Why Did the Anglo-Saxons Avoid Roman Towns in Post-Roman Britain?
The Anglo-Saxons did not extensively use Roman towns in Post-Roman Britain for several compelling reasons, rooted in their cultural, social, and economic context.
Introduction
The Anglo-Saxons, who began arriving in Britain in the 5th century, faced a complex and transitional period following the decline of the Roman Empire. This period saw the abandonment and deterioration of many Roman towns, leading to a distinct avoidance of these urban centers by the newcomers. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this choice, examining cultural disruption, rural lifestyle, language and administrative differences, resource availability, and conflict and instability.
Cultural Disruption
The Anglo-Saxon invasions occurred in the aftermath of the Roman Empire's decline. This marked a significant cultural disruption, as many Roman towns were either abandoned or fell into disrepair. The new settlers brought with them different cultural practices and social structures, fostering a lack of interest in and familiarity with the Roman urban centers.
Rural Lifestyle
The Anglo-Saxon society was primarily agrarian and focused on rural living. Unlike the Romans, who thrived in large urban centers, the Anglo-Saxons established small villages and farmsteads. This rural lifestyle was more aligned with their social organization and economic needs, making their preference for smaller settlements understandable.
Languages and Administrative Structures
The linguistic and administrative differences between the Anglo-Saxons and the Romans played a significant role in the Anglo-Saxons' aversion to Roman towns. The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English and had their own unique systems of governance and law. The disparity with Roman administrative structures made it less practical to utilize the complex and established Roman urban infrastructure.
Resource Availability
The post-Roman context made it less viable to maintain and operate the urban infrastructure of Roman towns. The Anglo-Saxons preferred to utilize the surrounding land for agriculture, as it required fewer resources and provided a more sustainable way of life. The maintenance and resources needed for urban centers were not readily available in the post-Roman context, making them less practical.
Conflict and Instability
The period following the Roman withdrawal was marked by significant conflict and instability. This unrest made urban centers less appealing to the Anglo-Saxons. The threat of external groups encouraged the development of fortified settlements, which were more secure and defensive compared to the exposed Roman towns.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological findings support these conclusions. Many Roman towns were only partially excavated, and what remains indicates limited or non-existent later occupation. Some larger Roman Civitas sites show occasional small areas of later occupation, often consisting of a couple of huts. The post-Roman period saw mass depopulation due to diseases and famines, leaving behind abandoned streets and collapsed buildings.
The presence of unburied bodies and scattered bones further reinforced the post-Roman terror. These stark reminders served as potent deterrents for the Anglo-Saxons, who sought to avoid these eerie reminders of the past. In some cases, the Romano-British communities 'pulled' back to the East, while others stayed further west to resist the Germanic inroads. Despite some repurposing or gradual integration of Roman towns, the primary preference for decentralized rural living remained strong.
Conclusion
While some Roman towns were eventually repurposed, the initial preference for a decentralized, rural lifestyle by the Anglo-Saxons was rooted in practical and cultural factors. The discomfort with stone structures, the disappearance of former inhabitants, and the resulting instability all contributed to the Anglo-Saxons' avoidance of Roman towns in Post-Roman Britain.