Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils focus on what changed in Britain after the Romans left. They learn about the coming of the Anglo-Saxons and the rise of Mercia. Pupils end the unit by analysing what had changed after the Romans left Britain.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how Britain changed after the Romans left.

Key Notes

• Without the Roman legions to defend it, Germanic tribes invaded and quickly settled across Britain.
• They established seven great Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that rivalled one another.
• By the late 8th century Mercia was the most powerful kingdom following the rule of Offa and Cynethryth.
• Christianity withered away, but returned in the 6th and 7th centuries, eventually spreading across Britain.
• In Scotland, the Picts were joined by Irish Scots who brought Gaelic culture with them.

Vocabulary To Learn

• rivalled: rivalled means to have competed with someone and tried to be better or more successful than them
• withered: if something has withered it has gradually declined or shrunk
• Gaelic: Gaelic is the traditional language and culture of groups such as the Scots and Irish

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• As Christianity was popular in Roman times before its return, pupils may think this isn't a change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Anglo-Saxon kingdoms Study Guide
• Britain at the end of Roman rule Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxons come to Britain Study Guide
• The conversion of the British Isles Study Guide
• The rise of Mercia Study Guide