An Archaeology of the Early Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms has for nearly a decade been used by students seeking an introduction to the field. In this new, fully revised edition of Arnold's essential text all of the key finds and recent developments in the field of Anglo-Saxon studies have been incorporated. With an expanded text and an increased number of informative illustrations, C.J. Arnold confronts the key questions facing students who seek to understand how the foundations of medieval England were laid: How did kingdoms form out of the chaos of the Dark Ages? How was it that a deeply superstitious people came to embrace Christianity? What was the fate of Britain's native populations at the hand of invading peoples? Firmly basing its arguments upon archaeological evidence, the book introduces students to the fascinating dichotomies of Anglo-Saxon society. It acts both as a reliable guide to historical fact and as an invaluable introduction to the key debates currently spurring research in the field.