🏰 The Middle Ages: Castles and Knights

Explication : Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the West by Pope Leo III on December 25, 800 in Rome. This event marks the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire.

Explication : Feudalism was the system governing relations between lords and vassals in the Middle Ages. The vassal owed allegiance to his liege lord in exchange for protection and land.

Explication : The Battle of Hastings, on October 14, 1066, pitted William's Norman troops against the Anglo-Saxon army of King Harold II, who was killed in the battle.

Explication : The Knights Templar (Order of the Temple), founded in 1119, had the mission of protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. The order was dissolved in 1312.

Explication : The keep (donjon) was the main tower of the castle, usually the tallest and most fortified. It was the last refuge during a siege.

Explication : Joan of Arc, nicknamed the Maid of Orléans, led French armies to several victories against the English before being captured and burned at the stake in 1431.

Explication : The Black Death (1347-1352) killed between 25 and 50 million Europeans, approximately one-third of the population. It was transmitted by rat fleas.

Explication : The Crusades were military expeditions organized by the Catholic Church to reclaim Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the Muslims. There were eight major crusades between 1095 and 1270.

Explication : King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta by the rebellious English barons. This document limited royal power and is considered a founding charter of civil rights.

Explication : The Vikings (or Norsemen) were Scandinavian warriors and navigators who raided European coasts. They also colonized Iceland and discovered America.