The Medieval Background
Seymour Phillips
The expansion of medieval Europe can be traced as far back the 8th and 9th centuries, to Carolingian conquests pagan Saxons Avars in central Europe, earliest Viking discoveries Atlantic. However, it is 11th century that there first clear evidence a sustained expansion. revival international trade centred on Mediterranean was continue for long time, despite serious recession 14th century. This included important trading centres Constantinople Alexandria. For wholly unexpected set events, by nomadic Mongols under Ghenghis Khan his successors Asia eastern 1240s brought whole very close destruction occupation. terrors Mongol invasion were prelude European penetration scale never before achieved or dreamt of.
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