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Chapter 85: The Angevin Dynasty, and Heresy in Guyany and Burgundy
We will now take a look at Western Europe, beginning with the British Isles.
What we do see at the north of Great Britain, we can see Alba consolidating not only the Central Belt, but also the Highlands, where they manage to incorporate also the clans in the Moray and Inverness region, as well as the Dukes of Galloway. The southern border of Alba runs to the north of the Hadrian Wall along the Cheviot Hills[1].
The country remains thoroughly Gaelic, one can even say Highlander in culture. Why? Well, had England been conquered by Neustrians, a Latinate populace, opposition to such occupation would have been strongest in the most Germanic north, and such dissidents would be the ones who flee to the closest neighbouring realm, in our case, Alba. Here however, England is conquered by the Vikings, and North Germanic people, thus opposition to such conquest would be strongest in Wessex and Mercia, where the Romano-British and Brythonic elements were strongest, and these revolts would seek aid from Wales and Neustria.
View attachment 513675
Alba still has a reputation of being a rather barbaric country at this point in time
Anyhow, Gaelic remains the dominant language in Alba, penetrating also into West Lothian, while the eastern parts of Lothian continue to speak Anglish.
The only other language surviving within the borders of Alba is Cumbric, spoken in Galloway and Anandale, located in the southwest corner of the realm.
While the feudal model was imposed on Alba, and the kingdom was divided into comitates, the society, especially in the Highlands remains barely touched by feudal institutions. Furthermore, the burgs, or market towns remain small, and grow only near river estuaries[2]. Alba remains seen as a barbarous country, at the very fringe of European culture. Gaelic poetry works however remain popular throughout the country, played at hill-forts and early castles, and the bards remain connected very close to the culture of Alba
Mann was name of the realm composed of various islands, including Mann proper, the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, Faroes, as well as Sutherland. While Gaelic is spoken in the Hebrides, Norn and Faroese have come to be spoken on the islands and in Sutherland, both being of North Germanic branch.
Then across a strait, we have the island of Ireland. Unsurprisingly, Ireland remains fragmented, with the formation of a new political entity; that being the Lordship of Ireland. What started out as a confederation of a few Norse towns (Dublin, Cork, Wexford, Waterford and Limerick) has grown larger, mainly due to support from the now Viking England. New Viking lords took up their own lordships in the now newly seized country. This Norse Lordship extended to cover much of southeastern Ireland, while leaving enough space for Connaught to act as the main unifying force of the Gaelic part of the island.
East of the Irish Sea, Norse England is again experiencing unrest, predominantly in its southwestern part.
View attachment 513671
A political representation of western Europe. Pink are the Angevin lands, light green in Guyany
Cambria, or Wales has become the new counterbalance of Jórvik, offering assistance to the Saxon bandits and guerrillas fighting the Vikings. Cambria arose as a unified realm after the petty king of Gwynedd also became the ruler of Powys, gradually other rulers acknowledged his suzerainty, as a means of defence and better coordination. Cambria has undergone a process of urbanization, as new towns are being founded, especially in the south, and many Saxons, who escaped the Viking rule found refuge in Wales[3], settling beneath castle walls as craftsmen, but also as men-at-arms.
The continuing armed resistance against Norse rule in England has its base in the southwestern parts of England, as mentioned. But wait… England at this time is not a unified ethnic reality. In the eastern coast, from Essex, through Lincoln and into Yorkshire and Northumbria, we have a people calling themselves the Angles. The Angles have acknowledged Danish rule and are pretty much accustomed to Danish rule by now. The Scandinavian settlers themselves are perhaps just a minority, but have made themselves a home in Northumbria, and Jórvik is very much their capital. If precision needs it, Jórvikish can be classified as a North Germanic tongue, while Anglish, spoken by the rest of the Angles is still sort of… West Germanic, I think?
The Saxons are the people found in the southwest, that being Kent, Sussex, Wessex and parts of Mercia. The Saxons seem not to be happy about being ruled by the Northmen and the forest are home to many bandits fighting the Northmen[4]. These rebels are supported by Cambria and Brittany, throughout the first half of the 12th century. However, the Norse rule does not last forever, and as it happens, the crown of England is inherited by the Angevins, a Neustrian dynasty from the Lower Loire Valley. The Angevin lands, in the Neustrian provinces of Anjou, Mains and Tourraine are some of the most fertile and pleasant in the world, and these people brought with them a distinct noble style, replacing the rather barbaric Norse customs. In fact, Britain in those days had an influx of many Neustrian younger sons, and it was particularly this influx of Neustrians. It was in fact the arrival of the Neustrians, which saved the now assimilating Brídaney (British Latin) tongue spoken in the lower Severn Valley, as well as bringing in many Neustrian and Latin-descended words into the Anglo-Saxon language.
