Search
Search Results
Image
Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Merovingians, c. 639
The Merovingians (c. 481–751 CE) were a Frankish dynasty that rose to prominence in the late 5th century CE, unifying diverse Frankish tribes across regions that now include France, western Germany, the Low Countries, Switzerland, and parts...
Image
Map of the Early Christian Pilgrimage (4th-5th Century)
The rise of Christian pilgrimage begins after the conversion of Emperor Constantine (reign 306–337 CE) and the legalization of Christianity in the Edict of Milan (313 CE). The word pilgrim comes from the Latin peregrinus meaning “stranger”...
Definition
Christianity
Christianity is the world's largest religion, with 2.8 billion adherents. It is categorized as one of the three Abrahamic or monotheistic religions of the Western tradition along with Judaism and Islam. 'Christian' is derived from the Greek...
Definition
Vikings
The Vikings were originally diverse Scandinavian seafarers from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (though other nationalities were later involved) whose raids and subsequent settlements significantly impacted the cultures of Europe and were felt...
Definition
Kievan Rus
Kievan Rus (862-1242) was a medieval political federation located in modern-day Belarus, Ukraine, and part of Russia (the latter named for the Rus, a Scandinavian people). The name Kievan Rus is a modern-day (19th century) designation but...
Definition
Franks
The Franks were a Germanic people who originated along the lower Rhine River. They moved into Gaul during the Migration Age, where they established one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Europe after the fall of the Western Roman...
Definition
Rollo of Normandy
Rollo (l. c.860-c.930 CE, r. 911-927 CE) was a Viking chieftain who became the founder and first ruler of the region of Normandy. He converted to Christianity as part of a deal with the Frankish king Charles the Simple (893-923 CE) in 911...
Definition
Jörmungandr
Jörmungandr is the Midgard Serpent (also World Serpent) in Norse mythology who encircles the realm of Midgard. He is the son of the god Loki and the giantess Angrboða and brother of the great wolf Fenrir and Hel, Queen of the Dead. At Ragnarök...
Definition
Carolingian Dynasty
The Carolingian Dynasty (751-887) was a family of Frankish nobles who ruled Francia and its successor kingdoms in Western and Central Europe during the Early Middle Ages. The dynasty expanded from Francia as far as modern Italy, Spain, and...
Definition
Leprechaun
Leprechauns (also leprecauns or lepracauns) are figures in Irish folklore who guard hidden treasure. Regarded as small and incredibly agile male fairies or goblins, they most often guard a pot of gold. Leprechauns live solitary lives and...