Ch 8 sec 1 – Early Middle Ages The Rise of Europe Ch 8 sec 1 – Early Middle Ages

Emerging Europe – Medieval Ages After the fall of the Roman civilization waves of invaders swept across Europe. Caused trade to slow down, emptied towns, and caused learning to cease. From 500-1000 A.D. Europe was sparsely populated and underdeveloped. It did have untapped potential: dense forests, rich soil, mineral resources, and the seas. Who became the new leaders of Europe after the fall of Rome?

Germanic Tribes Farmers and herders. Lived in small communities. Extreme social bond to family. Why? Governed by unwritten laws. More personal than Roman(crime against the state) Wergild – fine paid to a family of the person that was harmed. Ordeal – determined guilt by requiring a trial to be done. Ex: hold a hot iron – based on divine intervention. What German tribe became the most powerful?

Franks Clovis conquered Gaul in 486. First Frankish leader to convert to Christianity. What is the story of his conversion? In the middle of a battle that he was losing he cried out to Jesus that if he gave him the victory, he would believe. What 2 allies did he gain by converting? The people of Gaul and the Catholic Roman Church

Charles Martel Frankish leader Nick named the “hammer” Known for stopping the Muslim advance into France and the rest of Europe. Battle of Tours 732 The Muslims were becoming very strong and took over Palestine, North Africa, and Spain. What would Europe look like today if the Muslims were not stopped?

Pepin the Short (son of the hammer) Mayor of the Palace – chief officer that ran the kings household. Common practice Pepin was able to grab power for himself and became the next Frankish king. Very important because he would give birth to Charlemagne who becomes the most powerful Frankish king. Killed lion and bull in arena.

Charlemagne Also known as Charles the Great. Loved battle, was a fierce warrior. Built an empire that encompassed France, Germany, and parts of Italy. Called the Carolingian Empire biggest up to the 19th century (Napoleon). Became the first German to be a Roman Emperor. How? Crowned by Pope Leo III Laid the foundation of power struggles between Popes and German Emperors

Charlemagne Valued learning Created Scriptoriums – Writing rooms that were set up in monasteries to copy bibles and works of Latin classical authors. They copied many of the Ancient Roman writings thereby preserving its history. Created a school at Aachen directed by Alcuin Created a curriculum(formal course of study) which became the educational model for medieval Europe.

Charlemagne Missi dominici – officials that Charlemagne sent throughout his empire to check on roads, listen to grievances, and to make sure justice was been done. Kept records and clear reports of the empire. After Charlemagne death his heirs battled for the throne for 30 years. In 843 the Treaty of Verdun split the empire into 3 regions with each grandson ruling 1. Empire became very weak