the geographical spread of these groups.

What does the map of "1st century Germani" suggest about the location of the Angles or related peoples?

The map of "1st century Germani" shows the approximate positions of various Germanic peoples as reported by ancient authors. While not explicitly labeling the Angles, it places Suevian peoples in red and other Irminones in purple, providing a broader context for the tribal geography of the region where the Angles likely originated.

What is the meaning of the Old English and Latin names for the Angles?

The Old English name for the Angles is Engle, and their Latin name is Anglii. These names are believed to be the root of modern terms like "England" and "English."

What connection does the *Lex Anglorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum* suggest about the Angles?

The *Lex Angliorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum* is a legal code believed by many to have originated from the region of the Unstrut valleys. Its title suggests a historical connection between the Angles and the Thuringians, indicating a possible shared legal or cultural heritage in that area.

What does the archaeological find at Nydam reveal about Angle culture?

The archaeological deposits found at Nydam, along with those at Thorsberg moor, have yielded significant quantities of artifacts from the pre-migration period of the Angles. These include arms, ornaments, clothing, agricultural implements, and even ships, which allow historians and archaeologists to reconstruct aspects of Angle culture from that era.

How did the name "Angles" become associated with "angelic" by Pope Gregory I?

Pope Gregory I reportedly encountered Angle children sold as slaves and, upon learning their name was "Anglii," made a Latin pun. He remarked that they had an "angelic face" (angelicam faciem) and thus deserved to be "co-heirs of the angels," linking their name to the celestial beings.

What is the significance of the Saint Petersburg Bede manuscript?

The Saint Petersburg Bede, a manuscript dating from the 8th century, is an important historical document. It contains the *Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum* (Ecclesiastical History of the English People) by Bede, which provides crucial information about the Angles and their settlement in Britain.

What does the map of "Britain peoples circa 600" illustrate?

The map titled "Britain peoples circa 600" visually depicts the distribution of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes across England around the year 600 AD. It shows the territorial divisions and settlements of these various Germanic groups during the early Anglo-Saxon period.

What is the relationship between the Angles and the Anglo-Saxons?

The Angles are considered one of the primary groups that formed the collective identity of the Anglo-Saxons. Along with the Saxons and Jutes, the Angles migrated to Britain and established kingdoms, contributing significantly to the culture, language, and political landscape of early England.

What does the term "Heptarchy" refer to in the context of the Angles?

The Heptarchy refers to the seven traditional kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England, several of which were founded by the Angles. These included Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia, which were significant political entities during the early medieval period.

What does the infobox entry for "Angles" indicate about their origin and destination?

The infobox states that the Angles originated from southern Jutland, specifically in areas like Angeln, Schwansen, and North Frisia. Their primary destination was the Heptarchy, which is Anglo-Saxon England.

What languages were spoken by the Angles?

The primary language spoken by the Angles was Old English, which evolved into the modern English language. Their name is directly linked to the term "English."

What religions did the Angles practice?

Initially, the Angles practiced Germanic and Anglo-Saxon paganism. Later, they converted to Christianity, which became the dominant religion in Anglo-Saxon England.

Which related ethnic groups are listed alongside the Angles?

The Angles are listed alongside related ethnic groups such as Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Frisians, Anglo-Normans, English, Lowland Scots, Anglo, Saxons, Frisii, and Jutes, highlighting their connections within the broader Germanic and British historical context.

What does the image of Angeln in Schleswig-Holstein represent?

The image shows the location of Angeln in northern Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This geographical area is considered the ancestral homeland of the Angles, from which they derived their name.

What does the image of Over Jerstal suggest about the Angles?

The image related to Over Jerstal is captioned "Possible locations of the Angles and Jutes before their migration to Britain." This suggests that archaeological or historical interpretations place these tribes in or around this region prior to their movement to the British Isles.

What is the significance of the *Anglo-Saxon Homelands and Settlements* map?

