Chapter 8 The Byzantine Empire and Emerging Europe LESSON 1 – The First Christians LESSON 2 – THE DECLINE OF ROME LESSON 3 – THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LESSON 4 – THE AGE OF CHARLEMAGNE LESSON 5 – THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE In early churches no pews, stood or kneeled www.glscott.org

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH By the 4th century CE, the Christian Church had developed a system of organization and leadership - established: 1. parishes: local communities led by a priest 2. bishopric (or diocese): Group of parishes led by an archbishop 3. leading cities: each headed by a bishop 1. Rome 2. Jerusalem 3. Antioch 4. Alexandria After the Roman Empire declined, a time period called the Middle Ages began (500-1500) A series of changes took place as Germanic groups moved into the former Roman Empire Trade was disrupted Cities declined Populations moved to rural areas Learning declined – Mainly priests literate Greek language lost Latin changed; dialects formed – French…Spanish Germanic kingdoms began to emerge Different from Roman Empire Loyalty to local lords; common, unwritten laws No large centralized government www.glscott.org

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The bishop in Rome began to assert primary authority over the others The Bishop in Rome would soon be known as Pope (papa - father) Western Christians accepted, Christians in the East did not This became the accepted structure of the Catholic Church based in Rome

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Pope Gregory I (The Great) strengthened power of papacy (office of the pope) took control of Rome and surrounding territories Later come to be known as the ` Papal States ^^^^^ Gave papacy political power Increased the pope's authority over western Christians

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The Monks and their Missions Monk: one who sought to live life cut off from regular human society to pursue total dedication to God Monasticism: the practice of living as a monk It was hard to live a solitary life, monks began to live in communities they would provide a moral example to the rest of society

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The Monks and their Missions Benedict: founded a monastic house and established rules to be used by other monastic groups Known as the Benedictine Rules primary focus: prayer and manual labor (idleness was the enemy of the soul) private meditation was important they gathered for prayer and worship Abbott: head of the monastery/complete authority took a vow of poverty (gave up possessions)

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The Monks and their Missions Monasticism: critical to the formation of the new European civilization after the fall of western Rome They: 1. provided: schools for children 2. provided: hospitals for the sick 3. cared for travelers 4. became centers of learning: A. passed ancient traditions forward B. copied ancient manuscripts Who provide these services before? www.glscott.org

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH ORIGINAL SLIDE The Monks and their Missions 5. Missionaries: A. spread Christianity in Europe B. converted non-Christian people from German lands C. Nuns: women who dedicated themselves to God and lived in convents Converted non-Christian people (I hope so you can’t convert Christians to Christianity. Next slide shows how it should read. www.glscott.org

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The Monks and their Missions 5. Missionaries: A. spread Christianity in Europe B. converted people from German lands C. Nuns: women who dedicated themselves to God and lived in convents