Byzantine Empire experienced sudden decline, Normans gained European dominance. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy split within Christendom. William the Conqueror became King of England after Battle of Hastings. First Crusade occurred from 1096 to 1099, capturing Jerusalem
High Middle Ages began with Byzantine decline and Norman rise. Great Schism split Western and Eastern churches in 1054. Holy Roman Emperors reached peak under Salians in Germany. Norman conquest of England in 1066 marked end of Viking age. France saw decline of monarchy, rise of Aquitaine and Normandy magnates
Turkish tribes migrated from Central Asia to the West in the 11th century. Seljuks established state in Isfahan, ruling over holy lands. Alp Arslan expanded empire by conquering Armenia and Georgia in 1064. Battle of Manzikert in 1071 marked Turks' entry into Anatolia
Seljuks settled in Jand in 985, converting to Islam. Sultan Tugrul Beg established empire in 1037. Battle of Dandanaqan ended Ghaznavid rule in Central Asia. Tugrul captured Baghdad in 1057, earning title "King of East and West"
Seljuk sultan Alp Arslan allowed Turkish allies to migrate to Armenia in 1060s. Romanus IV led unsuccessful 1068 expedition against Seljuks. Romanus offered treaty to Arslan in 1070, which was accepted
Seljuks established state in Iran with Isfahan as capital in 11th century. Abbasid Caliph appointed Tugrul Bey as "King of East and West". Seljuks sought to control lands conquered by Prophet Muhammed. Byzantine emperors negotiated with Seljuks for border control