Anglo-Norman vs. Anglo-Saxon

Attribute	Anglo-Norman	Anglo-Saxon
Origin	Descendants of the Normans who conquered England in 1066	Descendants of the Germanic tribes who settled in England in the 5th century
Language	French-based	Old English
Culture	Feudal	Tribal
Religion	Christianity	Paganism initially, later Christianity
Government	Centralized monarchy	Decentralized tribal kingdoms

Language

One of the most significant differences between Anglo-Norman and Anglo-Saxon is the language they spoke. Anglo-Saxon refers to the Old English language spoken by the Germanic tribes who settled in England in the 5th century. It is characterized by its use of Germanic vocabulary and grammar. On the other hand, Anglo-Norman refers to the variety of Old Norman spoken in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was a dialect of Old French heavily influenced by Latin and Germanic languages.

Culture

Anglo-Saxon culture was heavily influenced by Germanic traditions and beliefs. They were known for their epic poetry, such as Beowulf, and their intricate metalwork. The Anglo-Saxons were also pagans before they converted to Christianity in the 7th century. In contrast, Anglo-Norman culture was a blend of French, English, and Latin influences. They brought with them a feudal system, chivalry, and a strong emphasis on courtly love.

Government

Anglo-Saxon England was divided into several kingdoms ruled by different kings. The government was decentralized, with each kingdom having its own laws and customs. The Anglo-Saxon kings relied on the support of their nobles to maintain power. After the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror established a centralized government with a strong monarchy. The Anglo-Norman kings imposed Norman law and customs on England, leading to the development of a feudal system.

Architecture

Anglo-Saxon architecture was characterized by its use of timber and thatch. They built wooden halls for their nobles and churches with simple designs. The Anglo-Saxons also used earthworks and hill forts for defense. After the Norman Conquest, Anglo-Norman architecture introduced stone buildings and castles to England. They built cathedrals, castles, and manor houses with intricate designs influenced by French and Romanesque styles.

Literature

Anglo-Saxon literature is known for its epic poems, such as Beowulf and The Wanderer. These poems often celebrated heroic deeds and explored themes of fate and loyalty. Anglo-Saxon literature also included religious texts and chronicles. After the Norman Conquest, Anglo-Norman literature flourished with the introduction of French romance and courtly literature. Writers like Marie de France and Chretien de Troyes popularized tales of chivalry and courtly love.

Art

Anglo-Saxon art was characterized by intricate metalwork, such as the Sutton Hoo treasure, and illuminated manuscripts like the Lindisfarne Gospels. The Anglo-Saxons used intricate patterns and animal motifs in their artwork. Anglo-Norman art, on the other hand, was influenced by French and Romanesque styles. They created elaborate tapestries, sculptures, and stained glass windows for cathedrals and castles.

Religion

Anglo-Saxon England was initially pagan before the conversion to Christianity in the 7th century. They built churches and monasteries to spread the Christian faith. The Anglo-Saxons also incorporated pagan beliefs into their Christian practices. After the Norman Conquest, the Anglo-Normans brought Roman Catholicism to England. They built grand cathedrals and monasteries to demonstrate their piety and power.

Legacy

The Anglo-Saxons and Anglo-Normans left a lasting impact on English culture and society. The Anglo-Saxons contributed to the English language with words like "house" and "love." They also established the foundations of English law and government. The Anglo-Normans introduced feudalism, chivalry, and courtly love to England. They also influenced English architecture, literature, and art with their French and Romanesque styles.