The Angevin lands have also included the region of Normandy in the Seine estuary region; thus the Angevin continental possessions were comparable to the rest of Neustria put together. In practical terms, the Neustrian laws were effectively never put in place within the Angevin realm, which thus stops being a true part of Neustria for all practical purposes; efforts of Neustrian kings to bring them under control would result in war.
Further eastwards, we have Flanders, which is now a flourishing region, due to trade with wool and textile production. The counties of Flanders and Brabant thus prosper, mainly from trade, and industry, and the cities grow independent of their feudal lords; practically a similar process occurs as in north Italy.
Perhaps I have not mentioned it, but the Rhine has become one of the major axis in 12th century Europe, home to many thriving towns and cities; and being one of the major arteries of Europe. These have become home to one of the world´s largest Jewish communities, while adopting a version of the local dialect and transforming it to their own language, called Yiddish.
View attachment 513672
We can see a gradual rise of republics along the Mediterranean coast and in Flanders
The basin of the Rhône River is encompassed within the Kingdom of Two Burgundies. Perhaps this shape of the realm may be considered unnatural, but the realm is bound by the Rhône on the west and the Alps in the east, including also Provence. While Lower Burgundy, that is Provence, speaks Provensal, being a dialect of the Oc linguistic continuum[5], while the Upper Burgundy speaks a dialect more closely related to those of Neustria[6].
Developments in Burgundy are also interesting in another manner. Given intensive trade across the Western Mediterranean[7], the coastal cities prosper, and are granted city charters, just as well those guarding the Alpine passes.
The city of Lyon was the home of Peter Waldo, originally a wealthy merchant, who by the late 12th century sold his property and taught apostolic poverty. They are known to encourage voluntary poverty and not to believe in the idea of the purgatory. The movement quickly spreads, as it had the Gospel translated into the popular –Arpitan- language, throughout much of Upper Burgundy, especially Savoy and Delphinat[8].
View attachment 513674
Heresy! Heresy! Heresy everywhere.
As for Guyany[9], the realm could be found between the Loire, the Rhône, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Guyany benefits from the pleasant climate of the Garonne River. Guyany is a predominantly Guyanish[10] realm, with power centres in Bordeú and Tolosa. The country is divided into numerous fiefs, such as Beárn, Périgord or Lémosin.[11] The Guyanish language is known as the language of troubadours and poets, and literature. In fact, Guiana has become one of the culturally most advanced parts of Europe, although this did not prevent heresy from spreading.
Guyany contrasts with Neustria, having written law and Guyanish retains many more Latin words, which Neustrian abandoned for Germanic, mainly Frankish expressions. Guyanish at this time also includes the dialects of Poetou[12], Berric and Borbonés[13]. Guyany has made significant improvements not only in military architecture, but also in military weaponry but mainly armour.
View attachment 513676
In Guyany, the Cathars have built castles in remote locations
Guyany has become also the home of a new heresy in Christianity, called Catharism. This religious sect is claimed to have been influenced by Gnosticism, such as Paulicianism and even Marcionism. Cathars believed in Dualism, with a good New Testament God and a bad Old Testament God. The material world is thus created evil. The Cathars have rejected all sacraments together and abstained from reproduction and meat-eating if it could be avoided.
Observers may note, that this practical aspect, as well as the organization of the faith [14](perfecti and credentes) is very similar to Manichean practises and doctrine. In fact, it appears, that the Cathars are just another Manichean denomination.
View attachment 513673
Arvern is still surviving in the Massif Central
The Arvern language is being gradually pushed into the higher and higher parts of the Loire valley.
Lastly, we have Armorica, the large peninsula on the westernmost tip of Neustria. Considering probability, it will not be far-fetched, if this Brythonic-speaking peninsula becomes part of the Angevin domains, while maintaining its institutions, customs and culture. Thus, the Armoricans maintain their own autonomy, while benefitting from the protection of a larger realm.
[1] At first, I thought I could just have it stick at Hadrians Wall, but then I realized the Viking England is centred on the city of York which is on the east coast and in the north. So yes, the border between England and Scotland is at the same place as OTL, although this is not on purpose.
[2] The urbanization of Scotland in ATL is slower than in OTL.
[3] Perhaps here, Wales and Scotland switch places. Scottish identity in this timeline is going to be very much connected to Gaelic language, while Welsh be more non-ethnic, allowing for Saxons, Welshmen and Latin speakers all to call themselves Welsh.
[4] Yes, I´ve seen Ivanhoe.
[5] Guyanish
[6] Arpitan
[7] In contrast to OTL
[8] Dauphiné
[9] Guiana is the word in the native Guyanish language which is descended from ancient roman Aquitania.
[10] Guyanish is the demonym from Guiana, and denotes Occitan.
