Simon Schama: ‘Dynasty’
1. According to Schama, who was the Greatest of all medieval
kings? Why? Enumerate some of his achievements.
Henry II was the greatest medieval king. He stopped the
anarchy. He is the father of the English state.
2. Which territories were under his power?
England, Normandy, Britanny, Anjou, and Aquitaine.
3. Which were the roots and origins of the dynasty?
The roots are in the Civil War. Matilda married Geoffrey of
Anjou. She gave birth to Henry II, the first Plantagenet king.
4. Describe Henry II’s character.
He was courage, temperamental, charming, and intelligent,
with a lot of energy.
5. When did Henry II get married? Who became his wife?
He married Eleanor of Aquitaine when he was 19.
6. Where was Aquitaine? Which was its capital city?
It’s between Anjou and the Pyrenees. The capital is
Poitiers.
7. How (or why) did Henry II become King of England?
Stephen took Normandy and it was demanded that if he
wanted to remained as king, he had to name Henry as his
heir. Within a year, Stephen died and Henry II acceded to
the throne.
8. Why does Schama assert that the 12th century was ‘the
springtime of the Middle Ages’?
Literature was spreading from cathedral schools,
monasteries were founded as well.
9. Which language did the new Monarchs of England speak?
French and no English at all.
10. What did the coronation oath imply?
Protect the church, preserve the lines of the ancestors, do
justice, and suppress evil laws and customs.
11. Name some of the changes in the judicial system under
Henry II.
He created a book with laws and limited the power of the
king.
12. Who was the Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry II?
Where was he from? Describe his family background.
History and Culture
Unit 3: Early Middle Ages (1066-1290)
