Although there were many blood-thirsty, vicious creatures during the Early Middle Ages, the Old Norse Vikings are categorized as the most savage. Many believed that the Vikings were only out there to hurt people. Is this true? Do the Vikings really deserve the status of such horrible people? On the contrary, a man named Charlemagne appeared to “save the day” by using architecture and art. Does he really deserve all the credit for “saving Europe”?
The Vikings of the Early Middle Ages were said to be horrible men who were so war-hungry, that they would attack innocent monasteries and places with wealth. Vikings were the old warriors from Scandinavia from the late eighth to the early eleventh century. The Vikings traveled on long, wooden boats, called longships, “naval vessels made and used for trade, commerce, exploration, and warfare” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longship). These boats played a huge role in the Viking Age because if they did not have them, they could not have attacked as many places as they did. In the modern world today, Vikings would most likely be compared to the terrorists because of their need for constant battle and skill with numerous weapons. The most important weapon in the Viking Age was the battle axe. The axe would be used for all sorts of things, such as attacking wealthy monasteries and killing the innocent monks. The monasteries located on the coasts would appeal most to the Vikings because they are the wealthiest. One of the most famous Vikings was Leif Ericson; in the year 1,000, Leif set off from Greenland and journeyed to a land that nobody had ever been, later referred to as Newfoundland. This new found colony only lasted for about a decade. Contrary to popular belief, Leif and fellow Vikings arrived on the North American coast about 500 years prior to Columbus. The Vikings were most definitely the bad guys of the Early Middle Ages.
In comparison to the Vikings and their horrible practices, a man named Charlemagne came along to try to be the savior of Europe. Charlemagne also referred to as Charles the Great, was a respected ruler who tried to bring culture back into Rome during the 8th and 9th centuries. Although he was not a Roman emperor, he did care much about Ancient Rome and felt like it should be reestablished in some way. He was a very proper man, had great manners, cared about his education, and always was physically intact. Charles influenced the way literature and architecture was produced in the Early Middle Ages. Due to his sufficient knowledge in many different languages, Charles was a great writer. The Carolingian Miniscule was influenced by Charles, even after he was dead. Charles also influenced the renovation of St. Peter’s Church in Rome because he donated to the popes. He felt the need to reconstruct the church, "to pay his vows and make his supplications four times during the whole forty-seven years that he reigned" (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/einhard1.html). As you can see, Charles was a positive person who tried very hard to help the fallen state of Rome. Unlike the Vikings, he wanted to bring people together, not kill them. It is evident that Charlemagne is the good guy.
What do you think? People have many different opinions on the bad guy and the good guy. It is obvious that the Vikings did Europe no good; all they did was cause turmoil and hatred. It is also obvious that Charles the Great was a positive influence during the Early Middle Ages. Did the Vikings bring Europe out of the Dark Ages? No, Charles was the man that tried to change Europe. He is the good guy.
"Carolingian minuscule." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolingian_minuscule>.
"Charlemagne." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne>.
Einhard. "Life of Charlemagne." Medieval Sourcebook. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar 2010. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/einhard1.html>.
"Leif Ericson." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leif_Ericson>.
"Viking." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking>.
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