[11] These were actually second level subdivisions in OTL
[12] Poitou
[13] Berry and Bourbonaise
[14] A network of bishoprics to include Albi, Tolosa, Carcassona and Agen
What we do see at the north of Great Britain, we can see Alba consolidating not only the Central Belt, but also the Highlands, where they manage to incorporate also the clans in the Moray and Inverness region, as well as the Dukes of Galloway. The southern border of Alba runs to the north of the Hadrian Wall along the Cheviot Hills[1].
The country remains thoroughly Gaelic, one can even say Highlander in culture. Why? Well, had England been conquered by Neustrians, a Latinate populace, opposition to such occupation would have been strongest in the most Germanic north, and such dissidents would be the ones who flee to the closest neighbouring realm, in our case, Alba. Here however, England is conquered by the Vikings, and North Germanic people, thus opposition to such conquest would be strongest in Wessex and Mercia, where the Romano-British and Brythonic elements were strongest, and these revolts would seek aid from Wales and Neustria.
View attachment 513675
Alba still has a reputation of being a rather barbaric country at this point in time
Anyhow, Gaelic remains the dominant language in Alba, penetrating also into West Lothian, while the eastern parts of Lothian continue to speak Anglish.
The only other language surviving within the borders of Alba is Cumbric, spoken in Galloway and Anandale, located in the southwest corner of the realm.
While the feudal model was imposed on Alba, and the kingdom was divided into comitates, the society, especially in the Highlands remains barely touched by feudal institutions. Furthermore, the burgs, or market towns remain small, and grow only near river estuaries[2]. Alba remains seen as a barbarous country, at the very fringe of European culture. Gaelic poetry works however remain popular throughout the country, played at hill-forts and early castles, and the bards remain connected very close to the culture of Alba
Mann was name of the realm composed of various islands, including Mann proper, the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, Faroes, as well as Sutherland. While Gaelic is spoken in the Hebrides, Norn and Faroese have come to be spoken on the islands and in Sutherland, both being of North Germanic branch.
Then across a strait, we have the island of Ireland. Unsurprisingly, Ireland remains fragmented, with the formation of a new political entity; that being the Lordship of Ireland. What started out as a confederation of a few Norse towns (Dublin, Cork, Wexford, Waterford and Limerick) has grown larger, mainly due to support from the now Viking England. New Viking lords took up their own lordships in the now newly seized country. This Norse Lordship extended to cover much of southeastern Ireland, while leaving enough space for Connaught to act as the main unifying force of the Gaelic part of the island.
East of the Irish Sea, Norse England is again experiencing unrest, predominantly in its southwestern part.
View attachment 513671
A political representation of western Europe. Pink are the Angevin lands, light green in Guyany
Cambria, or Wales has become the new counterbalance of Jórvik, offering assistance to the Saxon bandits and guerrillas fighting the Vikings. Cambria arose as a unified realm after the petty king of Gwynedd also became the ruler of Powys, gradually other rulers acknowledged his suzerainty, as a means of defence and better coordination. Cambria has undergone a process of urbanization, as new towns are being founded, especially in the south, and many Saxons, who escaped the Viking rule found refuge in Wales[3], settling beneath castle walls as craftsmen, but also as men-at-arms.
The continuing armed resistance against Norse rule in England has its base in the southwestern parts of England, as mentioned. But wait… England at this time is not a unified ethnic reality. In the eastern coast, from Essex, through Lincoln and into Yorkshire and Northumbria, we have a people calling themselves the Angles. The Angles have acknowledged Danish rule and are pretty much accustomed to Danish rule by now. The Scandinavian settlers themselves are perhaps just a minority, but have made themselves a home in Northumbria, and Jórvik is very much their capital. If precision needs it, Jórvikish can be classified as a North Germanic tongue, while Anglish, spoken by the rest of the Angles is still sort of… West Germanic, I think?
The Saxons are the people found in the southwest, that being Kent, Sussex, Wessex and parts of Mercia. The Saxons seem not to be happy about being ruled by the Northmen and the forest are home to many bandits fighting the Northmen[4]. These rebels are supported by Cambria and Brittany, throughout the first half of the 12th century. However, the Norse rule does not last forever, and as it happens, the crown of England is inherited by the Angevins, a Neustrian dynasty from the Lower Loire Valley. The Angevin lands, in the Neustrian provinces of Anjou, Mains and Tourraine are some of the most fertile and pleasant in the world, and these people brought with them a distinct noble style, replacing the rather barbaric Norse customs. In fact, Britain in those days had an influx of many Neustrian younger sons, and it was particularly this influx of Neustrians. It was in fact the arrival of the Neustrians, which saved the now assimilating Brídaney (British Latin) tongue spoken in the lower Severn Valley, as well as bringing in many Neustrian and Latin-descended words into the Anglo-Saxon language.
