Europe After the Fall of Rome Chapter 17, Section 2

The fall of Rome brought many important changes to Western Europe.

The “Dark Ages” Historians call the period following the fall of Rome the “Dark Ages.” It was a time of increased warfare, decreased trade, and a decline in learning. There was an absence of order and structure.

Christianity Spreads When Rome fell, Christianity was only commonality within the original boundaries of the Empire (Italy, Spain, etc.). Missionaries were sent north to spread the teachings and beliefs of Christianity. Patrick was a missionary who traveled alone from Britain to Ireland. His methods were resisted at first, but he eventually converted many Irish to Catholicism.

Effects of the Fall of Rome Germanic tribes took over Roman lands. Hundreds of little kingdoms took the place of the Western Roman Empire in Europe. Initially, there was no system for collecting taxes. Kingdoms were always at war with one another.

Germanic Invasions Trigger Change Disruption of trade Downfall of cities Population shift Decline of learning Few people can read and write Mainly church officials Oral traditions continued Loss of common language

Germanic Kingdoms Emerge Shift from government and written law Germanic society banned together through family and personal loyalty Warriors would fight for a leader they respected but not a king they do not know

The Franks Clovis was an important ruler of the Franks. The Franks were one of the largest Germanic tribes.

Clovis and the Franks In A.D. 481, Clovis united the Franks and became their king. Clovis converted to the Roman Catholic faith. Essentially, the Franks blended Germanic and Roman cultural practices.

King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire 742 - 814 Charlemagne King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire 742 - 814

Europe in Turmoil At that time the Franks were falling back into barbarian ways, neglecting their education and religion. In the south, the Roman Catholic church was asserting its power to recover lost land. Charlemagne was determined to bring order to Europe.

Charlemagne’s Family Line Grandfather = Charles “The Hammer” Martel The concept of a standing army changed the way the Franks fought off the Moors. Credited as the “Savior of Christianity” in Europe Father = Pepin the Short First Carolingian King Established the Franks as the ruling power in Europe Named “Patrician of Rome” and is credited with making the “first step” for the Holy Roman Empire

Charlemagne Brings Order to Europe In A.D. 772 he launched a 30-year military campaign to create a strong central government. By A.D. 800 Charlemagne was the undisputed ruler of Western Europe. He restored much of the unity of the Roman Empire and paved the way for the development of modern Europe.

Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne “Holy Roman Emperor”

Charlemagne’s Achievements Concept of trial by jury to replace the “ordeal” Invited scholars from all over the world to take up residence at his palace Preserved religious texts Fought alongside his men in the heat of conquest Relied on local counts to help run the vast empire Standardized system of money (silver coins)

During his reign, Charlemagne tried to recreate the Roman Empire. However, after his death, the empire declined.