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.