Middle Ages

William the Conqueror has crossed the English channel from Normandy and conquered the English people for France.   Remnants of the once great empire of Rome are led by German princes.  Meanwhile, the Islamic empires of Arabia and Ummayad Caliphate press into Europe.  China and India control the east while the Incan and the Mayan civilizations develop in the Americas.  Where shall history unfold?

Purpose:
The purpose of this scenario is to allow players to begin a world game at the height of the middle ages.  This point in history, just after France conquered England, was chosen so that players would ask the question “where’s England?” and in so doing lend themselves to learning about this era.  This scenario also begs the question, what did the world look like a thousand years ago?

Related Curriculum:
Geography: World History
Events:  William the Conqueror of Normandy’s conquest of England, Ummayad Caliphate alliance in Spain
Civilizations:  France, Arabia, Ummayad Caliphate, Holy Roman Empire, India, China, Inca, Maya

File versions: 
AD 1050 Middle Ages (Large Map).biq
- A slower, large map of the world at 1050, AD.
AD 1050 Middle Ages (Small Map).biq
- A quicker, smaller map of the world at 1050, AD.

Vocabulary Terms:
Pikeman – A soldier who uses a long spear to defend against attacks from enemy soldiers and cavalry.
Feudalism – A system of government used European nobles during the Middle Ages. In this system, lords ruled over lesser nobles called vassals. These vassals ruled over the common people, who were called serfs. Everyone in this system was forced to obey the command of the person who ruled over them.
Longbowmen – Soldiers who used a powerful bow that was able to go through the armor of knights. It was first used by the English in 1346 AD.
Printing Press – A machine for making copies of text on multiple sheets of paper. It was invented in 1450 and led to identical copies of books becoming widespread.
Gunpowder – A chemical mixture of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal. When its set on fire, it explodes. Originally developed in China, it was used in muskets – the first guns.