INSTABILITY OF THE WEST EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE INSTABILITY OF THE WEST Roman Empire Breaks Down Europe is politically fragmented Germanic kings rule over numerous and dissimilar kingdoms Muslim Arabs and Berbers overturn Visigoths in Spain and push into France

INSTABILITY OF THE WEST EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE INSTABILITY OF THE WEST CAROLINGIANS UNITE FRANKISH KINGDOMS Charles “the Hammer” Martel Soldiers had been farmers – seasonal commitment to fight Asks church for money and land to raise formidable army Take on Moors (Muslims) from Spain; win surprisingly Credited as the savior of Christendom

INSTABILITY OF THE WEST EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE INSTABILITY OF THE WEST CHARLEMAGNE Remembered as the father of Europe Considered to be the greatest king of medieval era Re-establishes tradition of economics and education, even though they were different in nature Rules over Gaul (France), Germany, and parts of Italy Christmas Day 800 CE, ordained as 1st Holy Roman Emperor in St. Peters Square

INSTABILITY OF THE WEST EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE INSTABILITY OF THE WEST Empire is eventually divided amongst Charlemagne’s grandsons and is never united again!

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS Attack England, France and Spain in the 8th and 9th centuries Overpopulation causes migrations south Plunder Europe into “Dark Ages”

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS On hunt for treasure, slaughter anyone in the way Church had wealth; many attacks conducted against monasteries and monks Easy money as monks have no weapons – reinforces the ease of the campaign, others follow suit (path of least resistance)

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS Attacks on the British Isles (neighbors) were especially frequent Attacked for control of land and wealth The Great Heathen army takes York; tortures the king (Blood Eagle)

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Brief Overview: Economy is transformed with the fall of the Roman Empire De-urbanization and decline in trade Regional elites gain power and influence – leads to development of Celtic and Germanic cultures and traditions

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Rural Agriculture becomes important to society at large: Diet in north is based on beer (hops and barley), lard or butter, and bread (wheat) Diet in south is based on wine (grapes), olive oil, and bread (wheat)

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Self-sufficient farming estates (manors) were center of agricultural production Grew out of the need for self-sufficiency and self-defense The lord of the manor had almost unlimited power over his agricultural workers (Serfs)

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Chain of Feudal States: King Lords (Nobility) Vassals (Knights) Serfs (peasants)

EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Relationship commitments: Top to Bottom Protection from outlaws, raiders, and bandits; land Bottom to Top Agricultural work; military obligations; court service