Interactions between the Mediterranean world and Anglo-Saxon England
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: RC128
- Dates: 06/12/24 - 06/12/24
- Time: 12:00 - 14:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Stephen Pollington
Course Code: RC128
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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-Christain 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.
This is part of a series of talks about the connections in the ancient Mediterranean world, which will culminate in a day of lecture at City Lit on Saturday 9th December.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
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 taster course. 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 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.
