Introduction to the Middle Ages 476-1400 A.D. (Dark Ages: 476-1000)

The Middle Ages begins with the fall of the Roman Empire The Middle Ages begins with the fall of the Roman Empire. What caused the empire to collapse?

Economic Problems Military Problems Political Problems Invasions -Poor Harvests -Taxes -Disruption of Trade -Few Recruits -Disloyal Mercenaries -Division of the Empire by Diocletian -Moving capital by Constantine (Constantinople) -Germanic Tribes: Huns, Visigoths, Vandals

This resulted in the loss of the Western Empire This resulted in the loss of the Western Empire. The Eastern Empire continues as the Byzantine Empire.

“New Rome” Byzantium – Constantinople - Istanbul The Byzantine Empire “New Rome” Byzantium – Constantinople - Istanbul

The Roman Empire Divided in 294

Constantine’s City--Constantinople

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Constantinople: A Greek City (Istanbul Today)

Sunset on the “Golden Horn”

Emperor Justinian [r. 527-564]

Emperor Justinian [r. 527-564] Based on our previous discussions on power and leadership: Do you consider Justinian a strong leader or a weak leader? Why? Do you consider Justinian a responsible leader? Why or why not?

Empress Theodora

Justinian’s Empire at its Peak

Church of Hagia Sophia [Holy Wisdom]

Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia

Justinian’s Code Corpus Juris Civilis: 1. Digest 2. Code 3. Institutes -served as the legal basis for criminal justice, marriage, property, slavery, & women’s rights. -one of the most important legacies of the Byzantine Empire & served as the basis for laws for the next 900 years.

Byzantine & Sassanid Empires, 6c

A Threat to the Great Empires 6c Arabia: A Threat to the Great Empires ? ?

III. The Roman Civilization collapsed and was now ruled by barbarians. IV. Trade was disrupted by constant warfare and cities began to disappear. V. Literacy and the common language began to disappear. German and Latin combined to form new dialects.

VI. The government changed VI. The government changed. People were no longer loyal to an “emperor” or “empire.” Family ties and personal loyalty were very important. Most people followed a “Leader” and gave that person their loyalty.

Charlemagne [i. e. Charles the Great] Charlemagne [i.e. Charles the Great] *On Christmas Day in 800, crowned by Pope Leo III Holy Roman Emperor. How was Charlemagne able to successfully unite the various Germanic tribes as part of the growing Carolingian Empire?

VII. Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church grew VII. Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church grew. Monasteries formed and preserved part of Rome’s intellectual heritage. This growth marked the beginning of influence by the Church and the Pope in political matters. The church and state joined together to rule a kingdom/territory. Read your assigned document using the CLOSE READING strategies we’ve practiced this year. Answer the question(s) indicated.

Based on the documents, what can we learn about the power of the Pope in Christendom (Europe)?

The Middle Ages were a time of great change and a new kind of society developed in Western Europe with three elements: 1. Heritages of Rome, Greece and Egypt 2. Beliefs in Christianity 3. Customs of the different Germanic tribes

Emperor Charlemagne’s Epitaph Epitaph- an inscription in verse or prose upon a tomb; and, by extension, anything written as if to be inscribed on a tomb. In your group, create an epitaph for Charlemagne’s tomb. Requirements: Poetic > 4 lines long Group Participation Addresses 2 specific accomplishments

Emperor Charlemagne Use the diagram provided to create a body biography of Emperor Charlemagne. What would he think about? What would he say? What would be in his heart? What could you place in his hands to symbolize his accomplishment? Where would his feet go? Dress Charlemagne according to his position.