1204 – Loss of Normandy to the French Crown
King Philip II of France conquered Normandy from King John of England, marking the end of Normandy as an English possession. Despite this, Norman cultural and political influence remained strong in England.
13th Century – Integration into Larger Kingdoms
Norman territories gradually merged into larger kingdoms. England, under the Plantagenet dynasty, retained Norman cultural influences, while southern Italy and Sicily passed through various rulers, including the Hohenstaufens and Angevins.
Norman Legacy
The Normans left an enduring imprint on medieval Europe and beyond:
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Architecture: The distinctive Romanesque style of Norman architecture, exemplified by the Tower of London and Durham Cathedral.
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Language: The infusion of Norman French transformed the English language, laying foundations for Middle English and modern English vocabulary.
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Legal and Feudal Systems: Norman innovations in governance, law, and feudal relations influenced medieval political systems in England and elsewhere.
- Cultural Fusion: The Normans acted as cultural bridges between northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Levant, especially through their roles in southern Italy and the Crusades. shutdown123
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