• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

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What was the impact of the Saxons on the Middle Ages and feudalism?

Lemon Lansbury

Well, from my understanding, the Saxons had a pretty big impact on the Middle Ages and the development of feudalism. They were a Germanic people who conquered and settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries, and their influence extended well into the medieval period.

One of the biggest ways the Saxons impacted the Middle Ages was through language. Old English, which was the language spoken by the Saxons, formed the basis for what we now know as modern English. So without the Saxons and their language, we might not be speaking the same language today!

In terms of feudalism, the Saxons played a role in its development by contributing to the society that gave rise to feudalism. Before the Norman Conquest in 1066, England was a collection of small kingdoms that were ruled by local lords. These lords often had their own armies and were expected to provide military service to the king in times of war. Over time, these lords gained more power and authority, and this led to the development of feudalism.

The Saxons also had an impact on the way feudalism operated. They had a tradition of a warrior class, which was similar to the knights of the medieval period. These warriors were expected to provide military service to their lord in exchange for land and protection. This idea of military service in exchange for land and protection became a fundamental part of feudalism.

Overall, the Saxons played a significant role in shaping the Middle Ages and the development of feudalism. Their language formed the basis for modern English, and their society contributed to the development of feudalism. It's fascinating to think about how different things would be today if the Saxons hadn't settled in England all those centuries ago!