Angles (tribe)

The Angles were one of the main Germanic peoples who settled in Great Britain in the post-Roman period. They originated from Angeln, a region located in modern-day Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Along with the Saxons and Jutes, they migrated across the North Sea beginning in the 5th century AD.

The Angles established several kingdoms in Britain, including Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia. Their language, Old English, significantly influenced the development of the English language we speak today. The name "England" itself is derived from "Angle-land," a testament to their impact on the region.

Historical accounts, particularly those found in Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, provide valuable information about the Angles, their customs, and their eventual conversion to Christianity. Archaeological evidence also contributes to our understanding of their material culture and societal structures. The political landscape of early Anglo-Saxon England was characterized by frequent conflicts between these various kingdoms, ultimately leading to the eventual unification under the House of Wessex. Their cultural influence can be seen in place names, legal codes, and artistic traditions that continue to shape England.