The Middle Ages

Essential Question Explain the changes in European society after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Key Vocabulary Vernacular – the change of the Latin language from region to region. Monasteries – religious communities that were the only centers of learning during the Middle Ages. Charlemagne – reunited Western Europe for the first time since Rome, spread Christianity, and became the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Warm Up What do you think is meant by the term “Dark Ages?”

Middle Ages What does that mean? A period of time that began after the fall of the Roman Empire. From 500 A.D. – 1500 A.D. During this time, Europe was in shambles. What happened to Rome? The Western Roman Empire fell to a series of Germanic invasions.

So, how does the downfall of such a major empire affect Europe as a whole? What could happen?

Societal Decline Trade disrupted: Pirates and bandits broke up trade networks. Businesses collapsed and cities stopped acting as economic centers. Downfall of cities: Cities are abandoned as centers of government. Population shifts: Nobles & peasants moved to rural areas in order to avoid fighting and survived by growing their own food.

Education was not important: Germanic invaders could not read or write. Language: Latin changed from region to region and became vernacular. By the 800s, French, Spanish, Italian, German and English were spoken instead.

So, what kinds of kingdoms began to form? Small Germanic kingdoms began to form but their borders changed constantly because of war. The Roman Empire was broken up in many ways.

Assessment Prompt 1

What stood “strong” throughout this turmoil? The Church. So, how does the “success” of the church impact this region? Christianity was spreading. Germanic invaders were converting. Missionaries were spreading their faith. Christianity becomes the only thing that unifies the people of Europe at this time.

How can the church help all these new people? Monasteries were set up to help people. Monasteries were set up by Monks. Nuns came later on and lived in convents. How else did these religious people help move Europe in the right direction? They set up schools, maintained libraries, and copied books. These religious people were the most educated in Europe.

Assessment Prompt 2 In two sentences, explain the significance the rise of the Church played during the Dark Ages?

Who was Charlemagne? Son of Pepin the Short. Came to power in 771. Reunited Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire and spread Christianity. Crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo II. This signaled the joining of Germanic power, church, ad the heritage of Rome.

What was Charlemagne’s government like? Limited the role of the nobility. Landlords called “counts” governed counties. Charlemagne regularly visited all parts of his kingdom to make sure everything was proper. How did Charlemagne revive culture? He surrounded himself with scholars and encourage learning. He had monasteries open schools.

What happened after Charlemagne died? Rulers were weak. The empire was divided in to three kingdoms. New waves of invaders attacked Europe. Political turmoil and warfare led to a new system of governing known as feudalism.

Assessment Prompt 3 Charlemagne

Assignment You will read “Charlemagne: Legendary King” (pg. 66) and answer the questions at the end of the reading. ANNOTATE YOUR READING!!!! Each question must be answered with a minimum of two, complete sentences in order to receive credit.

Journal Answer the essential question: Explain the changes in European society after the fall of the Roman Empire. Consider the following when answering the question: What were the reasons for the decline of European society after the fall of Rome? What government system developed after Charlemagne’s death? What significance did the Church hold during this time?