The *Anglo-Saxon Homelands and Settlements* map visually demonstrates the areas of origin for the Angles (in orange) and Saxons (in blue) on the European continent, as well as their subsequent settlement patterns in the British Isles around 500 AD.

What does the *Britain peoples circa 600* map illustrate?

The *Britain peoples circa 600* map shows the geographical distribution of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes across England approximately a century after their initial settlement. It provides a visual representation of the political and ethnic landscape of the time.

What does the *Gesta Danorum* suggest about the relationship between the Angles and the Danes?

According to the *Gesta Danorum*, the Danes and Angles are named after legendary brothers, Dan and Angul, respectively. This suggests a shared origin myth or historical narrative connecting these two groups.

What does the *Lex Angliorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum* imply about the Angles' presence on the continent?

The existence of the *Lex Angliorum et Werinorum hoc est Thuringorum*, a legal code associated with the Thuringians, suggests that the Angles had a presence or influence in continental Europe, possibly in the region of the Unstrut valleys, before their migration to Britain.

What does Bede's account of Angulus imply about its status after the Angle migration?

Bede stated that the land called Angulus, where the Anglii dwelt before migrating to Britain, remained unpopulated "to this day" (meaning, during Bede's time). This implies that the migration led to the abandonment or depopulation of their original homeland.

What historical connection is suggested between the royal families of Mercia and Wessex and the Angles?

The text suggests that the Mercian royal family claimed descent from legendary Angle kings Wermund and Offa of Angel. Similarly, the royal family of Wessex claimed descent from Frowinus (Freawine) and Wigo (Wig), Danish governors connected to the Angle homeland.

Angles Tribe Wiki: The Angles: Architects of England's Dawn

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Origins and Early Mentions

Homeland

The Angles were a principal Germanic people who originated from the Baltic Sea coastal regions, specifically southern Jutland. Historical accounts suggest their ancestral territory was located in the area known as Angeln, situated in modern-day Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Greco-Roman Records

The earliest surviving written mention of the Angles appears in the works of Roman historians. Tacitus, writing around AD 98, identified a tribe called the "Anglii" as one of the Suebian peoples residing beyond the Langobards and Semnones, near the Elbe River. Later, Ptolemy's Geography (circa AD 150) also references the Angles, though its descriptions are considered somewhat ambiguous by scholars.

Linguistic Roots

The name "Angles" (Old English: Engle, Latin: Anglii) is believed to derive from their original homeland, the Angeln peninsula. Scholarly theories suggest the name relates to the Germanic root for "narrow," possibly referring to the narrow waters of the Schlei estuary, or perhaps to the shape of the peninsula itself, akin to "angling" for fish.

Etymology: Naming a People and a Nation

From Engle to England

The term Engle, used in Old English, referred to the Angles both before and after their migration to Great Britain. As the Angles constituted the majority of Germanic settlers in Britain during the post-Roman era, the land they inhabited came to be known as "Engla land," meaning "Land of the Angles." This linguistic evolution is the direct origin of the modern names "England" and "English."

Scholarly Interpretations

Linguistic analysis suggests the name "Angle" might stem from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂enǵʰ-, meaning "tight" or "narrow," potentially referencing geographical features of their homeland. Alternatively, it could relate to the concept of "hook" or "angling," perhaps indicating a seafaring or fishing heritage. The consistency of the term Engle for the people before and after their migration underscores their distinct identity.

Ancient Accounts and Legends

Tacitus and Ptolemy

Tacitus, in his Germania (c. AD 98), places the Anglii among several Suebian tribes near the Elbe River. Ptolemy's Geography (c. AD 150) also mentions the Angles, though the exact location and tribal affiliations described are subject to scholarly debate and potential textual corruption.

Procopius's Observations

The 6th-century Byzantine historian Procopius noted that an island called Brittia (distinct from Britain itself) was inhabited by three nations: the Angili, Frissones, and Brittones. He reported that the Angili sent large numbers of people annually to settle among the Franks, suggesting a significant population and potential expansionist tendencies.

