Characteristics+of+the+Period

=**__Britain__****__’s Dark Ages:__**=

Literature
Literature during the time period embodied such virtues as: generosity, bravery, boasting, obligations and conflicts of loyalty. Traditionally, narratives are seen as enshrining, in some literary intensified way, heroic values reflecting their ancient, Germanic roots.

Roman troops had departed Britain by 410 AD, leaving the shores and borders unprotected, especially the north from Picts and Scots in the north and Anglo-Saxons. They had two main groups: the Angles from the present day the border of Germany and Denmark and the Saxons from Northern Germany. Before the end of Roman occupation, they built several watch towers along the coast to defend against the Anglo-Saxons. When they finally left, the Anglo-Saxons persisted to raid the coast; others were employed by the native Britons as a private army to defend Britain from the Scots and Picts. They were given land in Britain for protecting the Britons. Eventually, they realized that Britain could easily be their own province and began take over parts of the eastern shores and later, most of Britain. After this, many tribes were created within Britain and many battles were fought.
 * Anglo-Saxon Influence**

The brought with them their Germanic cultures and paganism. Paganism was polytheistic. Their gods were [|Odin], [|Thor], and [|Týr]. But later was converted to Christianity with King Edwin for some time. Waves of Plague often took many lives during this period; this either strengthened or diminished their religious spirit.
 * Religion**



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