Byzantine Empire Review Which side of the Roman Empire did the BZ prospered? What is the name of the capital? Form of government? Religion? Most famous emperor? Most significant architecture? Justinian code? Name of church in the east? Icons? Great schism? What was the patriarch?
Western Europe 500 A.D.
Changes in Western Europe Western Europe passed through two distinct phases: the early Middles Ages (500 to 1050) and late Middle Ages1050 to 1350. As Rome declined and withdrew from its provinces in Western Europe, these lands suffered severed blows. Waves of invaders swept in, and Roman civilization slowly disappeared. Wars raged constantly. Trade slowed to a trickle, towns emptied, and learning virtually ceased. The early Middle Ages was a harsh and difficult time for the peoples of Europe. Some people termed that period the dark ages because of the disorder and loss of Roman civilization.
Germanic Kingdoms The Germanic tribes that conquered parts of the Roman empire included: Goths Vandals Saxons Franks Their culture was very different from that of Romans. They were mostly farmers and herders, so they had no cities or written laws. Their kings were elected leaders, chosen by tribal counsels. Warriors swore loyalty to the king in exchange for weapons and a share in the plunder taken from defeated enemies. Between 400 and 700, these Germanic tribes carved Western Europe into small kingdoms.
The kingdom of the franks The strongest and most successful kingdom was that of the Franks. In 486, Clovis, king of the Franks, conquered the former province of Gaul. Later, this area would be known as France. At first he refused to adopt Christianity but during a battle with another Germanic tribe, fearing destruction, he cried out, “Jesus Christ, if you shall grant me victory over these enemies, I will believe in you and be baptized. Clovis found that in converting to Christianity he gained the support of his subjects but also gained a powerful allied in the pope, leader of the Christian Church of Rome. RCC.
Crime and punishment The German concept of the family affected crime and punishment. Under Roman system of law a crime was considered to be offenses against the state. Thus, a court would hear evidence and arrive at a decision. Under Germanic law, crimes were considered personal, punishable by revenge. An injury by one person against another could mean a blood feud, and the feud could lead to savage acts of revenge.
To avoid bloodshed, a new system developed, based on a fine called wergild. Wergild was the amount paid by a wrongdoer to the family of the person he or she had injured or killed. Wergild, which means “money for a man,” was the value of a person in money. The value varied according to social status. The ordeal was one Germanic way of determining guilt. The practice was based on the belief that the gods would not let an innocent person be punished; divine intervention. If the accused was unharmed after a physical trial (ordeal), he or she was presumed innocent.
Charlemagne Builds an Empire In the 600s and 700s, the Frankish kings lost their power and Charles the Great, or Charlemagne expanded the Frankish kingdom reaching across what is now France, Germany and part of Italy. His kingdom became known as the Carolingian Empire. He is known as one of history’s greatest kings. He was a strong warrior, statesman, devout Christian and a supporter of learning. He ruled from 768 to 814.
Charlemagne-Emperor of the Romans Charlemagne assisted the Pope Leo III with rebellious nobles in Rome. By doing so, the pope showed his gratitude by placing a crown on Charlemagne’s head and proclaiming him Emperor of the Romans. The coronation symbolized the coming together of the Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements that forged European civilization. Charlemagne created a unified Christian Europe by helping convert pagans with the use of missionaries. He appointed powerful nobles to rule local regions. In return for their allegiance he gave them land so they could offer support and supply soldiers for his armies. To keep control of these provincial rulers, he sent out officials called missi dominici to check on roads, listen to grievances, and see that justice was done.
Charlemagne Revives Latin Learning Charlemagne could read but not write. For him, education served to strengthen his empire as he saw the need for records and clear reports. To ensure a supply of educated officials, Charlemagne set up a palace school and brought scholars there from all over. Monasteries played an important role in this revival of learning. Benedictine monks copied the Bible and classical Latin manuscripts of history and science in scriptoria, or writing rooms. Most of the Roman works we have today exist because Carolingian monks copied them.
CHARLEMAGNE’S legacy Although Charlemagne's empire crumbled, he left a lasting legacy. Extended Christian civilization into northern Europe Further blended Germanic, Roman, and Christians traditions. Set up a system for strong, efficient government. Was an example for medieval rulers who tried to strengthen their own kingdoms.
Charlemagne (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTTaVnZyG2g)