The Angevin lands have also included the region of Normandy in the Seine estuary region; thus the Angevin continental possessions were comparable to the rest of Neustria put together. In practical terms, the Neustrian laws were effectively never put in place within the Angevin realm, which thus stops being a true part of Neustria for all practical purposes; efforts of Neustrian kings to bring them under control would result in war.
Further eastwards, we have Flanders, which is now a flourishing region, due to trade with wool and textile production. The counties of Flanders and Brabant thus prosper, mainly from trade, and industry, and the cities grow independent of their feudal lords; practically a similar process occurs as in north Italy.
Perhaps I have not mentioned it, but the Rhine has become one of the major axis in 12th century Europe, home to many thriving towns and cities; and being one of the major arteries of Europe. These have become home to one of the world´s largest Jewish communities, while adopting a version of the local dialect and transforming it to their own language, called Yiddish.
View attachment 513672
We can see a gradual rise of republics along the Mediterranean coast and in Flanders
The basin of the Rhône River is encompassed within the Kingdom of Two Burgundies. Perhaps this shape of the realm may be considered unnatural, but the realm is bound by the Rhône on the west and the Alps in the east, including also Provence. While Lower Burgundy, that is Provence, speaks Provensal, being a dialect of the Oc linguistic continuum[5], while the Upper Burgundy speaks a dialect more closely related to those of Neustria[6].
Developments in Burgundy are also interesting in another manner. Given intensive trade across the Western Mediterranean[7], the coastal cities prosper, and are granted city charters, just as well those guarding the Alpine passes.
The city of Lyon was the home of Peter Waldo, originally a wealthy merchant, who by the late 12th century sold his property and taught apostolic poverty. They are known to encourage voluntary poverty and not to believe in the idea of the purgatory. The movement quickly spreads, as it had the Gospel translated into the popular –Arpitan- language, throughout much of Upper Burgundy, especially Savoy and Delphinat[8].
View attachment 513674
Heresy! Heresy! Heresy everywhere.
As for Guyany[9], the realm could be found between the Loire, the Rhône, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Guyany benefits from the pleasant climate of the Garonne River. Guyany is a predominantly Guyanish[10] realm, with power centres in Bordeú and Tolosa. The country is divided into numerous fiefs, such as Beárn, Périgord or Lémosin.[11] The Guyanish language is known as the language of troubadours and poets, and literature. In fact, Guiana has become one of the culturally most advanced parts of Europe, although this did not prevent heresy from spreading.
Guyany contrasts with Neustria, having written law and Guyanish retains many more Latin words, which Neustrian abandoned for Germanic, mainly Frankish expressions. Guyanish at this time also includes the dialects of Poetou[12], Berric and Borbonés[13]. Guyany has made significant improvements not only in military architecture, but also in military weaponry but mainly armour.
View attachment 513676
In Guyany, the Cathars have built castles in remote locations
Guyany has become also the home of a new heresy in Christianity, called Catharism. This religious sect is claimed to have been influenced by Gnosticism, such as Paulicianism and even Marcionism. Cathars believed in Dualism, with a good New Testament God and a bad Old Testament God. The material world is thus created evil. The Cathars have rejected all sacraments together and abstained from reproduction and meat-eating if it could be avoided.
Observers may note, that this practical aspect, as well as the organization of the faith [14](perfecti and credentes) is very similar to Manichean practises and doctrine. In fact, it appears, that the Cathars are just another Manichean denomination.
View attachment 513673
Arvern is still surviving in the Massif Central
The Arvern language is being gradually pushed into the higher and higher parts of the Loire valley.
Lastly, we have Armorica, the large peninsula on the westernmost tip of Neustria. Considering probability, it will not be far-fetched, if this Brythonic-speaking peninsula becomes part of the Angevin domains, while maintaining its institutions, customs and culture. Thus, the Armoricans maintain their own autonomy, while benefitting from the protection of a larger realm.
[1] At first, I thought I could just have it stick at Hadrians Wall, but then I realized the Viking England is centred on the city of York which is on the east coast and in the north. So yes, the border between England and Scotland is at the same place as OTL, although this is not on purpose.
[2] The urbanization of Scotland in ATL is slower than in OTL.
[3] Perhaps here, Wales and Scotland switch places. Scottish identity in this timeline is going to be very much connected to Gaelic language, while Welsh be more non-ethnic, allowing for Saxons, Welshmen and Latin speakers all to call themselves Welsh.
[4] Yes, I´ve seen Ivanhoe.
[5] Guyanish
[6] Arpitan
[7] In contrast to OTL
[8] Dauphiné
[9] Guiana is the word in the native Guyanish language which is descended from ancient roman Aquitania.
[10] Guyanish is the demonym from Guiana, and denotes Occitan.
[11] These were actually second level subdivisions in OTL
[12] Poitou
[13] Berry and Bourbonaise
[14] A network of bishoprics to include Albi, Tolosa, Carcassona and Agen
- Tomislav Addai
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