2. The Fall of the Roman Empire
& the Dawn of the Dark Ages (Middle Ages)

3. An Empire Divided Between 400 and 500 A.D. the Roman Empire Collapsed
The empire was divided in two
the Western Empire (Capital - Rome)
the Eastern Empire (Capital – Constantinople) Also known as the Byzantine Empire

4. An Empire Divided

5. Rise of the “Dark Ages”
Why is this part of the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages?
Roman civilization was lost and all the benefits thereof.
All government administration
Roads
Postal system
Sea transportation
Safe Trade Routes
Coinage
Rule of law
Artistic skill
Science & Scholarship and much more.
Europe regresses into an age of barbarianism – lack of unification.

6. Rise of the “Dark Ages”
The Military system of the Roman Empire had been in decline due to :
Western Roman armies consisting of barbarian war bands serving under barbarian leaders.
The Eastern Empire relying heavily on mercenaries
One unifying force was the Catholic Church established by Constantine.
This was later divided into Roman Catholicism in the west and the Eastern Orthodox church in the east.

7. Barbarian Military Organization
The War Bands or Retinues ( a group of attendants) of kings, Princes and aristocrats, (adolescents and young men of noble birth)
Retinues lived in permanent attendance upon their lords
In return Retinues received sustenance, gifts and possibly land

8. Mobility & Raiding Raiding parties created local Lords/Strongmen
Most of these raiders are highly mobile
Arab/Muslims Armies – cavalry
Vikings – ships/ Longboats
Mongols – horse archers

9. Mobility & Raiding Keys to Raiding Successes Mobility Surprise
Choice of Time and Place
Little opposition
No standing state armies to protect the populace.
Local solutions to the problem of raids are fortifications and local strongmen.
This leads the rise and success of the feudal system, Castles and Knights in Western Europe

10. Warfare for Profit Focus of War changes in the Middle Ages
Focuses mainly on plunder, raids for bounty, and quick wealth.
Focus no longer on long term exploitation or building strong empires
Conquest based on profit does not create strong Empires or states (nations).
Once the plunder is gone there is nothing to keep the government together.
Loyalty to the king or lord is based on land grants

11. Norse or Viking
Viking is a borrowed word from the native Scandinavian term for the Norse warriors.
More properly referred to as Norse.

12. Norse Raiders 8th – 11th century
Raided the coasts of Scandinavia, the British Isles, and other parts of Europe.
Goal is loot.
No organized military force to stop these raids.
Speed and surprise advantage in raiding.
Video ->>>>

13. Create armed camps for future raids.
These camps later blend with local populations.
Some see raids as migration.
Examples of settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (Canada).
Ireland and British Isles are main areas of settlement.

14. Long ship Shallow draft galley. Prefect raiding vessel.
Enter rivers and easily beached.
No need for docks or harbors.

17. Viking Raider Warriros Viking - Terror 1/5

18. FEUDALISM
FEUDALISM

19. Feudal System The Nucleus of a royal army was the king’s household
This was supplemented by nobles’ retinues
In some places in Europe another source of soldiers was levies from towns and cities
In theory, all free men, could be called into service
In reality only those who possessed sufficient property to equip themselves were subject to military service

20. Weapons and Military Equipment
Iron weapons and body armor
very expensive – only the wealthy (Kings, lords and aristocrats) could afford.
Defensive Weapons
Helmet (conical with nose guards)
Shield – oblong of kite-shaped
Shirt/ coat of mail

21. Weapons and Military Equipment
Offensive Weapons
Long Sword
Short Sword
Throwing Axe
Spears
Lance
The Viking Battle Axe
Bows and Arrows
Tactics for victory center around mass charge of heavy horse

22. Weapons and Military Equipment
Mounted Troops
Different types of cavalry become main striking arm.
Carolingian Calvary – Armored Knights
Conquest: Knights and Armor-part 1-3