Why did the Jutes, Angles and Saxons want to live in Britain?

Question

Isn't it rainier and just as cold as Germany and Denmark?
I mean I can understand why Normans would move to France or Sicily...

Answer 1

The first time the Saxons came to take Britain, after Rome left, the Brits actually defeated the Saxons and the Jutes. Rome was using them as mercenaries on the eastern coast. It was 400 years later when the Saxons came again that they actually won and Britain was divided once again into tribes. Then Ireland, who was untouched by Rome, came over and used the Brits as slaves. Until they were able to unite again under one ruler and defeat the Irish.

Answer 2

To put it simply, when the Romans began to pull out of Britain in the 4th century it left a power vacuum. As physics teaches us, nature hates a vacuum, so someone had to step in and fill that role. At the time the Jutes, Angels and Saxons were all eager to expand their borders, to allow growth of their society, therefore the obvious place to go was where the vacuum existed: Britain.

This is a classic story of immigration. There are both 'push' factors and 'pull' factors. These three groups needed to expand their territories at the same moment that Britain was in need of powerful leadership.

Answer 3

Just as cold as germany and denmark? I don't think so. The UK catches alot of heat from the Gulfstream. I've never heared of a British winter cold enough to come in the news around these parts. German winters however...

Yet, it was overpopulation in their own lands and the pressure of other Germanic tribes drove them away.

Have you considered the fertility of southern England? Rich lands (in a agricultural society) and easily conquored/easily defended after been conquored.

Answer 4

I agree with John B.

There was a power vacuum after the Romans left. Population explosion made it desirable to spread beyond their borders. As well, they were initially invited to the island, where they found the pickings very easy.

Answer 5

Maybe they wanted to live there once they knew the Celts and Picts were not strong enough to prevent them from moving in, and taking over.

Answer 6

Because Britain has a subway.

And it's an island? Maybe?

Answer 7

Too many people at home, too savage invaders from the east.

Answer 8

Pretty simply, they were conqueror's and plunderers.. They were expanding their lands, trade and perhaps had heard tales of riches... )O(

Answer 9

for the fish and chips.