1. LET’S REVIEW THE MIDDLE AGES If this content is brand new to you or you need more intense review, there is a link on website you can access.

2. WHEN AND HOW LONG? The Middle Ages lasted from roughly 500 AD to 1500 AD. That’s a THOUSAND YEARS! Historians break it down into 3 chunks: Early Middle Ages : 500—1000 High Middle Ages : 1000—1250 (Middle Middle Ages sounds silly doesn’t it?) Late Middle Ages : 1250--1500

3. MIDDLE AGES, MEDIEVAL TIMES & DARK AGES: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? When people use the terms Middle Ages, Medieval Times, and Dark Ages they are most likely referring to the same time period. The Dark Ages is usually referring to the Early Middle Ages (from 500 to 1000 AD). “Historians know a lot about Europe during the Roman Empire because the Romans kept excellent records of all that happened. However, the time after the Romans is "dark" to historians because there was no central government recording events. This is why historians call this time the Dark Ages.” When most people discuss the Middle Ages, they are referring to the events in Europe. However, Islam and Middle East went through a big change during this time period as well. (More on that perspective and series of events later.) http://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages_timeline.php

4. HOW DID THIS MESS GET STARTED? 476 AD —The Western half of the Roman Empire fell. The Roman Empire governed much of Europe. Without a stable or central government, local rulers and kings started fighting for power. Feuds + No central government = Dark Ages How did the Roman Empire Fall? There are LOTS of theories and historians still don’t agree 100%. Some of the big reasons might be: 1. Invasions by Barbarian tribes 2. Poor economy that relied too much on slave labor 3. It was split into two pieces that grew apart 4. Rapid growth and military expenses 5. Corruption in the government 6. Introduction of Christianity and loss of original values 7. Weak military Want to read more about the fall of Rome? Check this out: http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/8-reasons-why-rome-fell

5. ONCE THE ROMANS FALL, WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS? Clovis 481 AD—Clovis becomes king of the Franks. He united the Frankish tribes in the former Roman Empire. He was the first Frankish king to convert to Christianity. He did so after his wife urged him to pray to the Christian God. https://safrance.wordpress.com/20 15/05/27/clovis-king-to-rule-gaul/

6. Although not a key player yet…Muhammad 570 AD—Muhammad, prophet of Islam, was born. **Remember, much of what is shared now focuses on Europe, BUT his birth is important because he impacts this time period. His teachings impact us today. WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS NOW? https://oncedelivered.net/tag/five-pillars-of- islam/

7. Charlemagne 800 AD—Charlemagne is crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. He became King of the Franks in 768; then became King of Italy in 774, and then was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800. He unified most of Western Europe. He also laid the foundations for modern day France and Germany. He valued Christianity’s God, peace, and education which was a HUGE contrast from many other rulers at the time. Want to read more about what made Charlemagne so special? Check this out: http://www.history.com/topics/charlemagnehttp://www.history.com/topics/charlemagne WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS NOW? http://www.history.com/topics/charlemagne

8. ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END… Charlemagne died in January of 814. He reigned as king and/or emperor for more than 40 years. When he died, this empire was divided up among his heirs. But by the late 800’s it had dissolved. There was not enough strong leadership to hold the empire together. He greatly influenced the life and religion of those he ruled. Although not a perfect man, he is known as the “Father of Europe.” http://schoolworkhelper.net/charl emagne-biography-conquest/