8th century

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/8th-century

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the chronological span?701 CE to 800 CE
2. What is the key military engagements?Siege of Constantinople (717-718 CE), Battle of Tours (732 CE)
3. What was the 8th century like?It was a time of big changes, with Islamic armies expanding, Vikings beginning to raid, and Asian empires growing strong.
4. Why did Vikings start raiding Europe?They were driven by population pressure, trade opportunities, and a desire for wealth.

Umayyad Caliphate: The second of the Islamic caliphates, known for its vast territorial expansion across North Africa and into Europe.
Byzantine Empire: The continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, a major power that resisted Umayyad expansion.
Franks: A Germanic confederation that formed the basis of modern France and Germany, crucial in halting Umayyad advances.
Viking Age: A period of Scandinavian exploration, raiding, trading, and settlement that began in the late 8th century.