History Extra podcast 11th-century Europe: not just the Norman Conquest
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Oct 21, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Charles West, a medieval history expert from the University of Edinburgh, explores the rich tapestry of 11th-century Europe beyond just the Norman Conquest. He emphasizes the significance of the Battle of Manzikert and how cities and popes shaped political landscapes. West dives into urbanization trends, comparing English towns to continental powerhouses like Constantinople. He sheds light on women's influence, the rising papacy, and the complexities of medieval politics, revealing a dynamic period of transformation.
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Cultural Networks Over Borders
- Think in cultural networks rather than political borders to understand 11th-century Europe.
- Networks (Latin West, Byzantine, Islamic, northern arc) overlapped and defined influence more than fixed states.
Shifting Cultural Borders By 1100
- The Latin West expanded north and east during the century through conversion and cultural reach.
- Byzantine and Islamic networks contracted, reshaping Europe's cultural map by 1100.
Author Skipped Hastings On Purpose
- Charles West admits he omitted the Battle of Hastings from his book's index to avoid a Norman-centric view.
- He argues the Normans matter but should not dominate the continent-wide story of the century.
