Early Societies 3000 BCE – 1500 CE

Medieval London

London in 2015 London is an incredible city with a rich history. It has hosted the Summer Olympics and is home to our Queen, Elizabeth. London is full of art, architecture, food, and music.

London in 1066 London was a fort built by the Romans to defend their English territory. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, London was abandoned but it slowly started to grow again because of the Thames River. By 1066 King William was building impressive stone buildings and people were moving to London by the 100s.

The Thames The River Thames is the longest river in England. London is built on the shores of the Thames. Much like Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, water was very important to the English. It was very important to the English in the Middle Ages for many reasons.

Protection The Thames protected the English from attack. During the Middle Ages many different groups were fighting for the land we call England today. The Thames acted as a natural barrier protecting the city on one side.

Trade Food and other items made in London were easily transported because of the Thames. Boats took items all over England and brought other items into London on the Thames.

Food The Thames also gave to English a source of food. Fish was a big part of the English diet and the Thames had a great supply of fish. It also supplied farmers with water and fertile soil for their crops. The Thames also turned water wheels that helped turn wheat into grain which was then turned into bread.

London Bridges Falling Down Using your ipod and wikipedia find the full lyrics to this song. – What do you think this song is about? – What was the bridge used for? – What body of water did the bridge cross?