One of the most significant changes in post-Roman Britain was the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons—Germanic-speaking peoples from present-day Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Initially arriving as mercenaries or settlers, they soon became dominant in many parts of the island. Adams argues that this process was not an immediate conquest but rather a slow infiltration over generations. Some Britons resisted, while others assimilated or retreated to the western regions, such as Wales and Cornwall.

Archaeological evidence, as Adams points out, suggests that the Anglo-Saxon migration led to the establishment of new settlements, burial practices, and cultural traditions. The Latin-based Roman administration was gradually replaced by Germanic customs, and Old English began to replace Latin and Brittonic languages in many areas.

A Time of Cultural Transformation

Despite the political instability, Adams emphasizes that post-Roman Britain was not a total dark age. While towns and large-scale industries declined, rural communities adapted to the new conditions. Christianity, which had been introduced during Roman rule, continued to evolve, and monastic centers eventually became hubs of learning and culture.

Adams also highlights the importance of archaeological discoveries, such as the Sutton Hoo ship burial, which provide glimpses into the wealth and complexity of early Anglo-Saxon society. Far from being a period of complete collapse, post-Roman Britain was a time of transformation, as new identities and political structures emerged from the remnants of Roman rule.

Conclusion

Max Adams presents post-Roman Britain as a land in transition rather than outright chaos. The departure of Rome led to the fragmentation of centralized authority, but it also paved the way for the development of new cultures and kingdoms. His analysis reveals how Britain, over the following centuries, would evolve from a Roman province into the early medieval landscape that would shape its future. shutdown123