The European Scene (Late 4th-1485)

The Middle Ages in Europe begin with the end of the classical cultures of Rome and Greece and end with the beginning of the Renaissance. The main features shared by many European countries in the Middle Ages were the expansion of Christianity and the predominance of feudalism as a social system. Invasions were a factor of change because they started settlements that gave origin to new kingdoms. Crusades and voyages opened new routes to trade and to the discovery of new lands. Medieval society was mainly feudal but towns started to grow along trade routes, while some city-dwellers became part of the new bourgeosie in society.

Exercise 2 page 9

The British Scene: Early Medieval Period ( Main Facts)

1. The early Middle Ages in Britain started with the Viking invasion. F

2. Anglo-Saxon England was always divided into seven kingdoms. F

3. The spread of Christianity in Britain began in the 6t century. T

4. The Danes, of Viking origin, founded a kingdom in East Anglia. T

5. Alfred the Great and King Cnut were both of Anglo-Saxon descent. F

6. The battle of Hastings was fought between Anglo-Saxons and Normans. T

Exercise 3 page 9

The Anglo-Saxons ( Late 4th-1066)

Britain was invaded by the Germanic tribes in the 5^th and 6^th centuries. Their society was ruled by a chief or king and they lived in country villages where the farmland , woods, pastures and meadows were owned communally. They founded a lot of cities: Winchester, Norwich, York, Southampton and London. They spoke Old English and their culture was oral; Christianity proved a driving force in uniting the kingdom and in opening the country to the influence of Europe.