Timeline

The Battle of Chalons, also known as the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, was a major military engagement fought in 451 between the forces of the Western Roman Empire and a coalition of Germanic tribes led by Attila the Hun. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Roman general Flavius Aetius, and is considered one of the most significant battles in Western history, as it halted the advance of the Huns into Europe.

Clovis I was a king of the Franks and is considered one of the most important figures in early medieval European history, and is credited with unifying the Frankish tribes and establishing a powerful kingdom in what is now France. Clovis was also the first king of the Franks to convert to Christianity, which helped to solidify his power and establish a close relationship between the church and the state. His conversion helped to establish Christianity as the dominant religion in the region. Clovis’ reign was marked by military conquests, and he was successful in expanding his kingdom through a series of campaigns against neighboring tribes.

Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a Byzantine emperor who  is remembered as one of the most important and successful emperors in the history of the Byzantine Empire. During his reign, Justinian launched a series of military campaigns that aimed to reclaim former Roman territories in the Mediterranean, including North Africa, Italy, and Spain. He is also remembered for his major legal reform, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which became the foundation of the modern legal system in many countries. Justinian was also a patron of the arts and architecture, and is credited with the construction of many famous Byzantine buildings, including the Hagia Sophia.

The Plague of Justinian was a pandemic that swept through the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. It is believed to have originated in China and spread to the Byzantine Empire through trading routes. The plague had a devastating impact on the empire, killing millions of people and causing widespread social and economic disruption. The disease was characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and painful swellings, and was highly contagious. 

Chlothar II was the son of Chilperic I and Fredegund, and became king at the age of 13. As he grew older, Chlothar began to assert his authority and embarked on a series of military campaigns to expand his kingdom. He was successful in defeating his rivals and consolidating his power, and is also remembered for his codification of Frankish law, which helped to establish a more uniform legal system throughout the kingdom.

Muhammad was the founder of Islam and was born in Mecca in 570, and began receiving revelations from God at the age of 40. These revelations formed the basis of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. His message was met with both acceptance and resistance, and he faced persecution and exile during his lifetime. Nevertheless, Muhammad was successful in spreading his message, and by the time of his death in 632, Islam had become firmly established in the Arabian Peninsula.

The invasion was led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber Muslim general who had been sent by the Umayyad Caliphate to conquer Spain. The Visigothic king, Roderic, was defeated by Tariq’s army at the Battle of Guadalete, and the Arab and Berber forces quickly conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula. The invasion marked the beginning of Muslim rule in Spain, which lasted for nearly eight centuries.

The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, was fought on October 10th between the Frankish forces under the leadership of Charles Martel and the invading Muslim army of Abd al-Rahman. The battle took place near the city of Tours in France and was a decisive victory for the Frankish forces. The battle is significant because it halted the advance of the Muslim army into Europe, and is often considered to be a turning point in the history of Western civilization.

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was crowned Emperor of the Romans on December 25th by Pope Leo III in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This coronation was significant because it marked the first time in over 300 years that a single ruler had held the title of Emperor of the Romans.

The Vikings had sailed up the Seine river and had begun raiding the surrounding countryside. The Franks, led by King Charles the Bald, managed to gather an army and confront the Viking forces outside of the city walls. However, the Vikings were able to breach the city’s defenses and began plundering the city. The Franks were ultimately forced to pay a ransom of 7,000 pounds of silver to the Vikings in exchange for their withdrawal. The siege was significant because it demonstrated the growing power of the Viking raiders and their ability to take on even the most fortified cities in Europe.

Rollo was a Viking leader who is best known for his role in the founding of the Duchy of Normandy. According to legend, Rollo was a fearsome warrior who led a Viking raid on the French city of Rouen in 876 AD. He was eventually defeated by the French king, Charles the Simple, and was offered a treaty that would grant him land in the region of Normandy in exchange for his loyalty to the French crown. Rollo accepted the treaty and went on to become the first ruler of the region, establishing a dynasty that would last for centuries.

In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, leading an army of Norman knights and soldiers. His invasion was motivated by his claim to the English throne, which he believed was rightfully his after the death of King Edward the Confessor. William and his forces clashed with the English army led by King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. After a fierce battle, William emerged victorious and was subsequently crowned King of England. His invasion and conquest of England marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to significant changes in the political, social, and cultural landscape of the country.

Hengist and Horsa were legendary figures in early English history, said to have been leaders of the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain in the 5th century AD.

The Battle of Chalons, also known as the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, was a major military engagement fought in 451 between the forces of the Western Roman Empire and a coalition of Germanic tribes led by Attila the Hun. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Roman general Flavius Aetius, and is considered one of the most significant battles in Western history, as it halted the advance of the Huns into Europe.

