1. Chap 17 Day 3 The Foundations of Christian Society in Western Europe

2. The Economy of Early Medieval Europe
Agricultural center moves north from Mediterranean
8th century iron-tipped plow introduced in Europe
Draft animals bred
Water mill technology
Agricultural output insufficient to support growth of cities – Result?
Strong Mediterranean trade despite Muslim domination of sea
Norse Merchant Mariners
Commerce or plunder as convenient
Link with the Islamic world for trade
Manors
Large, diverse estates
Lord provides governance, police, justice services
Serfs provide labor, income

3. Population Growth of Europe, 200-1000 CE – Observations??

4. The Formation of Christian Europe
The Franks and the Church
Protectors of the Papacy
Charlemagne destroys Lombards, who threatened Pope, Rome
Spreads Christianity in northern areas
Support of scholarship, scribal activity
Clovis’ conversion forms strong alliance with Roman Christianity
Church supplies Clovis with class of literate information workers:
Scribes
secretaries

5. The Spread of Christianity
Charlemagne fights pagan Saxons ( )
Saxons later adopt Christianity
Scandinavia, other pockets of paganism until c CE

6. Pope Gregory I (590-604 CE) “Gregory the Great” Asserted papal primacy
Prominent theologian
Sacrament of penance
Major missionary activity, especially in England

7. Monasticism Egyptian origins, 2nd-3rd centuries
Monastic lifestyle expands 4th century
Large variety of monastic rules
Range from extremely ascetic to very lax

8. St. Benedict (480-547) Established consistent rule for monasteries
Poverty
Chastity
Obedience
St. Scholastica ( )
Sister of St. Benedict
Adapts Benedictine Rule for convents

9. Monasticism and Society
Accumulation of large landholdings, serfs
Social welfare projects
Esp. labor contributions
Expansion of literacy
Inns, orphanages, hospitals