Prehistoric and Roman England
The history of England begins long before written records. The earliest human settlements in what is now England date back to the Paleolithic period, with evidence of ancient hunter-gatherers living in the region. The most famous prehistoric site is Stonehenge, a remarkable megalithic structure believed to have been constructed around 2500 BC.
In 43 AD, the Romans invaded Britain, establishing the province of Britannia. The Romans built towns, roads, and Hadrian's Wall, marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain. The Roman occupation of Britain lasted until around 410 AD, when the Romans withdrew to defend their empire from increasing threats elsewhere.
Anglo-Saxon England (5th-11th Century)
Following the Roman withdrawal, Britain was left vulnerable to invasions. The Anglo-Saxons, a group of tribes from modern-day Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, began migrating to England in the 5th century. They established several kingdoms, most notably Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria.
During the Anglo-Saxon period, England saw the spread of Christianity, the establishment of monasteries, and the creation of significant cultural and legal developments. The Kingdom of Wessex, under King Alfred the Great (r. 871–899), is often credited with uniting much of England and successfully defending it against Viking invasions.
The Vikings, who began raiding England in the late 8th century, eventually established the Danelaw in the north and east of England. The Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings clashed for control, with the most famous battle being the Battle of Edington in 878, where Alfred the Great defeated the Viking leader Guthrum. shutdown123