Anglasweorc: Difference between revisions
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===Origins and construction=== | ===Origins and construction=== | ||
The earliest border defenses in what would become modern [[Anglei]] were erected by [[Great Levantia]] in the first or second century BC. The northwestern boundary of Great Levantia ran through the region, but its defensive strategy relied on the use of nearby Levantine legions, rather than complex static defenses, to protect against threats from [[Gothica]]. While these defensive works are not traditionally considered part of the Anglasweorc, they served much the same function. Some of these structures, or dilapidated remains of them, were incorporated into the Anglasweorc once work began on it. As Great Levantia declined and the availability of manpower decreased, the area became under-garrisoned and subject to frequent [[Gothic people|Gothic]] incursions, serving as both a corridor of invasion and settlement within Levantia as well as a convenient area to raid. Historians have noted with considerable irony that it is likely that the ancestors of the [[Ænglish people]] were likely most responsible for the final undoing of Great Levantia's border defenses in the region. | The earliest border defenses in what would become modern [[Anglei]] were erected by [[Great Levantia]] in the first or second century BC. The northwestern boundary of Great Levantia ran through the region, but its defensive strategy relied on the use of nearby Levantine legions, rather than complex static defenses, to protect against threats from [[Gothica]]. While these defensive works are not traditionally considered part of the Anglasweorc, they served much the same function. Some of these structures, or dilapidated remains of them, were incorporated into the Anglasweorc once work began on it. As Great Levantia declined and the availability of manpower decreased, the area became under-garrisoned and subject to frequent [[Gothic people|Gothic]] incursions, serving as both a corridor of invasion and settlement within Levantia as well as a convenient area to raid. Historians have noted with considerable irony that it is likely that the ancestors of the [[Ænglish people]] were likely most responsible for the final undoing of Great Levantia's border defenses in the region. | ||
[[File:Danewerk.JPG|thumb|left|200px|The course of the weorc changed slightly over time. At Schifley Common, one of the few remaining examples of the Cuthbertweorc can be seen due to the later versions of the weorc moving westward by almost a half mile.]] | |||
Centuries later, following the establishment of the [[Holy Levantine Empire|Levantine Empire]] and its successor kingdoms, the [[Ænglish people]] were firmly settled in modern Anglei as part of an effort to protect the borders of those kingdoms from [[Gothica]]. The establishment of the [[Anglei#Marcher_period|Ænglish March]] in [[1042]] solidified the responsibilities of Ænglish rulers of protecting the Empire's borders. Despite this, the border remained relatively porous for the next century, as Ænglish lands were raided and Ænglish lords counter-raided as part of an overall strategy of defense against the Goths. In 1121, the third Margrave of the Ænglish - Margrave Cuthbert I - began construction of the Anglasweorc in an attempt to solidify the border and increase settled agricultural viability in the country. The "first" Anglasweorc, also called the Cuthbertweorc, included watchtowers along the March's river borders as well as a series of earthworks along land borders and a sparse variety of fortifications and hillforts. By the end of the 12th century, the first stone castles were built in Anglei, all of which were part of the Anglasweorc. While these castles were still largely linked by earthworks, the porous border of the past had been sealed. The Ænglish now controlled the Empire's northern border with [[Gothica]] and began to levy large tolls on traders coming and going through the weorc. The revenue would lead to an age of prosperity for the Ænglish that would last several centuries. | Centuries later, following the establishment of the [[Holy Levantine Empire|Levantine Empire]] and its successor kingdoms, the [[Ænglish people]] were firmly settled in modern Anglei as part of an effort to protect the borders of those kingdoms from [[Gothica]]. The establishment of the [[Anglei#Marcher_period|Ænglish March]] in [[1042]] solidified the responsibilities of Ænglish rulers of protecting the Empire's borders. Despite this, the border remained relatively porous for the next century, as Ænglish lands were raided and Ænglish lords counter-raided as part of an overall strategy of defense against the Goths. In 1121, the third Margrave of the Ænglish - Margrave Cuthbert I - began construction of the Anglasweorc in an attempt to solidify the border and increase settled agricultural viability in the country. The "first" Anglasweorc, also called the Cuthbertweorc, included watchtowers along the March's river borders as well as a series of earthworks along land borders and a sparse variety of fortifications and hillforts. By the end of the 12th century, the first stone castles were built in Anglei, all of which were part of the Anglasweorc. While these castles were still largely linked by earthworks, the porous border of the past had been sealed. The Ænglish now controlled the Empire's northern border with [[Gothica]] and began to levy large tolls on traders coming and going through the weorc. The revenue would lead to an age of prosperity for the Ænglish that would last several centuries. | ||
===Golden age of the Anglasweorc=== | ===Golden age of the Anglasweorc=== | ||