the middle ages the early medieval period-the dark ages
TRANSCRIPT
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