Early European Middle Ages 500-1000 C.E.

Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms European Middle Ages is influenced by : Classical heritage of Rome Roman Catholic Church Germanic customs

The effects of Rome’s collapse included: 1. disruption of trade 2. decrease in learning 3. loss of a common language

Personal ties replace structured government Clovis forges a close relationship between the Franks and the Catholic Church Monasteries played an important part in spreading Christianity/preserving education Gregory I helped promote the idea of “Christendom” Charles Martel preserved European Christendom at the Battle of Tours (732)

Charlemagne Ruled 771-814 Ruled a large and unified Western Europe Spread Christianity Forged a close relationship with the Church Encouraged learning Had his empire split up after his death

Feudalism in Europe Europe was under invasions (800-1000) particularly by the Vikings The Viking invasions stop (climate changes, adopt Christianity) Feudalism emerges as a way of protection Feudalism had a hierarchy as did society Manors were self-sufficient communities Manor life was harsh

The Age of Chivalry Saddles and stirrups made mounted knights the key part of an army during the Middle Ages To become a knight required to be a page and squire Knights lived by a code of chivalry Troubadours helped spread ideas about knights, chivalry and romance With exceptions, women had restricted ordinary lives

The power of the Church The Church competed for power with political rulers From the Church hierarchy, the local priests had the most contact with ordinary people The Church provided many things for the people Canon law could be enforced by excommunication and interdict Otto I created the Holy Roman Empire Pope Gregory VII clashed with Emperor HenryIV over lay investiture Conflicts (e.g. Battle of Legnano) and German election methods kept the Holy Roman Empire states separate