Countries That Used To Exist In Medieval Europe

Summary

In a detailed exploration of a historical map of Europe from 1444, the video examines the continent's political landscape as it transitioned from the Middle Ages. It highlights the absence of modern nation-states, focusing on various kingdoms and principalities that existed at the time, such as Portugal, Aragon, Granada, and Burgundy. The speaker discusses how these regions, alongside others like Venice and the Republic of Novgorod, eventually disappeared or transformed into modern countries. Engaging viewers with a call for further discussion, the video invites them to delve deeper into the histories of these fascinating medieval states.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇹 Portugal had established modern borders by 1444, making it an early example of a nation-state.
• 🇪🇸 Spain was not yet unified in 1444, with significant kingdoms like León, Castile, Aragon, and the Muslim Emirate of Granada coexisting.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Duchy of Burgundy was a powerful entity that existed from 918 to 1482, ultimately absorbed into the French Crown.
• 🇫🇷 France appeared fragmented in 1444, though much of the territory was under French control or influence.
• 🇮🇪 Ireland was a mosaic of independent counties and duchies, with many disappearing due to English conquest.
• 🇭🇺 Hungary was significantly larger in 1444, encompassing parts of modern Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia.
• 🇱🇹 The Grand Duchy of Lithuania held vast territories, including parts of modern Poland and Ukraine.
• 🇮🇹 Italian city-states like Venice and Genoa were important maritime powers before the unification of Italy.
• 🏰 The Crimean Khanate existed from 1441 to 1783, highlighting the complex territorial landscape of medieval Europe.
• 🗺️ The Holy Roman Empire was a confederation of semi-sovereign states, leading to a chaotic political landscape in Central Europe.

Q & A

What significant period does the map created by Radka Tavo Bratka represent?

The map represents Europe as it looked in the year 1444, during the transition from the Middle Ages.

Which modern concept of countries began to emerge around the 17th century?

The idea of the nation-state began to emerge as a modern concept in the 17th century.

What were the key differences in territorial governance in Europe around 1444 compared to today?

In 1444, Europe was characterized by a feudal system with various kingdoms, duchies, and principalities, many of which do not exist today as independent entities.

Which kingdoms existed in the Iberian Peninsula during this time, and what was unique about them?

The kingdoms of Aragon and Granada existed in the Iberian Peninsula, with Granada being the last Muslim stronghold before falling in 1492.

What happened to the Duchy of Burgundy in 1477?

The Duchy of Burgundy was absorbed into the French crown after the death of Duke Charles the Bold in the Battle of Nancy.

How did the political landscape in Italy differ from today during the medieval period?

Italy was divided into various independent states like the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Naples, which later united into modern Italy.

What was the significance of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1444?

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania occupied a vast territory, including parts of modern Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine, making it one of the major powers of the time.

How did the Republic of Novgorod influence the development of Russia?

Novgorod was a prominent trading republic that was eventually conquered by the Grand Duchy of Moscow, contributing to the formation of the Russian state.

What role did maritime republics like Venice and Genoa play in medieval Europe?

Venice and Genoa were significant maritime republics that dominated Mediterranean trade and established outposts, greatly influencing economic and cultural exchanges.

What happened to the Crimean Khanate in 1783?

The Crimean Khanate was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1783, violating a previous treaty that guaranteed its non-interference.