The Muddled Origins: Understanding the Difference Between Anglo-Saxon and Saxon
When discussing the Germanic invaders that arrived in Britain during the 5th and 6th centuries, terms like Anglo-Saxon and Saxon are often used interchangeably. However, a closer examination reveals some distinct differences. In this article, we will delve into the origins and specificities of these terms, as well as the challenges of defining our ancestors from such a distant era.
What Were the Germanic Invaders?
The Germanic invaders of Britain, primarily during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, were a group of tribes collectively referred to as the Anglo-Saxons. These invaders were mostly illiterate and did not keep detailed records, making it difficult for even modern historians to definitively determine the ancestry of people who lived over 1500 years ago. As a result, historians and genealogists generally refer to all these tribes collectively under the term “Anglo-Saxon.”
Anglo-Saxon vs. Saxon
Anglo-Saxon: This term can be used to broadly refer to a combination of tribes: the Angles, Saxons, and the smaller number of Frisians who migrated to what is now England. Alternatively, it can refer specifically to the Saxons who invaded and settled in Britain.
Saxon: In contrast, the Saxon term can refer to the Saxons who chose to remain on the continent, specifically in the region of Lower Saxony in Germany, and did not migrate to Britain.
Historical Context and Confusion
The terms Anglo-Saxon and Saxon are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. Anglo-Saxon is typically applied to refer to the period between the 5th century and 1066, and later in the 18th century when it became fashionable to reimagine Arthurian tales in this context.
However, the origins of the term "England" itself is distinctive, originating from "Angle-land," named after the Angles, one of these Germanic tribes. The first major invasion of Britain by Germanic tribes was not by Angles or Saxons but by the Jutes, who were soon followed by the Saxons.
The influence of the Saxons can still be seen today in county names such as Essex (East Saxons), Middlesex (Middle Saxons), and Sussex (South Saxons).
In modern contexts, it is worth noting that the term "Saxon" is also used in other parts of Europe. For instance, in the Netherlands, people speak Low Saxon, and in southern Germany and southwestern Poland, there is an area known as Saxony. These regions are named after the Saxons, a people who, while distinct, eventually assimilated into larger nations or regions.
Genetic and Ancestral Complexity
The confusion between Anglo-Saxon and Saxon is further compounded by the complexity of ancestral lines. Given that 1500 years is roughly equivalent to 50 human generations, every person today likely has a diverse mix of historical ancestors. The genetic data suggests that very few, if any, people today can claim to be "purely" Saxon or Anglo-Saxon. Genetics is a complex field, with ancestral DNA mixing and recombining over generations, leading to a complex tapestry of heritage.
The number 2^50 (1,125,899,906,842,624) represents the theoretical number of ancestors one might have. In reality, due to the nature of human mating patterns and the fact that the same person can appear in multiple family lines, the actual number is much lower. Nonetheless, the vast number of potential ancestors underscores the complexity of tracing one's ancestry back so far.
Conclusion
The terms Anglo-Saxon and Saxon, despite their similarities, refer to distinct aspects of the Germanic invasion of Britain. While Anglo-Saxon generally encompasses a broader range of Germanic tribes, Saxon specifically refers to the Saxon diaspora that remained on the continent. Both terms, however, are used to discuss a tumultuous period in British history when these tribes changed the course of the island's development forever.