Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Battle of Hastings (1066): William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold II and became the new king of England.
- Norman rule brought major changes to English society, language, and culture.
Introduced feudalism
- A political and economic system based on land tenure.
- Lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service and other obligations.
- Feudal system became widespread throughout Europe.
Launched the Crusades
- A series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land.
- First Crusade (1095-1099): Led by Norman knights and resulted in the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders.
- Subsequent Crusades had mixed results, but had a profound impact on European society.
Established a network of castles and fortified towns
- Built to defend against attack and control the surrounding territory.
- Many of these castles still stand today and are a major tourist attraction.
Spread the use of the French language
- French became the official language of England and was used by the upper classes.
- Norman French also influenced the development of the English language.
Developed new forms of art and literature
- Norman architecture, sculpture, and painting had a major influence on European art.
- Norman troubadours composed songs and poems that were popular throughout Europe.
Established trade and diplomatic relations with other parts of the world
- Normans established trade routes with the Byzantine Empire, the Middle East, and North Africa.
- Norman kings also sent diplomatic missions to other European courts.
Unified England and Wales under one ruler
- Under Norman rule, the Welsh kingdom was conquered and incorporated into England.
- Wales remained a separate entity, but was subject to English rule.
Created the Angevin Empire
- Through marriage and inheritance, the Norman kings of England acquired control over large parts of France.
- The Angevin Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries.