Ch 13: Middle Ages 500-1500

Fall of Roman Empire Brings Change A. Germanic tribes took over the Roman Empire in the West B. Effects: 1. Disruption of trade 2. Downfall of cities – no longer the center of gov’t

Fall of Roman Empire Brings Change (cont’d) 3. Population shift urban to rural 4. Decline of learning – Germanic tribes could not read or write 5. Only monks/nuns literate 6. Loss of common language – different dialects of Latin develop

C. Germanic Kingdoms 1. Their period of rule called the Dark Ages because invaders lacked knowledge and skills to carry on Roman achievements 2. Government– people no longer loyal to government but to family and society Clovis being baptized

Germanic Kingdoms (cont’d) 3. Germanic people adopt Christianity after Clovis, king of the Franks from Gaul (France) became a Christian.

D. Roman Catholic Church 1. Monasteries and Convents- where men and women devoted their lives to God 2. Monasteries preserved some writings of Greeks and Romans 3. Pope Gregory I Became a secular (worldly) ruler too!

Charles Martel (Charles the Hammer) After Clovis death, Charles Martel becomes more powerful than king! Defeats Muslims in Battle of Tours in 732 Power goes to his son Pepin the Short Pepin creates a strong tie to the Church and begins the Carolingian Dynasty –family that ruled the Franks 751-987 After he died, gives empire to 2 sons- Carloman and Charles (Charles the Great)

E. Charlemagne (Charles the Great) 1. Using great military skill, expands Frankish kingdom controlling Italy, France and parts of Spain and Germany 2. Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne emperor Church and the power of kings joined together!

Charlemagne (cont’d) 3. He strengthens power by limiting power of nobles 4. He encouraged learning opening up monasteries and libraries 5. After his death empire broken into 3 pieces called Petition of Verdun 6. Result: Carolingian kings loss power, central authority breaks down-FEUDALISM!! medieval intro medieval life 31 med life 22