The Early Middle Ages 7.1 Western Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire Germanic tribes carve up Europe into small kingdoms Charlemagne unites much of Western Europe for a brief period

Western Europe in Decline 500-1000 (Medieval Period)Europe fell into political, social and economic decline Politically divided, rural and largely cut off from advanced civilizations Towns are emptied, waves of invaders, classical learning ceases and trade slows to a trickle The Dark Ages of the Medieval Period (Latin for “middle age”) Greco-Roman, Germanic and Christendom traditions slowly blend

Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms 486, Clovis, king of the Franks, conquers Gaul and creates the Merovingian Dynasty Rules lands according to Frankish customs but retains much of Roman legacy Converts to his wife’s religion (Clothilda was a Christian) after defeating an enemy in battle Gains powerful ally in the pope Leaders of Church and Christian lands fear Muslim empire’s growth into Spain

Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms Charles Martel rallied warriors to defeat Muslims at the Battle of Tours, 732, halting Islamic advance into Europe Sign that God is on their side Learns value of mounted warriors on horseback (cavalry is born, ergo birth of Chivalry) 768, Charlemagne becomes king of the Franks and unites much of Western Europe ( 768-814 CE )

Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms Christmas Day, 800 CE, Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor Significant b/c Christian pope crowned Germanic king successor to Roman Emperors Revived Christian community which came to be called Christendom Charlemagne helped spread Christianity to conquered peoples and appoints powerful nobles to rule local regions

Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms Sends out missi dominici to check on roads, listen to grievances and see justice done Charlemagne uses education to unify kingdom Revives Latin learning and encourages creation of local schools Builds his court at Aachen and revives glory of Rome

Europe After Charlemagne After Charles’s death in 814 CE, his son Louis I took over followed by Charlemagne’s grandsons Treaty of Verdun, 843 CE, separates the Frankish Kingdom into 3 regions Charlemagne’s Legacy Extended Christendom Set up strong, efficient governments New Waves of Invasions ( map )

Feudalism and the Manor Economy 7.2 *How did feudalism shape medieval society? *Describe the life of knights and nobles *How did the economic system of the manor work and affect peasants and nobles?

Land and Protection (fiefs) The Feudal Pyramid King Noble Knights Peasants Serfs Lord Land and Protection (fiefs) Vassal Loyalty and service

Feudalism Invasions from Vikings, Muslims and Magyars forced people to seek protection Medieval society was a network of mutual obligations Powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords or vassals in return for loyalty and service

Many people were both lord and vassal at the same time Many lords held multiple fiefs from various lords which made relationships complex at times Lord’s manors were meant to be self sufficient Only the lords children received a basic educated Peasants worked the land and also had to pay taxes in the form of products Serfs could only be free if they ran away the manor for a year and a day

Women’s Roles Noble women played active roles Became “lady of the manor” when husbands went off Some went to war to defend their lands Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) had a hand in French politics Inheritance was most times passed down through oldest son Some noblewomen had land as their dowries Some were sent off to convents Most were expected to run the manorial house Cooking, cleaning, teaching children

The Medieval Church 7.3 *How the church shaped Medieval life *Monastic life and the influence of monks and nuns *How the power of the church grew during the Middle Ages *Describe the situation of Jews in Medieval Europe *The difference in the church’s architectural styles

Church dominates Life At the center of every town and manor was the church Priests celebrate the 7 sacraments and have the most contact with the local population People believe that the sacraments will lead to salvation Most peasants are illiterate so priests interpret the Bible and teach through images Local priests guide on moral issues, feed the needy and help the sick as well as run schools

Church Architecture Romanesque churches Gothic Cathedrals Tall ceilings that point to heaven/ shape of a cross Stained glass windows Flying buttresses Small thick/heavy walls Little windows Uses domes, arches and vaults

Monastic Life Benedictine Rule Took 3 vows – obedience, poverty & chastity Worked in the fields Developed new farming methods which helped improve the economy in the long run Studied and served the poor Set up schools for learning, copied manuscripts from Greco-Roman times . . . Kept learning/Latin alive Looked after poor and sick and set up lodging for pilgrims

Clergy – priests, monks, nuns and lay people Growth of the Church Medieval popes claimed papal supremacy over secular rulers Most clergy were highly educated and acted as advisors to kings Noblemen usually wound up as high clergy Many had their own lands that were added to the church’s land Power of Excommunication And Interdiction Truce of God where clergy tried to force nobles into peace Pope Cardinals Bishops Archbishops Clergy – priests, monks, nuns and lay people

Economic Recovery Sparks Change 7.4 New Technologies spark agricultural revolution Revival of trade revolutionized commerce and led to growth of towns Rise of Middle Class and role of the guilds Life in Medieval Towns and Cities