The Birth of Medieval Europe Early Middle Ages The Birth of Medieval Europe
What were the effects of the fall of Rome? Strong govt. vanished Economic life was in turmoil Law & order broke down Towns & cities were abandoned Level of learning decreased
What characteristics of the Christian Church might account for its unifying role during the early Middle Ages? Offered a single faith Provided social organization After the fall of the Roman Empire, European govt., law, & economy disintegrated. W/ no central govt. to provide order & security, the Christian Church emerged s a source of unity during the M.A.
Church organization
How might the Church have been affected by its new role? Acquired political power
Why do you think people accepted the Church’s assumption of responsibilities once fulfilled by the Roman govt.? Society needs a source of organization & structure (unity & order) The Church was the only institution capable of this after the fall of Rome Its strong organization & acceptance by most of the population allowed it to slowly assume the duties & powers usually only given to govts.
Early Medieval Leadership Timeline 481: Frankish ruler Clovis united the Franks Conquered the Roman & Germanic people in Gaul Later captured some Visigoths in southern Gaul
687 – 714: Pepin II reunited the Franks Known as “Mayor of the Palace” The king’s chief officer 717 – 741: Charles Martel (the Hammer) ruled over most of Gaul In 732, at the Battle of Tours, he stopped the Muslim advance into Western Europe
751 - 768: Pepin the Short becomes “King of the Franks” Supported by the pope because he had defended Church lands from the Lombards 751 – 987: The Carolingian Dynasty
The Father of Europe 768 – 814: Charlemagne (Charles the Great) becomes “King of the Franks” Devoted Christian Admired Greece & Rome Encouraged education Reunited Western Europe for the first time since Rome His blending of Germanic culture with that of Greco-Roman culture and Christianity became the founding characteristics of Medieval Europe.
After Charlemagne Late 800’s – early 1100’s: 1100’s – 1300: Unfortunately no one is able to sustain his kingdom after his death & a new wave of Magyar & Viking invasions occur 1100’s – 1300: Feudalism will develop Revival of towns & trade will lead to new business practices, increased agriculture & population growth.