Events and Characters of the Middle Ages a.k.a. Dark Age

APK: Activation of Prior Knowledge [Explain the reason why you agree or disagree] ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “The truth shall set you free” Agree Disagree Question of the Day How were leaders of the Dark Age able to persevere despite very tough times?

Key Vocabulary Terms Seclusion Baptize Hermit Clothilde Monk Charlemagne Resurrection Gregory I Clovis Benedict

Benedict Born the son of Roman noble family in Nursia, Italy (480 A.D.). At about age 20 he decided to leave “wicked” Rome for a life of seclusion. Rome’s fall was too much for him. He decided to become a hermit and live in a cave.

Benedict He decided on a life of austerity and strict adherence to the Gospel. He devoted his life to a strict code of prayer, study, writing and devotion. Men who choose this life are called monks. They live in monasteries. Women who choose this life are called nuns.

The Influence of Benedict News of Benedict’s life and deep devotion spread to others. Others who loathed the wickedness of fallen Rome. As an Abbott [head monk] others were convinced to join the life. Benedict’s Rule was spread and monasteries sprung throughout Europe.

Gregory I Born into a wealthy and rich Roman family. Most of his family was deeply involved in the Church either as monks, priests or nuns. He became Pope of the Catholic Church at age 50 in 590 A.D.

Gregory I As a Catholic leader he was very influential even before he was the Pope. In 583 he had a disagreement with another church leader over about the Resurrection. The result was the Emperor backed Gregory and his opponent's writings were burned.

Gregory I Pope Gregory spread the power of the Church. The Catholic church was able to influence and drive the actions and decisions of rulers. The Church under Gregory’s leadership became very powerful.

Clovis I A leader of a Germanic tribe called the Franks were led by Clovis. The wife of Clovis, Clothilde, would pray for him when he went into battles. Clovis was convinced that he survived because of divine intervention.

Clovis I Clovis decided to convert to Christianity and be baptized. 3,000 of his soldiers followed his lead and were baptized also. The Catholic Church welcomed him as a member. Clovis was able to defeat and assimilate other tribes. This resulted in the beginning of a country called France.

Charlemagne After 300 years of successful rule by the descendants of Clovis, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo II. Accomplishments of Charlemagne: Throughout his rule Christianity was spread. Schools, libraries, monasteries and writing was made popular.

After Charlemagne Unfortunately, before Charlemagne died in 814 he crowned his son King. King Louis proved to be weak. The empire crumbled and most of what Charlemagne worked for was wasted.

Apology or Explanation Select one of the characters from the Dark Age you just learned about and write one of the following: An apology for your actions [what you did that might have worried, disappointed or offended someone] An explanation for your actions [justifying or defending what you did using reasons] Your apology can be in the form of a letter, note, drawing or cartoon strip [neatness, spelling and grammar count. See me if you need help with that]

Sources http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/b/2/review.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Benedikt-von-nursia_1-500x600.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:FralippiMaurusandPlacidus.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Francisco_de_Zurbar%C3%A1n_040.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gregorythegreat.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Chlodwigs_taufe.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Charlemagne-by-Durer.jpg