The Middle Ages

Middle of What? Rome and Renaissance (6th-14th century) Petrarch called the "Dark Ages" Political turmoil Economic and cultural stagnation

Political Turmoil Vacuum left by Rome Fragmentation Viking raids Muslim incursions

Manorialism Aristocratic landowners control agricultural laborers Originated in Roman Empire Serfs owed significant obligations and loyalty Low-production farming but self-sufficient

Farming Hard work Moldboard Three-field system

Feudalism Political fragmentation King provides vassals with wealth and land. Vassals/lords provide king with service.

Political Developments Rise of German kingdoms and the Franks Clovis: Christianity Charles Martel: Carolingian Pepin the Short Charlemagne Otto and the Holy Oman Empire Feudal monarchy in France and England

Cultural Life Education limited; most people farmers and superstitious Literate clergy Benedict of Nursia: Monasticism Rise of commerce after 10th century begins a slow change.

The Church Only institution with centralization Papacy leads from Rome Political power Northern pagans assimilate Saved literacy; conflict with superstition and the vernacular

Intellectual Developments From monasteries to universities Rediscovery of Aristotle Rationalism v. Conservativism and Faith Abelard's "Yes and No" Aquinas and scholasticism Bernard of Clairvaux counters

Improved Economy Growth of urban trade and banking, especially in Italy Manufacturing, merchant, and artisan guilds Money economy More political stability Manorialism weakens

The Crusades Religious reasons Political reasons Consequences

The Black Death Political consequences Economic consequences Cultural consequences