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A History of England, Political, Military and Social
A History of England Political Military and Social Author:Benson John Lossing Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. Excerpt from book: Section 3BOOK III. THE SAXON ERA. [from Tbe Fifth To The Eleventh Centitry.] CHAPTER I. THE EARLY INVADERS FROM THE KORTH. § 1. Before the Romans evacuated Great Britain, the inhabitan... more »ts of Northern Europe, near the borders of the German Ocean and the Baltic Sea, who had not been brought under Roman role, made predatory excursions, in stout little vessels, to the coasts of Germany and Gaul, and occasionally to Albion. These are known in history and romance as Scandinavian sea-kings. They came from the now separate countries along the Elbe and Rhine ; from Jutland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norn-ay. They were all of the Teutonic or Gothic race. The Roman writers speak of them all as Saxons, so named, probably, from the short-sword, called textit{sear, which they all wore. § 2. So early as the second century these marauders were known and felt by the Romans, and before the end of the third century they had established themselves in various parts of Britain. When the Romans finally withdrew, there were in Great Britain more than thirty cities which had been allowed to govern themselves in many matters. Among these were London, York, Chester, Canterbury, Winchester, and Exeter. Instead of joining for common safety, they became so many petty and hostile States; and the ravages of the Scots and Picts, and the sea-rovers, grew more dreadful than ever. The country was reduced almost to a desert, and Roman civilization was nearly obliterated. § 3. From the time of the Roman evacuation until the Northern pagans became absolute masters of Britain, a period of about one hundred and fifty years, the truth of history is so covered in fiction that it is difficult to find it. The tales about Vortigern and Influence of Christian Bishops. Stories of Vortigern and Howena, nnd of King Arthur. Rowena, Hengist and Hor...« less