The Middle Ages
Lost Empire When Rome fell, knowledge went with it. Libraries were burned and there was little interest in literature or arts The army was lost too leaving the people with no protection.
New Germanic Kingdoms Germanic invaders (aka barbarians), overrun the Western Roman Empire in 400’s Fighting disrupts trade and government. People abandon cities This marks the beginning of the Middle Ages, sometimes called “The Dark Ages” 500 AD to 1500 AD (approx)
New Germanic Kingdoms As cities are abandoned and the level of learning declines, knowledge of the Latin language and culture is almost completely lost. Introduction of the Germanic dialects changes Latin into new languages. As a result, Europe loses its common language
New Germanic Kingdoms Germanic peoples (aka barbarians) began moving into Roman territory by the third century. The Visigoths occupied Spain and Italy. The Ostrogoths took control of Italy in the fifth century.
New Germanic Kingdoms By 500 AD the Western Roman Empire was under complete control of Germanic kings.
New Germanic Kingdoms Two powerful Germanic tribes were the Angles from Denmark and the Saxons from Northern Germany. They moved into Britain in the 5th century and became known as the Anglo-Saxons.
The Birth of Kings As in most cultures at the time, Europe was ruled by kings or emperors. They were thought, usually, to be God’s representatives on earth. They were NOT elected. 7.6.4
The Frankish Kingdom The Frankish kingdom is one of the longest lasting Germanic states on the European continent. It is now modern day France
CLOVIS and the Franks
Clovis By 511 AD he established the Frankish kingdom. Converting to Christianity assures him the support of the church.
Charles Martel 686 – 741 AD Nickname: “Charles the Hammer” Early ruler of the Frankish kingdom Father to Pepin (the short) Grandfather to Charlemagne
Charles Martel Best known for: Defeating the Muslims at the Battle of Tours in 732 AD Earned the nickname “the Hammer” Considered a founding figure of the Middle Ages
Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
Charlemagne Grandson of Charles Martel. He was very religious. Worked militarily to unite all of Europe as an empire based on Christianity. Also focused heavily on the importance of education.
Charlemagne Became king of France in 768 AD. Ruled until 814 AD. He expanded the Frankish kingdom into what became known as the Carolingian Empire. 7.6.8
Charlemagne On December 25th, 800 AD he was crowned emperor of the Romans. The Pope crowned him emperor. Founder of the Holy Roman Empire. This testifies to the enduring nature of the idea of the Roman Empire. The coronation also symbolized the coming together of the Romans, Christian, and Germanic elements that forged European civilization.
Charlemagne Known as the “Father of Europe” Considered one of history’s greatest kings. During his reign there was a renewed interest in Latin culture and classical works (works of Greeks and Romans) as a result of his desire to promote learning. Monasteries played an important role in the revival of learning. Benedictine monks copied Christian and classical Latin manuscripts in scriptoria, or writing rooms. Most of the Roman works we have today exist because Carolingian monks copied them.
The Vikings
VIKINGS! Vikings invade western Europe around 800 AD They come from Scandinavia: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway
VIKINGS!
VIKINGS! Viking long ships sail in shallow water, allowing raids inland. The arrival of Viking raiders destroyed the unity that Charlemagne established.
VIKINGS! As a result, the people of Europe once again focused purely on survival. Trade stopped Learning stopped the “Dark Ages” were back in full force.
And so… People turned to feudalism for protection. Landowners hired knights to protect the peasants who agreed to work for the landowners. This further divided Europe.