What is the origin of the name Saxon?
The name Saxon derives from a specific type of knife used during the early medieval period. Old English sources call this blade a seax, while Old High German texts refer to it with a similar term.
Questions about Saxons
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the earliest written records using the word Saxon appear?
The earliest written records using the word Saxon appear in the 4th century AD. These documents describe coastal raiders attacking the Roman Empire from regions north of the Rhine river.
Who conquered all Saxons after winning the long Saxon Wars spanning 772 to 804 AD?
Charlemagne conquered all Saxons after winning the long Saxon Wars spanning 772 to 804 AD. With defeat came enforced baptism and conversion to Christianity alongside union with the Frankish empire.
How were the old continental Saxons governed before Charlemagne's reforms?
Bede wrote around year 730 that old continental Saxons had no king but were governed by several satraps. These leaders cast lots for leadership during war yet remained equal in power during peace.
What happened to the Duchy of Saxony following the downfall of Henry Lion Duke Saxony in 1142 and 1180?
Following the downfall of Henry Lion Duke Saxony in 1142, 1180 splitting tribal duchy into several territories name transferred lands Ascanian family led differentiation Lower Saxony lands settled Saxon tribe Upper Saxony lands belonging House Wettin. Gradually latter region known Saxony ultimately usurping name's original geographical meaning area formerly known Upper Saxony now lies Central Germany eastern part present-day Federal Republic Germany names federal states Saxony Saxony-Anhalt.