Medieval Europe Mr. Kelly

European Geography

After the fall of Rome, Europe was divided into smaller kingdoms. –Able to maintain these b/c geographic features –Weaker kingdoms fled or were included Anglo-Saxons  Celts Franks became Catholics. –Charles Martel – defeats invading Musilms, gains pope’s support

Charlemagne Charles – Grandson of Martel –Family still had support of Pope Used his power to convert many to Christianity Kingdom grew to an empire –Received nickname of Charlemagne Crowned new Roman Emperor by the Pope Charles was concerned about his people –Set up courts –Wanted people to be educated

Invasions of Europe

After Charlemagne’s death, empire disintegrated –Invasions from areas around Europe Most well known were the Vikings –Norsemen, or north men –Invaded to capture anything of value Muslims also invaded from Spain and Africa In the mid 900s, one of the German leaders earned the Pope’s support –Pope crowns new Emperor of Rome – Otto I Head of the Holy Roman Empire

Catholic Church Along with Geography, Religion shaped European life –Roman Catholic church played important part in creating Europe after Rome’s fall Much of Europe not Christian after fall of Rome –Exception- Ireland (St. Patrick) »Irish Monks saved much Roman knowledge –Missionaries converted many to Catholicism –Built Monasteries »Schools, Rest for Travelers, Hospitals, taught important skills, preserved old writings (Christian and not) »Heads of monasteries (abbots) became political.

King vs. Church Popes and Kings fought for power –Gregory VII  Kings can’t name Church officials –Henry IV  Liked (and needed) to appoint leaders –Henry said Gregory no longer Pope –Gregory said Henry no longer Emperor Excommunicated Henry –No heaven –Henry begs for forgiveness –Pope says OK, but still supports new King –Henry attacks, captures Rome, and chooses new Pope By the 1200s, Church at height of power.