The Normans are a fearless and freedom-loving people whose favorite pastime was robbing foreign lands. In the past, this warlike tribe regularly raided European cities and towns, burning and destroying everything in its path. What trace did the Normans leave in European culture, and why was an entire era named after them? Why was their influence so powerful that, after many centuries, the word “Viking”, as before, causes awe in the hearts of people?
Who are the Vikings?
The Vikings, or Normans, are northern tribes, most of whom lived in Scandinavia, as well as on the territory of modern Denmark. The cold climate and rocky plains did not allow them to cultivate the soil, therefore, they could not grow enough food. Therefore, the Normans raided nearby lands in order to feed their families.
Initially, the word “Viking” was used to mean a sea voyage, but over the years, the sailors themselves began to be called Vikings. Moreover, not only men went to new lands, women also followed their examples, and the most furious warriors wore the title of "Valkyrie".
European culture before the advent of the Vikings
Before proceeding to the study of what mark the Normans left in European culture, you need to understand what it was like before they arrived. In those days, or rather at the end of the 7th century, Europe was divided into many small kingdoms, which made it a tidbit 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 made sure that all his decrees were executed accurately and without disagreement. Moreover, such rules apply not only to commoners, but also to the nobility. Indeed, without the support of the church, the reign of the king or the duke could end much earlier than the due date.
As for schools, they existed at abbeys and monasteries. Only the children of the nobles and future clergy were taught there. Ordinary children could not get into such institutions, except in very rare cases.
The Viking Age: What trace did the Normans leave in European culture?
If until the end of the 7th century the Vikings attacked in small groups and robbed only coastal cities, then with the advent of the new century, everything radically changed. Starting from the VIII century, the Norman tribes began to unite under the leadership of powerful leaders - the Kongs. Now their attacks were planned, accurate and lightning fast. The armies caved in one by one under their onslaught, and the rulers, fearing for their own heads, paid them a levy of tribute.
Therefore, it is not surprising that European culture itself has undergone many changes during the Viking era. The Normans were pagans, their main god was Odin. This faith spread with them throughout the conquered lands, many Christians adopted it, because, as they thought, who, if not the gods, had endowed the Normans with such power.
But the Vikings also learned a lot from the indigenous inhabitants of Europe, Anglo-Saxons and Francs. This was especially true for such an industry as agriculture, because the Normans were several generations behind in this matter from their neighbors.
The Viking era ended in the middle of the XI century, left behind a lot of 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.
