English Ancestry and Christianity Cultural and religious changes as a result of war and political movements shaped my family history through my mother and father’s English ancestry. As a family filled with many followers of Christianity, the struggles believer faced prior to 1500 CE is documented throughout English history. An evident motif of English history is the reoccurrence and subsistence of the religion of Christianity as the religion forms its foothold, establishing the foundation for a substantial and influential number of followers. Beginning with the Roman Conquest of Great Britain in 43 CE, the Romans not only spread their influence through subduing parts of Great Britain, but along with their military control came Christianity. Even after Roman influence had subsided, Christianity remained in parts of Britain, and Christianity was established as the English religion after the Battle of Winwaed. Although the Anglo Saxons took control over England once Roman influence ceased, their pagan beliefs and impact were …show more content…
The Romans were never fully successful conquering all of Britain, and “they always had to maintain a significant military presence to control the threat from the unconquered tribes” (Johnson). Nonetheless, Christianity took a light hold during this time, and it had a lasting impact in areas such as Wales even after Roman influence mostly ceased in England. Documentations of early Christianity’s influence provide key insight into the accounts of believers: “Early Christianity is one area of Roman history that has been especially well documented from its inception” (Williams). While there is no way of knowing for certain, my ancestors were most likely subjected to Roman influence and the introduction of Christian beliefs and