The 9th-and 10th-century invasions, and how they affected life in the West.

"Describe the ninth-and tenth-century invasions.  Apart from the physical destruction involved, how did they affect life in the West?"


The 9th-and 10th-century invasions were brought about by the Norsemen/Vikings, Magyars, and the Muslims.  These forces caused much fear and loss to the people of the 9th-and 10th-century.

The Vikings (mixture of Scandinavians/raided the coastal river cities of France) would burn down countless villages, destroyed many churches and monasteries, took innocent people into slavery, and of course looted.  I think it goes without saying that the Vikings were a treacherous people.

The Magyars (attacked Germany, northern Italy, and parts of France) would burn down French monasteries and suburbs, and they also took part in despicable looting and pillaging.

The Muslims ( based in Africa and Spain) took part in looting and plundering the places in which they were attempting to conquer, and they would even go about the horrible deed of kidnapping.

As far as how the invasions affecting life in the West goes, it is safe to say that they caused much distress.  Beside this though, they also brought upon two very important things called feudalism and manorialism.  If you would like to learn more about these two aspects of life in history, please proceed to the section of this essay dedicated to them below.


"Describe feudalism and manorialism."


Feaudalism and manorialism came about as a creative response to the outside invasions of the 9th-and 10th-century.  The victims of the Vikings would try to find protection through people called lords by becoming the lord's vassal.  The vassal would be given land and protection from the Vikings in exchange for service to the lord.  These are the basic ideas of feudalism and manorialism.


I hope that you have enjoyed this essay, and please let me know what you think!