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The Middle Ages

Question: ‘The scale of the raids, the density of the settlements and the degree of destruction have been greatly exaggerated’. Discuss this assessment of Viking activity in England in the ninth and tenth centuries.

Answer: The entry in the northern version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 793 tells how “In this year terrible omens appeared over the land of the Northumbrians...: these were immense lightning flashes and fiery dragons were seen flying in the sky”. It goes onto describe how “the ravaging of heathen men miserably destroyed God’s church in Lindisfarne through plundering and slaughter”. These apo......(short extract) to download the full answer, please Sign in or Register then make a payment or submit an essay

Question: ‘Absolute monarchy was limited monarchy.’ Discuss with reference to ONE or MORE European countries.

Answer: In theory, an absolute monarchy is meant to be a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power and is subject to no constitutional safeguards or checks. The principle of an absolute monarch, given a right to rule by God (divine right of kings), was extensively used in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Absolute monarchy can be compared and contrasted with limited or constitut......(short extract) to download the full answer, please Sign in or Register then make a payment or submit an essay

Question: Account for the appeal of Cistercian Monasticism in the 12th century.

Answer: Cistercian monasticism was one of the many ‘new orders’ established in the 12th century during a time of monastic revival. It began when Robert of Molesme, ‘a Benedictine abbot of high reputation’[1], left his community at Molesme to found a movement that would be true to his ideals of monasticism ‘ living in poverty under the Rule of St Benedict, separated from the secular world, as the......(short extract) to download the full answer, please Sign in or Register then make a payment or submit an essay

Question: Assess the artistic and religious purpose and significance of the book of Kells.

Answer: The Book of Kells is an ancient Irish manuscript that contains elaborately decorated versions of the four gospels. The book has a deep significance and as well as being a crowning glory of the Celtic Art form.[1] Many deem it to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world.......(short extract) to download the full answer, please Sign in or Register then make a payment or submit an essay

The Middle Ages

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