Even during the Roman Empire, the Romans were constantly trying to defend western Europe from
invasion from the east. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, new Frankish and Germanic
kingdoms continued to struggle against new invasions. European geography was unable to act as a
barrier to invaders. From 700 - 1000 CE, the Vikings, Muslims and Magyars invaded Europe helping to
create a new type of social political system. The Vikings used Europe's calm rivers, such as the Loire and
Seine Rivers, to sail deep into Europe and attack cities and towns. In some locations, they even settled
and founded their own kingdoms. Muslim armies were able to cross the Strait of Gibraltar and conquer
Spain. They even crossed the Pyrenees mountains but were repulsed by Chalres the Hammer. Finally,
the Magyars crossed parts of the Alps and were able to invade deep into western Europe.
9. After reading the above text, explain whether Europe's physical features protected it from
invaders by using at least three words from the word bank.
Loire River
Seine River
Mediterranean Sea
Pyrenees Mountains
Alps
Northern European Plain
Scandinavia
France
Russia
Strait of Gibraltar