Unit 8 The Early Middle Ages Day 1 – Standards 9a & 9c

Day 1 – Standards 9a & 9c Learning Objectives Gain a historical context for the Middle Ages in Europe. Explore the foundations of Medieval Society Obtain an understanding of Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire.

Keys to Success I can explaining the rise of Frankish kings, the Age of Charlemagne, and the revival of the idea of the Roman Empire I can, in writing, describe why the Catholic Church grew in importance AND how it affected the lives of all people (Peasants to Emperors)

The Early Middle Ages – NOTHING TO WRITE, JUST READ! The decline of the Roman Empire led to disorder everywhere in Western Europe. Many of the Germanic invaders were too weak to govern well. As a result, towns and villages fell into ruin. Roads and bridges were not repaired. Robbers roamed the countryside, making it unsafe for travelers. Trading and business slowed down, and there were shortages of food and other goods. People were no longer interested in learning, and many books and works of art were damaged or lost.

Introduction Gradual decline of the Roman Empire led to a period of European history called the Middle Ages (Medieval Period) The Middle Ages took place in Europe lasting from the 5th century until the 15th (approx. 476 C.E. – 1453 C.E.). Repeated Germanic invasions led to new institutions emerging to replace the Roman Empire Invasions disrupted trade and businesses collapsed Cities were abandoned as centers of administration Population of western Europe became mostly rural and learning declined.

Roman Catholic Church became the unifying force in western Europe Roman Catholic Church grew in importance after Roman authority declined Roman Catholic Church became the unifying force in western Europe Held the most influence over the lives of people in medieval Europe During the Middle Ages, the Pope anointed the Emperors, missionaries carried Christianity to the Germanic tribes, and the Church served the social, political, and religious needs of the people.

Foundations of Early Medieval Society (9A) Classical heritage of Rome Despite changes caused by invasions and constant warfare, the classical heritage of Rome serves as a foundation for medieval society Christian beliefs Monks converted Germanic tribes to Christianity, ministered to local people and preserved Greco- Roman knowledge. Germanic Kings ruled Christian Kingdoms. Monasteries preserved religious & classical literature Monks opened schools, maintained libraries, copied books and created Europe’s best-educated communities

Foundations of Early Medieval Society (Cont) Customs of Germanic tribes Most Germanic tribes originally came from the Scandinavian area, homeland of the Vikings Tribes lived in small communities governed by oral rules and traditions

Influence of the Roman Catholic Church (9A) Secular authority declines as Church authority grows. During the Middle Ages the Pope anointed Emperors In AD 800, Pope anointed Charlemagne as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Charlemagne conquers enemies; also spreads Christianity Missionaries carried Christianity and the Latin alphabet to Germanic tribes Monasteries preserved Greco-Roman cultural achievements Church & its priests served social, political, and religious needs of people

Age of Charlemagne (9C) Small Germanic kingdoms replace Roman provinces Germanic tribes are loyal to their community, not a king The Church survives and provides order and security In 511, a Germanic people, the Franks, unite under Clovis Clovis converts to Christianity; therefore, Rome supports his military campaigns against other Germanic peoples Charlemagne, also called Charles the Great, a descendant of Clovis, comes to power in 771 These rulers restored Roman traditions and had close ties to the Catholic Church.

Under Charlemagne, the Franks emerge as a force in Western Europe Charlemagne expanded his kingdom; conquered Muslims in Spain and other Germanic tribes to the east Charlemagne spread Christianity & United western Europe Pope crowned Charlemagne as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Charlemagne used his military to protect the pope & in return the pope made Charlemagne Emperor Popes continue to crown future Emperors Frankish kings used military power to expand their territory The alliance between Frankish kings and the church reestablished Roman culture (Christianity) in Western Europe

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) 742-814 Germanic Kings having close ties to the Church & Roman heritage led to the establishment of church power in political life and reinterpretation of Roman culture Charlemagne encouraged learning Ordered monasteries to open schools to train new monks and he opened a palace school Most of Western Europe was included in the new empire Churches, roads, and schools were built to unite the empire Emperors, like Charlemagne, use church money to raise armies, fix roads & help poor Charlemagne (Charles the Great) 742-814