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England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest takes you through the mists of time to the rugged landscape of the British Isles. Over 24 sweeping lectures, Professor Jennifer Paxton surveys the forging of a great nation from a series of warring kingdoms and migrating peoples. From Germanic tribes to Viking invasions to Irish missionaries, she brings to life an underexamined time and place.

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1. Exploring How England Came to Be

32m

Step back to Anglo-Saxon England to see what makes this period of history so captivating. After a brief survey of the traditional scholarship across the ages, Professor Paxton outlines how we will be forming our picture of the Anglo-Saxons, including written evidence, literary sources, archaeological artifacts, "paleopathology," and more.

2. The Rise and Fall of Roman Britain

32m

When the Romans arrived in the British Isles, the empire was already on the decline, and it was in the crucible of this decline that England would be forged. Explore the impact of the Romans on Britain, from Hadrian's Wall to the city of London. Consider the role of Christianity, the state of language, and the collapsing economy during this time.

3. The Germanic Migrations to Britain

31m

Generations of school children have learned about three primary invasions of Germanic people: the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes. Reflect on the accuracy of this narrative, and then see how varying sources as well as DNA and archaeological evidence paints a much more complex picture of Germanic migrations.

4. The Britons Resist: The Legend of King Arthur

29m

A survey of medieval Britain might make it seem as though the myriad Germanic migrations were all peaceful, but was there any resistance among the locals? Here, the answer can be viewed through the legendary King Arthur and his knights of the round table. Was he a real person? Who was he based on? And what impact did he have on the history of Britain?

5. Everyday Life in 6th-Century Britain

29m

Pause in this fascinating period between the decline of Roman Britain and the rise of a new Anglo-Saxon order. What was everyday life like for average citizens? Meet some of the ethnic groups that made up 6th century Britain, explore their settlements, and examine some of the era's hardships that can be seen today in the bones of the people who lived through it.

6. The Birth of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

30m

Thus far we have seen that thanks to migration and the fusion of Germanic and native British cultures, a coherent population-the Anglo-Saxons-was emerging. The political vacuum left by Rome was filled by a series of smaller kingdoms across England. In this episode, tour several of these kingdoms and how they came into being.

7. The Papal Mission to Britain

30m

At the same time that Anglo-Saxon kingdoms took over the political landscape, Christianity was spreading through the population. As you will see, this story of conversion is the story of Christianity coming from Ireland and from continental Europe. Meet Pope Gregory the Great and learn from the Venerable Bede about the spread of Christianity in England.

8. Sutton Hoo and the Early Anglo-Saxons

30m

Archaeology is one of the most important ways to study the past, and here you will delve into one of the most iconic sites in the world. On a small hill in Suffolk, the graves at Sutton Hoo can tell us about the people and economy of the early Anglo-Saxons. Professor Paxton offers a fount of information about Sutton Hoo's discovery and excavation.

9. Irish Missionaries and Christianization

30m

In a previous lecture, we saw how the Romans successfully converted Southeast England to Christianity, but the Northumbrians relapsed. Here, Professor Paxton picks up the story and shows how Irish missionaries played a decisive role in converting the whole of England, solidifying Christianity across the island. Learn about King Edwin, Penda, and others.

10. Kings of the North: Northumbria's Ascent

30m

Delve into the Northumbria region in the 7th century. Here, you will start by considering the ebb and flow of Anglo-Saxon hegemony in the north and northwest. Find out about some of Northumbria's great leaders, the economy around livestock and herding, and the importance of the city of York.

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SeriesEngland: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest

Closed CaptionsEnglish

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The Great CoursesDirector

The Great CoursesProducer

Jennifer PaxtonActor

England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest

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