1. Early Medieval Europe (476 – 1000) An Age of Darkness?

2. Gradual Settlement in Europe  Germanic tribes continue to wander through Europe  Generally, Germanic peoples conquer and then intermarry with the native populations  Dependence mostly on subsistence agriculture and barter economy  First large area to become politically organized and settled was “Gaul,” dominated by the Franks

3. Kingdom of the Franks EEstablished a stable monarchy EEarly conversion to Christianity throughout the remnants of the Roman Empire in Gaul HHere and elsewhere in Europe, division of the population into 3 groups: warriors, clergy, and serfs (sometimes overlapping categories) CCharlemagne, king of the Franks, one of the most powerful ruler in the early Middle Ages.

4. Feudalism  both a political and an economic system  an exchange of land (a fief) for military and political loyalty (a sworn Christian oath)  extremely hierarchical  presumes the self-sufficiency of the manor

5. Growth of Christianity  Consolidation of powers of the Roman popes  Several centuries of continuous evangelism to the Germanic tribes  Rise of monasticism

6. Monasticism  monks who followed the “Rule” established by St. Benedict (480-543)  ideal of a life of constant prayer, work, and study  vows of chastity, obedience, poverty  men only

7. The Monastery  a kind of self-sufficient manor with many social and cultural functions: –havens and sanctuaries during times of war or disaster –centers of learning and literacy; libraries; scriptoriums –schools –agricultural and medical expertise

8. Early Medieval Music  Development of Gregorian chant (named for Pope Gregory “the Great”) –a single line of melody sung in unison –a kind of abstract, non-emotional form –sung primarily by clergy, not by the congregation

9. Early Medieval Arts  Largely devoted to religious creations and crafts  Great accomplishments in manuscript illumination –illustration of Bibles, prayer books, other texts –sometimes used for religious purposes –sometimes completed through aristocratic patronage