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From sub‐Roman Britain to Anglo‐Saxon England: Debating the Insular Dark Ages
Author(s) -
Higham Nick
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
history compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.121
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 1478-0542
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2004.00085.x
Subject(s) - barbarian , elite , anglo saxon , conquest , politics , history , dominance (genetics) , acculturation , ancient history , classics , immigration , political science , law , archaeology , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
The sub‐Roman/Anglo‐Saxon interface has been hotly debated over the last twenty years, with scholars approaching the subject from several different disciplines and arguing variously for mass migration from Germany and/or elite dominance by a barbarian elite of a British majority. This paper critiques several of the arguments that have recently been offered and suggests that we should prioritise the conquest of eastern England by Anglo‐Saxons at an early date, which left political power in barbarian hands. Both migration and acculturation should be considered integral to the constitution of Anglo‐Saxon England, its people and its culture.