Interactions between the Mediterranean world and Anglo-Saxon England

This talk will explore some of the connections which maintained the Anglo-Saxons' feeling that Rome was part of their heritage.
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  • Start Date: 04 Dec 2026
    End Date: 04 Dec 2026
    Fri (Daytime): 12:00 - 14:00
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: RC128
    Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00
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In stock
SKU
250050
Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00

What is the course about?

The links between the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms and the Mediterranean world are at least both cultural and linguistic. After conversion to Christianity, most Anglo-Saxon kingdoms recognised the authority of Rome, even if some looked to the Irish monastic tradition for inspiration. But the archaeology of pre-Christian England shows a surprising familiarity with Mediterranean material culture - whether it is the high-status metalwork of Sutton Hoo or the glass beads of humbler burials. The written records display close links with Roman and Greek traditions. This short talk will explore some of the connections which maintained the Anglo-Saxons' feeling that Rome was part of their heritage.

What will we cover?

Archaeology of pre-Christian England, metalwork from Sutton Hoo, glass beads and much more.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • share some knowledge about the topic of the talk.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a talk. You do not need any particular skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Illustrated lecture followed by Q&A. No work outside of class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Writing material if you would like to take notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Any other ancient civilisation courses. See our website for details.

Stephen Pollington

Stephen is a freelance researcher, tutor, presenter and author specialising in the Old English language and the history of Anglo-Saxon England. He has worked with a wide range of organisations from the BBC, major universities and museums to local history and poetry groups in several countries, bringing history to life through a combination of written texts, readings and artefacts. He has written for publications as varied as ‘The Reader’ and ‘The Oxford Companion to Military History’. Stephen is the author of more than a dozen books on aspects of early mediaeval culture including social institutions, medical manuscripts, military life, the applied arts, death and the afterlife, writing systems, pre-Christian religion and the Sutton Hoo treasure. He has provided Old English and Old Norse dialogue for television, and both visual and audio content for museums. His voice-over in Old English for television documentaries and CDs of readings have been widely appreciated.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.