1. 1/8 Focus: Important Terms: Do Now:
The Christian church helped to unify western Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
Important Terms:
Papal, Secular, Excommunicate
Do Now:
Identify one effect that the fall of Rome and invasions by Germanic tribes had on western Europe?

2. Germanic Kingdoms The Power of the Church
The Middle Ages
Germanic Kingdoms
The Power of the Church

3. The Church in the Middle Ages
Two major Christian Churches
Orthodox Christian Church
Byzantine
Roman Catholic Church
Western Europe

4. The Church in the Middle Ages
Catholic Church led by a pope based out of Rome
Papacy; Papal
Believed by followers to be the spiritual representative of Jesus on Earth

5. The Church in the Middle Ages
Catholic church provided order and security after the fall of Rome
Served the spiritual needs of followers
Became a powerful political force
Had authority over powerful rulers

6. Nuns and Monks Devoted their life to prayer and good works
Lived in monasteries or convents
Religious communities
Had to follow strict rules
Benedictine rule

7. Nuns and Monks Took an oath of poverty
Provided social support to communities
Helped the sick and the poor
Educated children
Preserved ancient writings by copying Greek and Roman texts
Periods 4,7,8 ended here

8. A Medieval Monk’s Day

9. Nuns and Monks Missionaries
Worked to convert Germanic tribes and Celts in Britain
Example: St. Patrick setup the church in Ireland
Per. 2,3 ended here

10. Economic Power of the Church
Church required Christians to pay a tithe
Tax
Required to pay 10% of income
Church became very wealthy
Became the largest landholder in Europe

11. Political Power of the Church
Church had its own laws and courts
Canon Law
Claimed authority over secular rulers
Secular= not having to do with religion
Could excommunicate rulers who did not obey the church
Banned from the church

12. Role of the Church in Everyday Life
Church provided spiritual protection in exchange for land, protection and crops
Christians attended village churches led by priests (clergy)

13. Points for Discussion
What role did the Church play in Western Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire?
What was excommunication?