The Gregory Legend

A notable legend, recounted by Bede, involves Pope Gregory I encountering fair-haired Angle children sold as slaves in Rome. Struck by their appearance, he reputedly remarked on their "angelic faces," linking their name to "angels" and inspiring a mission to convert them to Christianity. This story, while possibly apocryphal, highlights the Angles' distinctiveness.

Migration and Settlement in Britain

Establishing Kingdoms

During the 5th century AD, following the decline of Roman authority in Britain, the Angles, alongside Saxons and Jutes, migrated across the North Sea. Bede, the Venerable, documented that the Angles settled primarily in the eastern and northern parts of what would become Anglo-Saxon England.

The Anglian Heptarchy

The migration led to the formation of several Anglian kingdoms. According to historical tradition, these included Northumbria (formed from Bernicia and Deira), East Anglia, and Mercia. These kingdoms became significant political entities during the Heptarchy period, vying for dominance in early medieval Britain.

Geographical Distribution

Archaeological evidence from sites like Thorsberg moor and Nydam bog provides insights into the material culture of the Angles prior to their migration. The settlement patterns in Britain resulted in Anglian influence extending across a substantial portion of the island, shaping its cultural and linguistic landscape.

Enduring Legacy

The English Language

The language spoken by the Angles, Old English (or Englisc), forms the bedrock of modern English. The dialect spoken by the Angles became the dominant form, influencing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation across the evolving nation.

Shaping England

The name "Angle" became intrinsically linked to the identity of the land and its people. Despite the eventual unification of England under the West Saxon kings, the Anglian kingdoms' contributions to its political structure, culture, and language remain foundational. The region of Angeln in Germany serves as a historical reminder of their origins.

Connections

The Angles are closely related to other Germanic peoples such as the Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians, forming part of the broader Anglo-Frisian group. Their history is intertwined with the complex tapestry of migrations and cultural exchanges that characterized the early medieval period in Northern Europe.

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References

Tacitus, Cap. XL

Pyles, Thomas and John Algeo 1993. Origins and Development of the English Language. 4th edition. (New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich).

Baugh, Albert C. and Thomas Cable 1993 A History of the English Language. 4th edition. (Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall).

Church & Brodribb (1876), Ch. XL

Ptolemy, Geography, 2.10.

SchÃ¼tte (1917), p. 34See also pp. 119â120, & 125â127

Procopius book VIII, xx.

Bede (731), Lib. II.

Jane (1910), Vol. II.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Angles (tribe) Wikipedia page

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This content is not exhaustive and does not constitute definitive historical or academic pronouncements. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, users are encouraged to consult primary and secondary academic sources for deeper research and verification. The AI does not possess the capacity for original historical interpretation or analysis beyond synthesizing the provided data.

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The Angles: Architects of England's Dawn

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins and Early Mentions 🌍

📍 Homeland

📜 Greco-Roman Records

🗣️ Linguistic Roots

Etymology: Naming a People and a Nation 🏷️

🇬🇧 From Engle to England

🤔 Scholarly Interpretations

Ancient Accounts and Legends 📖

🏛️ Tacitus and Ptolemy

⚔️ Procopius's Observations

😇 The Gregory Legend

Migration and Settlement in Britain 🚢

🇬🇧 Establishing Kingdoms

👑 The Anglian Heptarchy

🗺️ Geographical Distribution

Enduring Legacy ⭐

🗣️ The English Language

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Shaping England

🔗 Connections

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins and Early Mentions

Homeland

Greco-Roman Records

Linguistic Roots

Etymology: Naming a People and a Nation

From Engle to England

Scholarly Interpretations

Ancient Accounts and Legends

Tacitus and Ptolemy

Procopius's Observations

The Gregory Legend

Migration and Settlement in Britain

Establishing Kingdoms

The Anglian Heptarchy

Geographical Distribution

Enduring Legacy

The English Language

Shaping England

Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice