The Early Middle Ages

Middle Ages or Medieval Period – a period of conflict, instability and slow cultural advances which lasted from around AD.

This period is called the Middle Ages because it falls between the advances of the Roman Era (around 400 BC-400 AD) and the Renaissance ( AD).

Causes of the Middle Ages 1) Following the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire, Europe broke apart into many smaller, weaker kingdoms.

2) Trade was disrupted by invading barbarian tribes and the lack of maintenance on Roman roads.

3) Cities shrunk in size and population because of barbarian attacks and the lack of administration by a strong government.

4) The population shifted to the countryside and to the Byzantine Empire in the east.

8 From The Internet Medieval Source Book, Source: Josiah C. Russell, “Population in Europe,” in Carlo M. Cipolla, ed., The Fontana Economic History of Europe, Vol. I: The Middle Ages (Glasgow: Collins/Fontana, 1972),

Characteristics of the Middle Ages 1) Invading Germanic tribes had no written language, so Greek and Latin works were nearly lost.

2) Greek and Latin also fell out of widespread use and were replaced by regional languages (ex. French, Spanish, etc.).

3) During this period, borders constantly shifted and small kingdoms rose and fell quickly. The Christian church was the only source of stability in most of Europe.

The leadership of Germanic tribes was based on personal leadership, family ties, bravery and honor. They did not feel responsible for following a king from far away whom they didn’t know.

Differences between Roman and Germanic Rule Roman Controlled large diverse empire Strong organized central government Leader was selected through a system of laws Organized written law system Use of written language Spoke Latin throughout the empire Army was loyal to the government or Empire Germanic Controlled small regional empires Strong local government Leadership was hereditary or taken in battle Law based on unwritten rules and traditions No written language Spoke regional languages Army was loyal to the king

14 Theodoric’s Ostrogothic Kingdom (East Goths) in 526 CE and Allied States: Vandals, Franks, Visigoths (West Goths) Ostrogoths Visigoths Vandals Franks Byzantines

One Germanic tribe, called the Franks, emerged as the strongest power under the leadership of Clovis.

Clovis converted to Christianity in 496 AD because he wanted to win a battle against another Germanic leader. When Clovis won the battle, all of his men converted to Christianity too.

The Spread of Christianity After Clovis and the Franks converted to Christianity, many smaller tribes and kingdoms converted, too.

Christian missionaries helped spread religion, often at great personal risk to themselves. – Missionary – a person who tries to convert people to another religion

Missionaries opened monasteries to help convert local tribes. – Monastery – small religious communities

Monks gave up most of their possessions to focus their lives on religious study, worship and helping the local community.

Monasteries became the best educated communities in Europe for the next 1,000 years. They preserved Greek and Roman learning, operated schools and translated books.

Missionaries helped spread the Latin alphabet and apply it to local languages (Spanish, French, etc.).

Later Frankish Kings After Clovis’ death, Charles Martel (or Charles the Hammer) became the Frankish king.

25 Charles Martel’s army defeated a Muslim army at the battle of Tours in 732 AD. This victory halted the spread of Islam into Europe and made Charles a hero of Christianity.

Charles Martel’s son, Pepin the Short (yes, that’s what he is called), defeated the Lombards (another Germanic tribe) and gained the title “king by the grace of God” from the pope. This signifies the increasing connection between the Catholic church and Christian kings.

Charlemagne Pepin’s son, Charlemagne (or Charles the Great) was the strongest Frankish ruler. The Frankish empire was at its peak during his rule ( AD).

28 Carolingian Empire, Byzantine Empire, and the Caliphate Islam Holy Roman Empire (Carolingian) Byzantine

Charlemagne was a hands-on ruler. – He visited parts of his empire regularly – He presided over court cases – Sent royal agents to keep an eye on nobles

Charlemagne encouraged the construction of monasteries, roads and schools and the quality of life in the empire went up.

Because of his service defeating Catholic enemies, Charlemagne was crowned “Holy Roman Emperor” in 800 AD.

This event is very important because it symbolizes the unity of Germanic kingdoms, Catholic church authority and the cultural legacy of the Roman Empire.

For the next 700 years this power-sharing arrangement remained.

After Charlemagne’s death, the Frankish empire was divided between his three grandsons. No strong empires ruled in Europe for the next 600 years.

Once the Frankish kingdom collapsed, the system of feudalism took over as the major economic, social and political structure in Europe.