Anglo-Saxons and Vikings: a historical study

Abstract

The Anglo-Saxon period in England was considered a century of changes, especially for the English territory due to the fortuitous arrival of the inhabitants of Scandinavia known as Vikings. These newcomers generated a period of disequilibrium in Anglo- Saxon England which was firstly typified by great violence against the population of England; subsequently followed by an epoch of savagery from both fronts which finally led to a well-disposed unwarlike period where both populations mingled and coexisted for a long time. Taking this into account, the main aim of this research article was to study and compare in a more detailed way not only the culture of the Vikings but also the culture of the Anglo-Saxon population during this Anglo-Saxon period which comprised from the eighth to the tenth centuries. Additionally, the socio-linguistic consequences had also been studied as well as the cultural consequences which occurred due to mingling of these two different civilizations. On top of that, the situation of the English territory during that period of time has been investigated as well in order to accomplish a better understanding of the struggles that took part during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain.