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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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