What the Anglo-Saxons taught us about longevity of societies

From the time Hengust and Horsa answered Vortigens telegram to inhabit the island, a firm deal was at the forefront of their plans. In both the specific one they had originally made (exchanging preserving of land for ownership) and in all future dealings. This principled approach was initially sealed by Vortigen. Marrying his daughter to one of the brothers. An insurance policy any reasonable nobleman would have made at the time had they Vortigens intelligence and inclinations for a stable society. However, Vortigen eventually uncovered that the brothers were as firm on others holding up their end of the bargain as they were on themselves. 

Whether through selfishness or sustainment being relatively too high in Vortigens priorities, he withdrew his troops. 

His troops were fighting alongside the armies of Hengust and Horsa against the scots, celts and the picts that jeopardised the, albeit largely enslaved, stable life the Romans had made the Brits accustomed to. 

It can be assumed with Vortigens foresight and knowledge of recruitment that his forces fought valiantly. Though rather than continue, once only his lands were secure, his withdrew. 

Hengust and Horsa turned on him and had his daughter not been part of their family, he may have paid with his life. 

He was spared, his land and respect among peers was not. 

A great precedent set early on in what would become Anglo-Saxon England. 

The Anglo-Saxon society progressed beyond conquer and force that seemed to be the comparatively primitive celts and picts' motivations.

They sequed (Norman language! Forgive me) into the social mobility of current and previous peaceful occupants and did so adopting the Roman style in the decoration of their arms. They acknowledged the popularity of this style and highlighted the importance of adaption on both sides. Another sign of an evolution from barbarian command and conquer types all over Europe at this time. 

It may be that given their amicable nature seemed most prevalent in Britain rather than their other occupied lands, that the Romans had a fair hand in the sophistication of the Anglo-Saxons. 

But to rise above the pride hitherto inalienable from the bravery (or savagery) of the times, the Anglo-Saxons can take full credit for.

This firm adaptation on both sides can be seen in the bravery and dedication required to enable social mobility. Social mobility that would give to the benefactor a higher status (and more Roman designs on his increasingly armoured attire). 

This continues through the delegation of power in the 7 kingdoms or heptarchies and then onto the embedding of christianity into society. Different beliefs that could have been taken in at their word to supersede the Norse mythology believed at the time. Different beliefs that could have been rejected outright. The former potentially leading to a civil revolt and the latter to at least a primitive status compared to the rest of the world.

Instead, amicable as ever, the Anglo-Saxons met both sides. Not rendering the Norse God Woden (or Oden) obsolete. Rather, they made him a descendant and disciple of God. This merging of the modern christianity with norse mythology solidified the principle of adaptation on both sides. A principle that kept this island as peaceful and self sustaining as it had ever been with little migration, prevalence of its people (even surviving the Vikings) for 500 years. Until those bloody Normans arrived.

#Anglo-Saxons