Vikings: what trace left the Normans in European culture

Normans - fearless and freedom-loving people, whose favorite occupation was the robbery of foreign lands. In the past, this warlike tribe regularly raided European cities and towns, burning and crashing everything in its path. What trace left Normans in European culture, and why in their honor they called the whole era? Why was their influence so powerful that after many centuries the word "Viking", as before, arouses awe in people's hearts?

Who are the Vikings?

Vikings, or Normans, are the northern tribes, most of whom lived in Scandinavia, as well as in the territory of modern Denmark. The cold climate and stony plains did not allow them to cultivate the soil, therefore, they could not grow enough food. Therefore, the Normans raided the surrounding lands to feed their families.

Initially, the word "Viking" was a naval expedition, but over the years, seafarers themselves became known as Vikings. In this case, not only men went to new lands, women also followed their examples, and the most fierce warriors wore the title of "Valkyries".

European culture before the arrival of the Vikings

Before we go on to study the trace left by the Normans in European culture, we need to understand what it was before they came. In those days, or rather at the end of the 7th century, Europe was divided into many small kingdoms, which made it a tasty morsel for warlike tribes.

The history of European culture is closely connected with the Catholic Church. The authority of the Pope at that time was unconditional, and the bishops and priests watched that all his decrees were executed accurately and without wrangling. At the same time, such rules applied not only to commoners, but also to the nobility. After all, without the support of the church, the reign of the king or the duke could have ended much earlier than the due date.

As for schools, they existed at abbeys and monasteries. They taught there only the children of noblemen and future clergymen. Ordinary children could not enter such institutions, except in very rare cases.

The Viking Age: what trace left the Normans in European culture?

If before the end of the 7th century the Vikings attacked small groups and plundered only coastal cities, then with the advent of the new century, everything changed radically. Since the VIII century, the Norman tribes began to unite under the leadership of powerful leaders - the kings. Now their attacks were planned, accurate and lightning fast. The armies sagged one by one under their onslaught, and the rulers, fearing for their own heads, paid tribute to them.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the European culture itself has suffered many changes during the Viking times. The Normans were pagans, their main god was Odin. This faith along with them spread throughout all the conquered lands, many Christians adopted it, because, as they thought, who as if not the gods gave the Normans such power.

But the Vikings learned a lot from the native inhabitants of Europe Anglo-Saxons and Franks. Especially it concerned such an industry as agriculture, after all the Normans for several generations lagged behind in this matter from their neighbors.

The Viking era ended in the middle of the XI century, left behind in the history of many memorable dates and memories of the great battles. By this time, many Norman tribes had already moved to the continent, some of them even became Christians and served at the royal court.

Alfred the Great

Speaking about the trace left by the Normans in European culture, one can not help recalling such a legendary person as Alfred the Great. He ruled England in the middle of the IX century. This man was the leader of the Anglo-Saxons and for a long time gave a hard rebuff to the Normans. It was thanks to his successes in the war with the Vikings that he earned fame and honor from his people, due to which he became king.

During his reign, Alfred turned London into one of the largest cities in Europe. He built a port, agreed on trade expeditions, including to India, and also invested a lot of energy in the educational system. It was he who issued the decree on the opening of the Oxford University, and also divided England into counties and shire.

And all this became possible only thanks to the Normans, their fierce attacks, which later led to the formation of Alfred the Great.