Early Middle Ages
500-1000 CE. Medieval Period The first 500 years known as Early Middle
Ages or the Dark Ages Dark---Levels of learning and culture not as
great as they had been during the Greek and Roman Times
Instability of government
Economic Activity
Bridges, roads and sewage systems not maintained
Less trading in western Europe Urban to rural (subsistence farming)
Political Activity
Kingdoms that developed were small and weak Frankish Kingdom the strongest (France to present
day Germany) Germanic people Christians Charles Martel—organized an army to fight the
Moors (Muslims who were invading Spain) 732 Martel’s forces defeat the Moors at the Battle
of Tours
Charlemagne
Strongest Frankish ruler Martel’s Grandson Empire included modern France, Germany,
Austria, northern Italy and a portion of Spain
Spread Christianity
Charlemagne
Pope crowned Charlemagne the Frankish king and gave him the title emperor of the Romans
Charlemagne instituted reforms, education, arts etc.
Gave large estates to nobles who had served him in the army or government. This is a factor that leads to the rise in Feudalism.
Vikings
Fierce fighters and sailors from Scandinavia Attack western Europe periodically Attack settlements on the coasts of England,
Ireland, Scotland and the Frankish kingdom Most Vikings were farmers, not invaders Eventually they set up the independent
kingdoms of Scandinavia.
Later Middle Ages
1000-1500 CE More frequent wars between armies of
knights Many small kingdoms of Western Europe
developed political strength and size
Agricultural Revolution
3 field system (plant on two fields, leave third to fallow)
Horse collar—horse replaced oxen (faster) Iron-tipped plow—previously wood
Growth of trade and towns
Manors began to produce food surpluses that were sold for cash
Money to buy goods Merchants and artisans began to settle in
towns and set up permanent shops Towns grew in size
Feudalism
After Charlemagne no strong government in western Europe
Economic disorder and constant warfare threatened people’s security
800-1300 feudalism develops
Feudalism
Europe’s economic, political and social system, based on the concept of protection
King grants a large piece of land (fief) to an individual noble (lord) in return for political and military support
Nobles who received the land would grant smaller pieces of land to lesser lords in return for loyalty and protection
Feudalism
Most vassals were knights. Trained soldiers who had swore allegiance to a greater lord and were obligated to defend him.
Knights followed the code of chivalry Common people—artisans and peasants
performed economic functions for the lord in return for his protection.