Rise of Europe

Rise of Germanic Kingdoms Roman Empire falls Germanic tribes rise Goths, Vandals, Saxons, and Franks Mostly farmers and herders (far different from Rome) New cultures start to blend Germanic tribes with Christian traditions of Rome Islam becomes a relevant in the world Began in 600s Overrun Christian lands in Palestine and North Africa Eventually make its way into Europe where it is finally stopped in France in 732

Charlemagne Briefly united Western Europe Spent much of his reign fighting the Muslims in Spain Pope Leo III crowns him Emperor of Rome This split Rome into Western and Eastern empires Also split the Christian world Wanted to unify Christian Europe Set up local rulers and systems to hear of problems in different regions; encouraged learning After Charlemagne Further spread Christianity Empire did not stay in tact because Muslims attacks continued and Viking raids

Feudalism Loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords. In exchange, the lesser lords would pledge service and loyalty. Manors- lord’s estate Serfs- bound to the land (not slaves but………..) Could not leave or marry without the lord’s permission Worked the land and did the jobs of the manor Paid fees to the lord in exchange for protection In theory, they were guaranteed food, housing, and land

Medieval Church Middle Ages Church set out to convert Western Europe Late Middle Ages- Western Europe was a Christian civilization Administered sacraments- sacred rites of the Church Hierarchy- village churches, bishops, pope Women- equal before God, but needed men on earth. Power grows Papal supremacy Canon law- Church had its own laws Corruption Excommunication threats- can’t receive the sacraments or burial Uneven distribution of wealth (selling offices of the church, etc.) Reform movement happens to fix many of these problems

Economy Agricultural Revolution Travel gets better and so does trade Better tools like iron plow, new kind of harness. Clear forests, drain swamps, and claim grazing land Three-field system- 1st- grain; 2nd, peas and beans; 3rd- unplanted. Travel gets better and so does trade With trade increasing, so did the need for commercial businesses like banks Creates partnerships and more modern business means Merchants, traders, and artisans form middle class Guilds develop- associations of artisans or merchants Children would become apprentices, or trainee. (Could be women as well)

Townlife Towns had large walls As population grew, room in the walls was overflowing Narrow streets Led to: Filthy conditions No garbage collection or sewer system- simply thrown out into the streets. Constant threat of fire