11-2 Birth of the Middle Ages In what current country did the Muslims establish a state? Spain Charlemagne “Charles the Great” conquered kingdoms in souhtwestern part of what is now France, and lands in Italy and Germany. Spread Roman Christianity throughout Europe. Set up a school at his court (Anchen) and put a learned man from England, named Alcuin in charge of it.

Vikings Came from the Norse culture, which is now Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Plundered villages and churches and terrified all of Europe Great Explorers who settled Iceland and Greenland and even colonies in North America Worshiped more than one god, unlike the Christians and Muslims. Thor was the Viking god of the sky, responsible for lightning, thunder, rain, wind and good harvests.

Normandy: Area around the mouth of the Seine River that had adopted Christianity, the French language and many Grankish customs. Today, it is part of northwestern France. William the Conqueror The Duke of Normandy who defeated Harold, the Saxon king of England and named himself king. Became known as William the Conqueror because of his victory of Harold.

Established a strong government in England and brought French culture to the island. Feudilism: The king or other powerful landowner held the land, but would give the land to nobles in return for loyalty, support in war and promised to keep the peace. Fiefs: land a king or other powerful landowner would give to nobles. vassals: the nobles who took an oath of loyalty to their lords

Serfs The peasants that worked the land on the fief. Serfs lived in villages around a fortified house that belonged to the fief’s owner or lord. This settlement was called a manor. The manor would probably include a church. While serfs were not slaves, they were not permitted to leave the manor without their lord’s permission.

Knights Fought from horseback in armor. Chivalry: Code of conduct followed by knights. Fighting Know music and poetry Have good manners Be a good Christian Defend the church

Eleanor of Aquitaine Helped to make the idea of chivalry popular The wife of a French king and then later an English king. King John King of England that was forced by his vassals to sign the Magna Carta. Demanded more taxes to pay for his wars. Also claimed the power to imprison people without a trial.

Magna Carta Means “greater charter” in latin. stated the king could not violate the rights of free people by setting unfair taxes or making unfair demands of goods or labor. Established to legal rights by the English people and Americans.