Tag: Middle Ages

Possible Causes Which Led To The Start Of The Viking Age

Historians have tried to discover the main reasons that determined the territorial expansion of the Norsemen beginning in the 8th century. As there are several competing theories on the matter, it is clear that each of them can’t be universally accepted and that each can match the historical background. As such, four main causes/scenarios that…


The History Of The Bran Castle In Transylvania, Romania

The Bran Castle (known in German as Die T쎶rzburg or, alternatively, Toerzburg respectively Terzburg) is one of the most reputed tourist attractions of Romania and also one of the most imposing and mesmerising medieval strongholds in Transylvania. It is located in the proximity of a former significant Transylvanian Saxon city, namely Kronstadt (known in Romanian…


The History Of The Transylvanian Saxons

The Transylvanian Saxons (or ‘Die Siebenb쎼rger Sachsen’ as they are known in Standard German/Hochdeutsch as well as ‘Siweberjer S쎥ksen‘ or ‘Soxen‘ in the Transylvanian Saxon dialect) are perhaps the most significant major German ethnic group of Romania and doubtlessly one of the most renowned from Central and Eastern Europe. They are part of the broader…


The History Of The Vikings In Vinland And North America

If until now you thought that the North American continent was initially discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 along with his crew and three ships (the carrack Santa Maria as well as the caravels Pinta and Santa Clara), then you have been misled to acknowledge one of history’s greatest confusions. Putting aside the fact that…


Could English Be A North Germanic (Scandinavian) Language?

The English language as we know it today is descended from Old English, a Germanic language which was brought by the Angles and Saxons during the Early Middle Ages in Britain, hence being alternatively known as Anglo-Saxon. In the wake of the Anglo-Saxon settlement, the Norse incursions, and the Norman conquest after the Battle of…