1. Seljuk armies take over parts of Asia, Byzantine lands
2. Eastern and Western Christian churches split
3. Norman armies conquer England
4. Armed pilgrims recapture the Holy Land
5. Toltec empire continues to flourish
6. Cities in Africa and Europe grow
7. Commerce across the Sahara in Africa thrives
8. Chinese culture flowers under the Song dynasty
9. Ghana Empire in turmoil

6. Cities in Africa and Europe grow

The growth of trade across the Sahara and Europe has led to a population explosion in commercial centers of those areas. Many African farmers and European peasants are exchanging rural life for new opportunities in thriving towns and cities.

View from Today