Clovis I was a king of the Franks and is considered one of the most important figures in early medieval European history, and is credited with unifying the Frankish tribes and establishing a powerful kingdom in what is now France. Clovis was also the first king of the Franks to convert to Christianity, which helped to solidify his power and establish a close relationship between the church and the state. His conversion helped to establish Christianity as the dominant religion in the region. Clovis’ reign was marked by military conquests, and he was successful in expanding his kingdom through a series of campaigns against neighboring tribes.

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the kingdom of Wessex was founded by Cerdic, a Saxon leader who is said to have landed on the southern coast of England in 495 CE. Over the centuries, Wessex grew in size and power, eventually becoming the dominant kingdom in England under the rule of King Alfred the Great. The kingdom of Wessex played a crucial role in the formation of a unified England, as it served as a bulwark against Viking invasions and ultimately paved the way for the establishment of a single, centralized English state.

Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a Byzantine emperor who  is remembered as one of the most important and successful emperors in the history of the Byzantine Empire. During his reign, Justinian launched a series of military campaigns that aimed to reclaim former Roman territories in the Mediterranean, including North Africa, Italy, and Spain. He is also remembered for his major legal reform, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which became the foundation of the modern legal system in many countries. Justinian was also a patron of the arts and architecture, and is credited with the construction of many famous Byzantine buildings, including the Hagia Sophia.

Gildas was a British monk who lived in the 6th century and is known for writing one of the earliest surviving works of British history, “De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae” (On the Ruin and Conquest of Britain). Gildas’ work is a scathing critique of the political and social situation in Britain during his time, blaming the moral corruption of the ruling elites for the decline of the country. The work also provides valuable insights into the early history of Britain, particularly with regard to the Roman occupation and the Anglo-Saxon invasions. Although Gildas’ work is not entirely accurate and is sometimes biased, it remains an important source for historians studying early British history. Click here to learn more about Gildas.

The Plague of Justinian was a pandemic that swept through the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. It is believed to have originated in China and spread to the Byzantine Empire through trading routes. The plague had a devastating impact on the empire, killing millions of people and causing widespread social and economic disruption. The disease was characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and painful swellings, and was highly contagious. 

Augustine of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk who is best known for his role in the conversion of Anglo-Saxon England to Christianity in the 6th century. After meeting with King Ethelbert, he established a church in Canterbury. This led to a wider conversion of the kingdom, and eventually the establishment of Christianity throughout England. Click here to learn more about St. Augustine of Canterbury.

Chlothar II was the son of Chilperic I and Fredegund, and became king at the age of 13. As he grew older, Chlothar began to assert his authority and embarked on a series of military campaigns to expand his kingdom. He was successful in defeating his rivals and consolidating his power, and is also remembered for his codification of Frankish law, which helped to establish a more uniform legal system throughout the kingdom.

Muhammad was the founder of Islam and was born in Mecca in 570, and began receiving revelations from God at the age of 40. These revelations formed the basis of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. His message was met with both acceptance and resistance, and he faced persecution and exile during his lifetime. Nevertheless, Muhammad was successful in spreading his message, and by the time of his death in 632, Islam had become firmly established in the Arabian Peninsula.

This was a meeting of religious leaders from both the Celtic and Roman traditions, who came together to resolve a number of disputes over liturgical practice and church governance. The meeting was chaired by King Oswiu himself, and it ultimately resulted in the adoption of the Roman liturgical practices in the Northumbrian church. This decision had far-reaching consequences for the development of Christianity in England, and it helped to establish the Roman Church as the dominant form of Christianity in the region. Click here to learn more about the Synod of Whitby.

The invasion was led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber Muslim general who had been sent by the Umayyad Caliphate to conquer Spain. The Visigothic king, Roderic, was defeated by Tariq’s army at the Battle of Guadalete, and the Arab and Berber forces quickly conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula. The invasion marked the beginning of Muslim rule in Spain, which lasted for nearly eight centuries.

Bede, also known as Saint Bede or the Venerable Bede, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in early English Christianity and is best known for his historical writings. Bede’s most famous work is the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which chronicles the history of the English Church from the arrival of Saint Augustine in 597 to Bede’s own time. Click here to learn more about Bede.

The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, was fought on October 10th between the Frankish forces under the leadership of Charles Martel and the invading Muslim army of Abd al-Rahman. The battle took place near the city of Tours in France and was a decisive victory for the Frankish forces. The battle is significant because it halted the advance of the Muslim army into Europe, and is often considered to be a turning point in the history of Western civilization.

