Rampage from the North Things begin changing during the 800s, when the Vikings sweep down from Norway and Sweden. At first, they concentrate on what they can carry away during swift raids along the coast, and up rivers to cities like Paris (lower left). Soon, however, isolated raids merge into a more organized campaign of conquest. Everyone now has to brace against possible Viking attacks.

	Norse Trade Routes No one is really safe from Viking attacks. The success of their raids encourages attackers from Denmark as well. Eventually, all invaders from the north are lumped together simply as 'Norsemen,' meaning men from the North. This is later shortened to 'Norman.' It isn't long, however, before the Normans turn from vandalism to business, establishing a robust and far-flung trading network, at a time when virtually all other trade has vanished.
	Manors and Towns This is Europe during the early medieval era, when people are living amid the ruins of the old Roman Empire. Small village settlements have been replaced by the medieval manor, a kind of self-contained estate which functions like an entire miniature town. The Lord lives in the great manor house, while peasants are given simple housing nearby in return for working the surrounding land. The GREEN dots on the map mark the location of scattered towns. YELLOW circles indicate the handful of early cities.