Saxon Identities, AD 150–900
Robert Flierman
<JATS1:p>Book abstract: This study is the first up-to-date comprehensive analysis of construction Continental Saxon identity in late antique and early medieval writing. It traces this process over course eight centuries, from its earliest roots Roman ethnography to reinvention monasteries ninth-century Saxony. Building on recent scholarship, emphasises not just constructed open-ended nature barbarian identity, but also crucial role played by texts as instruments resources identity-formation.</JATS1:p> <JATS1:p>Though mentioned AD 150, Saxons left no written evidence their own before c. 840. Thus, for seven we can only look at through eyes enemies, Merovingian neighbours Carolingian conquerors. What encounter when attempt this, an objective description a people, ongoing literary discourse what outside authors imagined, wanted or feared be: dangerous pirates, noble savages, bestial pagans faithful subjects. Significantly, these views deeply influenced how eventually came write about themselves following conquest conversion Frankish king Charlemagne, relying reinvent members Christian people.</JATS1:p>
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