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The Conversion to Christianity
[History of the Religion among the Anglo-Saxons]
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Anglo-Saxon major gods
[The early polytheistic religion]
Early Anglo-Saxons believed in several gods and creatures
(elves
and dragons) and in natural forces: the major gods were Tiw,
Woden, Frig, his wife, and Thor, whose names are
commemorated in some week days, such as Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday; nature was venerated as an extremely
powerful entity that ought to be feared and respected.
The Christianisation of Britain
The Christianisation of Britain started up while the
Anglo-Saxons were still on
power: Pope Gregory I the Great ordered Augustine, future
Archibishop of
Canterbury, to convert the South of England, first of all the
royal family.
Nevertheless, the common people became Christian thanks to the
Celtic Monks
from Wales and Ireland, who brought the religion to the North of
the country.
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Christian influence on culture and politics
Christianity influenced very tightly the Anglo-Saxon culture and
royalty,monasteries became culture poles, hosting treasures and
precious manuscript
books and reintroducing Latin as culture vehicular language and
a coronation
by a bishop was a strong sign of legitimacy for a new king, in a
time where
succession was not hereditary and to reach power armed support
was
necessary.
The first Christian king
Offa of Mercias was the first Christian coronation: rival of
Charlemagne,
he obtained power and success till the Vikings invaded
Britain
Per immagini cercare: woden (odin, wotan, ), dragons,
augustine archibishop of canterbury,
lindisfarne gospels,
offa of mercia, vikings
