Introduction and Background to Modern Europe (circa 1450 C.E.)

Background to the Modern Era Fall of Roman Empire Catholic domination in the Middle Ages Challenges to Catholic Power Bubonic Plague 100 years War Great Schism Renaissance (Beginning of Modern Era)

Classical Civilizations GreeceRome

Ancient Greece : 1150 BCE- 146 BCE Map source: dialogues.org/tools/gk_wrld.htm eg

Roman Civilization Map Source: Thinkquest.org Roman Republic 509 BCE – 27 BCE Roman Empire 27 BCE – 476 CE

Legacy of Ancient Rome … following slides modified from Susan Pojer : Horace Greely H.S.

The Fall of Rome : 476 CE western_roman_empire_map.html

Middle Ages Roman empire 476 CE Renaissance circa 1450 CE

Feudalism /serfs

The Early Middle Ages

The Roman Catholic Church Pope Leo III Gothic Cathedral in Cologne

Roman Catholic Heirarchy

The Holy Roman Empire Charlemagne (Charles the Great)

The Holy Roman Empire

Statue of Otto I Empire of Otto I

Catholic Power and Intrigue in the Middle Ages 1054 : East-West Schism – Crusades  - Catholic Inquisition roots out Heresy – Avignon Papacy Great (aka: Western) Schism

Political and Social Upheaval in the Late Middle Ages

1450: “Modern Era” of Western Civilization begins Europe begins to rebound from Black Death (1347)

1450: Modern Era” of Western Civilization begins 1450 – Printing Press 1453 – end of 100 years War 1453 – Fall of Constantinople to Ottoman Turks

1450: Modern Era” of Western Civilization begins Renaissance “Rebirth” Renewed interest in achievements of classical civilizations Golden Age of creativity