Timeline of the Old English Period

📚 Category: History of English Literature | ⏱️ Read Time: 5 Mins | 🎓 UGC NET English

Quick Summary: The Old English Period (450–1066) marks the foundation of the English literary tradition. It spans from the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons after the Roman withdrawal to the decisive Norman Conquest.

Time line of the Old English Period — Visual Timeline of the Old English Period (450 AD – 1066 AD).

Foundations of English Literary Tradition

The Old English Period is the bedrock of English culture. Following the Roman withdrawal from Britain in 410 AD, the native Celts were left semi-civilized and vulnerable to external threats. This power vacuum led to the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons.

Between 450 and 600 AD, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes arrived—initially as protectors but gradually transforming into conquerors. They established new political structures and brought with them a Germanic language that would evolve into English.

This formative era witnessed the growth of literature well before the Norman Conquest of 1066. Oral traditions, rich in pagan myth and heroic legend, gradually merged with Christian influences to create distinctive poetic forms (like Beowulf) and prose.

🎯 Exam Point: The Old English Period spans from the 5th century (approx. 450 AD) to 1066 AD.

Visual Timeline: Key Dates

410 AD Roman Withdrawal: The Roman legions leave Britain to defend Rome, leaving the Celts vulnerable.

450 – 600 AD Anglo-Saxon Conquest: The "English" tribes arrive. They came as saviors but stayed as conquerors, pushing the Celts to the margins (Wales, Scotland, Cornwall).

597 AD Christianization: St. Augustine arrives, beginning the conversion of Anglo-Saxons and the introduction of writing culture.

1066 AD Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings marks the end of the Old English period and the beginning of Middle English.

Key Characteristics & Exam Points

This period defined the earliest sense of English cultural identity, shaped by waves of conquest and adaptation.

The "Saviors" Paradox: The English came as saviors for the Celts against the Picts/Scots, but ultimately conquered them.
Literature Growth: Literature flourished well before 1066, primarily through oral tradition (scops/bards).
Cultural Fusion: The literature is a unique blend of Pagan roots (fate, heroism) and Christian influence (mercy, God).
Identity: The foundation stage of the English literary tradition.

🎯 Exam Point: Romans left Britain in 410 AD, marking the end of the Classical era in Britain.