The Anglo-Saxons by Marc Morris Summary
Overview of The Anglo-Saxons
Uncover the forgotten architects of England in Marc Morris's masterpiece that Dan Snow calls "the missing piece of historiography." From Alfred the Great to intricate art, this medieval detective story illuminates how the Anglo-Saxons secretly shaped our modern world.
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The Fall of Roman Britain and the Coming of the Saxons
When we think of the end of Roman Britain, we often imagine a dramatic moment – perhaps the last Roman soldier boarding a ship, never to return. The reality was far more complex and gradual. By the early 5th century, the Roman administration in Britain had largely collapsed. The island was beset by raiders from Ireland, Scotland, and across the North Sea. In 410, the emperor Honorius famously told the Britons to "look to their own defenses." This wasn't necessarily an abandonment, but rather an acknowledgment that Rome could no longer protect its far-flung province. The Britons were left to fend for themselves against increasing incursions. It was into this chaotic situation that the first Anglo-Saxons arrived. These Germanic peoples from northern Europe – Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and others – came first as raiders, then as settlers and conquerors. The traditional story, as told by the 8th-century monk Bede, is that they were invited by a British king named Vortigern to help fight the Picts and Scots. Whether true or not, this tale illustrates how some Britons may have seen these warriors as potential allies against other threats. The archaeological evidence shows a gradual influx of Germanic peoples over several generations, rather than a single invasion. They brought with them distinct styles of pottery, jewelry, and burial practices that can be traced in the archaeological record. As they established themselves, particularly in eastern and southern Britain, they began to push out or assimilate the native British population.
The Rise of Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms
The Coming of Christianity
Viking Invasions and Alfred the Great
The Birth of England
Legacy and Reflection
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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