1. The Middle Ages The Early Medieval Period-The Dark Ages

2. Fall of Rome Rome lost power ◦ people disobeyed Roman laws ◦ Roman soldiers couldn’t keep order Germanic tribes moved south & took over Roman lands 1 Roman empire for 500 yrs-now 100’s of little kingdoms took its place

3. Germanic “kingdoms” Always at war w/ each other Almost impossible to do business ◦ robbers attacked on roads ◦ Merchants afraid to transport goods No real govts couldn’t collect taxes couldn’t repair roads/bridges towns & villages fall into ruin

4. “Dark Ages” Loss of interest in learning- many valuable books & artwork lost in wars Schools closed Knowledge of past was lost-only time for day to day needs “Dark Ages” ◦ No schools ◦ All tribes fought ◦ Afraid to travel ◦ Very few could read or write ◦ Towns falling apart-seemed like the world was falling down around them ◦ Very difficult for those living at this time

5. Franks Largest of Germanic tribes-later become basis of civilization for France, Germany, & Italy 481-Clovis united the Franks & became king; capital of Paris 1 st Germanic king to become Christian- ”Roman Catholic”

6. Muslim Empire Islam-begins in 600’s Greatly expanded their territory from Palestine in the Middle East to N. Africa to Spain Christian leaders & kingdoms very worried Muslim crossed into France Charles Martel in 732 defeated the Muslims at the Battle of Tours Stopping their advance strengthened Christianity Later trade with Muslims, whose learning was far more advanced than Europeans

7. Charlemagne 800-Charlemagne (Charles Martel’s grandson) was the only one strong enough to defeat the rest of the European tribes United them into 1 kingdom-with one religion- Christianity (Roman Catholicism) Then fought the enemies of Christianity Earned him praise from Pope Leo III-declared him “Holy Roman Emperor” Brought back law & order

8. Charlemagne’s Legacy New emperor for the Romans-deepens split between east & west Roman empire Unified Christian empire- Christendom Local ruler (missi dominici)-hear complaints, fix roads, administer justice Revival of learning- Charlemagne was illiterate ◦ Encouraged Latin learning & revive glory of Rome Further blending of Germanic, Roman, & Christian traditions

9. Charlemagne’s Empire His heirs faced new invasions- Muslim forces still posed a threat 900’s-power struggles in Middle East stop invasions into Europe Magyars-(900) nomads from Hungary overran Eastern Europe & parts of Germany, France & Italy-pushed back about 950 AD Vikings-broke last pieces of his empire ◦ Destructive raiders ◦ Late 700’s began looting & burning communities along waters in Europe ◦ Opened trade routes between N. Europe & Mediterranean ◦ Short-lived colony in N. America ◦ Settled in Europe & mixed with people there