Middle Ages - Why did we need castles and knights?

We have begun our study of the Middle Ages. This time period focuses on Europe, between 500 and 1400 CE (formerly AD). Without the raids from the Vikings in the north and the growth of Islam from the south and east, Europe would have developed very differently. After the glory of Rome, and the lack of civilization across what used to be the empire, only the Roman Catholic Church (the only Christian church at the time) provided structure and aid to most people. Feudalism and the manor system helped to organize, govern, and feed the people through what is known as the Dark Ages, but once the threats of Islam and the Vikings were reduced, Western Europe flourished and towns rose up at the crossroads. Chapters 17 and 18 in your World History book need to be read, and feel free to explore the other resources available here.