 Western Roman empire falls, c. 476 C.E.  Eastern Roman (Byzantine Empire) continues until 1453, but without a unified empire in the west, Europe breaks up into many loyalty based kingdoms – where else did this happen? (hint: south Asia)  This period is known as the “medieval” period, or middle ages, or “dark” ages

The eastern half of the empire becomes known as the “Byzantine Empire” Center of trade, art, and architecture While the western Roman empire falls, the Byzantine Empire continues for another 1000 years Some reasons: loyal army, highly skilled and organized bureaucracy, wealth based on agriculture, dynastic marriages and diplomatic alliances Latin is replaced by Greek as the major language of the Byzantines in the 7 th century Justinian’s Code – basis for future law codes Although it was frequently attacked, it resisted invasions

The Hagia Sophia

Vikings From Scandinavia- Sweden, Norway, and Denmark The word Viking means “pirate” Viking specialty was raiding and pillaging villages and monasteries (berserkers)

The Vikings

Ships

Where they went All around Europe, including England, France, Sicily, and Greenland Visited North America (Newfoundland) but made no lasting connection- Leif Erikson (1000)

Feudalism Evolved for protection Powerful lords divided their land (fiefs) among lesser lords Lesser lords (vassals) pledged loyalty to the greater lord Lords would give their vassals land and protection Vassals would give their lords money (products) and military service Dramatic class differences

Lord’s estate was called a manor- could include villages and surrounding lands- basically self- sufficient Land was worked by serfs Bound to the land- could not leave without permission Protected

Serfs and Slaves Basic differences: Serfs were not bought and sold Had some rights Could inherit property Both institutions continued into the 1800s

Women Had some rights, could own property, for example (Could Islamic women own property?) Rights depended on class and location Noble marriages were usually arranged

Knights Mounted warriors Pledged loyalty to a lord or lords Began training at age 7 Learned to ride and fight After training they would be “dubbed” knights

Who could become a knight and why?

 The Catholic church was a unifying feature of medieval life. With a few exceptions, everyone was Catholic

Organization Roman Catholic Organization today: 1 Pope 2946 Bishops/Dioceses (Mother churches over parishes) 219,583 Priests/Parishes (Local churches)

Organization cont. Decentralized Used Roman public works (roads etc.) Missionary religion- converts Monasteries and monks – Poverty, chastity, and obedience

Schism Over Pope’s claim to Church authority Pope and Patriarch excommunicated each other (kicked each other out of the Church) Iconoclast Controversy: Byzantine Christians forbade the image of the cross as “idol worship” Byzantine empire converts many “Slavic” people to Christianity- Western Roman church wanted to as well but wasn’t as successful

Charlemagne Frankish king Converts to Christianity Allies with pope Crowned Holy Roman Emperor (makes schism worse) 800 C.E. Establishes centers of learning Helps spread Christianity

Medieval Events

Charlemagne Charlemagne’s empire collapses Europe breaks into regional monarchies with strong aristocratic influence

Holy Roman Empire Confederation of Germanic states Consisted of nearly 200 autonomous states Strongest state in early medieval Europe Lasted from 800 (Charlemagne) to 1806

Crusades Why? Wealth (younger sons); trade; Holy Land; Muslims conquer Byzantine territory; pilgrims Initiated by Europeans Main result is the transfer of culture, goods, and technology between European and Muslim lands- leads to Renaissance

Norman Conquest (1066) Normans (from northern France) conquer England- spread French culture William the Conqueror defeats Harold at the battle of Hastings