Y7 MSC End Of Year Revision Flashcards

Viking Society and Culture

The Vikings originated from the geographic region of Scandinavia. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the Vikings were a multifaceted people who served as raiders, traders, explorers, and farmers. Viking society was structured according to a strict social hierarchy. At the top of this social order were the Kings, followed by the Jarls, then the Chieftains, the Farmers, and finally the Slaves at the lowest level. In terms of domestic life, Vikings typically resided in longhouses. One of their most significant technological and strategic assets was the Viking longship. These vessels were notably fast and were engineered with a shallow draft, which allowed them to navigate easily through shallow rivers to reach inland targets. Through their maritime prowess, Vikings explored and settled multiple regions across the globe, including England, Greenland, and North America. It is emphasized in historical study that common Viking stereotypes are often inaccurate and do not reflect the complexity of their actual society. Key vocabulary and concepts associated with this topic include: Viking, hierarchy, raid, longship, Scandinavia, and stereotype.

The First Hundred Years' War ($1159-1259$)

The First Hundred Years' War was a prolonged period of conflict between England and France that occurred from the year $1159$ until $1259$. This century of warfare was primarily driven by the fact that English kings held ownership of extensive areas of land within the borders of France. Several key historical figures dominated this era of conflict, including Henry II, Richard I, King John, and Philip Augustus. Significant chronological milestones during this struggle include the year $1189$, when Richard I became king, and the year $1199$, when John ascended to the throne of England. The conflict eventually concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in the year $1259$. A primary outcome of this period was the steady and gradual reclamation of land by France from the control of the English crown.

The Byzantine Empire: Emperors, Law, and the Golden Age

The Byzantine Empire expanded and flourished under the leadership of several key emperors. Emperor Justinian is celebrated for three major achievements: the creation of the Justinian Code (a foundational legal system), the expansion of the empire's territory, and leading the state through the challenges of the Plague of Justinian. Following this period, the reign of Basil I marked the commencement of the Golden Age of Byzantium, an era characterized by significant advancements and improvements in art, literature, and architecture. Emperor Basil II further expanded the empire's reach and is notably remembered for defeating the Bulgarians. Additionally, Basil II was known for his domestic policies that supported both farmers and soldiers. A central landmark of the empire's cultural and religious identity was the Hagia Sophia, which remained an important building throughout this era. Essential vocabulary for the study of this empire includes: Byzantine, Constantinople, emperor, plague, law, and Golden Age.

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire, recognized as one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history, eventually succumbed to a variety of internal and external pressures. Internal problems that significantly weakened the state included the imposition of high taxes, widespread poverty, social unrest among conquered populations, and a period of weak leadership. Simultaneously, the empire faced constant external threats from several barbarian tribes, specifically the Goths, Vandals, Huns, Franks, and Suevi. Key events in the timeline of the empire's fall include the year $378\, \text{CE}$, when Emperor Valens was killed by the Goths, as well as the sack of Rome by the Goths in $410\, \text{CE}$ and the subsequent attack by the Vandals in $455\, \text{CE}$. A major contributing factor to the collapse was that the empire had become too geographically large to defend its borders effectively. Key concepts for this unit include: empire, emperor, tribe, invasion, barbarian, and collapse.

Questions & Discussion

The following assessment questions are provided to guide study and review of the historical material: Regarding Viking culture: Describe Viking society. Why were Viking longships important? Were Vikings only violent warriors? Regarding the Byzantine Empire: Why was Justinian important? Which emperor made the Byzantine Empire most powerful? Explain one achievement of Basil II. Regarding the Roman Empire: Explain two reasons why the Roman Empire fell. Which barbarian tribe was the biggest threat to Rome? Were internal or external problems more important?