The impact of the Romans' withdrawal on religion
I can explain why Christianity declined in Britain when the Romans left.
The impact of the Romans' withdrawal on religion
I can explain why Christianity declined in Britain when the Romans left.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- As the Romans were leaving Britain c.410CE, groups of people called the Angles, Saxons and Jutes began to migrate there.
- These Anglo-Saxons were pagan and polytheistic: they were not Christian.
- As they began to dominate Britain, Christianity declined in areas where they settled.
- This process was probably helped by the fact that many Britons had not fully embraced Christianity under Roman rule.
- For example, at Lullingstone, a pagan shrine built before the chapel was still being used after the chapel was built.
Keywords
Anglo-Saxons - the Anglo-Saxons are a group of people formed of the Angle, Saxon and Jutes tribes
Pagan - pagan means a religion other than one of the main world religions
Polytheistic - to be polytheistic means to believe in many different gods and goddesses
Shrine - a shrine is a place regarded as holy
Common misconception
Pupils may think all Britons became pagans.
It is likely that some Britons adopted pagan beliefs when the Anglo-Saxons settled. Some may have continued to follow Christianity.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
When someone has changed their religious faith or other belief.
A group of people that are regarded as superior in terms of ability.
The beginning of Christ’s name in Greek.
A small building or room used for Christian worship.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to follow a religion other than one of the main religions
to believe in many different gods and goddesses