King Offa of Mercia was a powerful Anglo-Saxon ruler who is considered as one of the most successful kings of his time, and is credited with unifying the kingdom of Mercia and establishing a powerful and prosperous state. Offa is best known for the construction of Offa’s Dyke, a massive earthwork that runs along the border between modern-day England and Wales. The purpose of the dyke is unclear, but it is believed to have served as a defensive fortification or a boundary marker. He is remembered as a powerful and successful ruler, and his reign is considered a high point in the history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Read More >>

The Lindisfarne Monastery was subjected to a series of Viking raids in the ninth century. The first raid occurred in 793, when a group of Viking raiders attacked the monastery and killed many of the monks. The Vikings returned in subsequent years, and the monastery was plundered and destroyed. The attack is considered by many historians to be the beginning of the Viking Age. Click here to learn more about Lindisfarne Monastery.

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was crowned Emperor of the Romans on December 25th by Pope Leo III in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This coronation was significant because it marked the first time in over 300 years that a single ruler had held the title of Emperor of the Romans.

Egbert, also known as Ecgberht, of Wessex was a king of Wessex who ruled from 802 to 839 AD. He is known for his military campaigns against other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, which helped establish Wessex as the dominant power in England. Egbert was a descendant of the early West Saxon kings, and he spent much of his early life in exile in the court of Charlemagne. After returning to Britain, Egbert led a series of successful military campaigns against the Mercians, the East Anglians, and the Welsh.

The Vikings had sailed up the Seine river and had begun raiding the surrounding countryside. The Franks, led by King Charles the Bald, managed to gather an army and confront the Viking forces outside of the city walls. However, the Vikings were able to breach the city’s defenses and began plundering the city. The Franks were ultimately forced to pay a ransom of 7,000 pounds of silver to the Vikings in exchange for their withdrawal. The siege was significant because it demonstrated the growing power of the Viking raiders and their ability to take on even the most fortified cities in Europe.

King Alfred the Great was a king of Wessex who ruled from 871 to 899. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in English history, and is credited with laying the foundation for the English nation. Alfred is best known for his military campaigns against the Viking invaders, and for his efforts to promote education and learning in his kingdom. Alfred was also is credited with promoting the use of the Old English language and with the creation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of the time. Click here to learn more about King Alfred the Great.

The Danelaw was a region in Anglo-Saxon England during the Viking Age, roughly from the late 9th to the 11th century. It was an area where Danish and Norse Viking influence and settlements were prominent. This region covered parts of present-day England, including the East Midlands, East Anglia, and Northumbria. The Danelaw had its own legal and administrative systems, influenced by Scandinavian customs and laws. It coexisted with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the south of England, however, the Danelaw gradually integrated with the rest of England as the Viking influence waned, leading to a more unified English state by the 11th century.

Rollo was a Viking leader who is best known for his role in the founding of the Duchy of Normandy. According to legend, Rollo was a fearsome warrior who led a Viking raid on the French city of Rouen in 876 AD. He was eventually defeated by the French king, Charles the Simple, and was offered a treaty that would grant him land in the region of Normandy in exchange for his loyalty to the French crown. Rollo accepted the treaty and went on to become the first ruler of the region, establishing a dynasty that would last for centuries.

The Battle of Brunanburh was fought in 937 between the forces of King Athelstan of the Anglo-Saxons and a coalition of Norse, Scots, and Welsh armies. The battle was one of the largest and most significant of the Anglo-Saxon period, with both sides fielding large armies.  The English army emerged victorious, and the battle marked a turning point in Anglo-Saxon history. It helped to establish the power of the English kingdom and laid the foundation for the unification of England under one king. The location of the battle is hotly debated and many locations claim to be the correct one. Click here to learn more about the Battle of Brunanburh.

Cnut the Great was a Norse king who became King of England in 1016, followed by ruling Denmark in 1018 and Norway in 1028. Cnut is renowned for his skillful consolidation of power across these realms, marking the height of the North Sea Empire. Cnut was a capable and respected monarch, known for his efforts to promote Christianity and administer his diverse empire effectively. His reign had a significant impact on the history of medieval Scandinavia and England. Cnut died in 1035, and his empire eventually fragmented after his death.

The battle was fought on September 25, 1066, between the English army, led by King Harold Godwinson, and the invading Norwegian army, led by King Harald Hardrada. The battle took place near the village of Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire, England, and was a decisive victory for the English forces. The battle is remembered for its ferocity and its high casualty count, with both sides suffering heavy losses. It is also significant because it occurred just a few days before the Battle of Hastings, which would ultimately determine the fate of England and the course of European history.

In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, leading an army of Norman knights and soldiers. His invasion was motivated by his claim to the English throne, which he believed was rightfully his after the death of King Edward the Confessor. William and his forces clashed with the English army led by King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. After a fierce battle, William emerged victorious and was subsequently crowned King of England. His invasion and conquest of England marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to significant changes in the political, social, and cultural landscape of the country.