the middle ages the early medieval period-the dark ages

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The Middle Ages The Early Medieval Period-The Dark Ages

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The Middle AgesThe Early Medieval Period-The Dark Ages

Fall of RomeRome lost power

◦ people disobeyed Roman laws

◦ Roman soldiers couldn’t keep order

Germanic tribes moved south & took over Roman lands

1 Roman empire for 500 yrs-now 100’s of little kingdoms took its place

Germanic “kingdoms”Always at war w/

each otherAlmost impossible to

do business◦ robbers attacked on

roads◦ Merchants afraid to

transport goodsNo real govts

couldn’t collect taxescouldn’t repair roads/bridgestowns & villages fall into ruin

“Dark Ages” Loss of interest in

learning-many valuable books & artwork lost in wars

Schools closed Knowledge of past was

lost-only time for day to day needs

“Dark Ages”◦ No schools◦ All tribes fought◦ Afraid to travel◦ Very few could read or

write◦ Towns falling apart-seemed

like the world was falling down around them

◦ Very difficult for those living at this time

FranksLargest of Germanic

tribes-later become basis of civilization for France, Germany, & Italy

481-Clovis united the Franks & became king; capital of Paris

1st Germanic king to become Christian-”Roman Catholic”

Muslim Empire Islam-begins in 600’s Greatly expanded their

territory from Palestine in the Middle East to N. Africa to Spain

Christian leaders & kingdoms very worried

Muslim crossed into France Charles Martel in 732

defeated the Muslims at the Battle of Tours

Stopping their advance strengthened Christianity

Later trade with Muslims, whose learning was far more advanced than Europeans

Charlemagne 800-Charlemagne

(Charles Martel’s grandson) was the only one strong enough to defeat the rest of the European tribes

United them into 1 kingdom-with one religion-Christianity (Roman Catholicism)

Then fought the enemies of Christianity

Earned him praise from Pope Leo III-declared him “Holy Roman Emperor”

Brought back law & order

Charlemagne’s Legacy New emperor for the

Romans-deepens split between east & west Roman empire

Unified Christian empire-Christendom

Local ruler (missi dominici)-hear complaints, fix roads, administer justice

Revival of learning-Charlemagne was illiterate◦ Encouraged Latin learning &

revive glory of Rome Further blending of

Germanic, Roman, & Christian traditions

Charlemagne’s Empire His heirs faced new invasions-

Muslim forces still posed a threat

900’s-power struggles in Middle East stop invasions into Europe

Magyars-(900) nomads from Hungary overran Eastern Europe & parts of Germany, France & Italy-pushed back about 950 AD

Vikings-broke last pieces of his empire◦ Destructive raiders◦ Late 700’s began looting &

burning communities along waters in Europe

◦ Opened trade routes between N. Europe & Mediterranean

◦ Short-lived colony in N. America◦ Settled in Europe & mixed with

people there