Chapter 9 sections 1 and 2 PP Emerging Europe and the Byzantine Empire 400-1300

Big Idea Germanic tribes became the dominant force after the fall of Rome, while Christianity became the dominant religion. Rome became the center of the Catholic Churches power and a new empire would emerge.

The New Germanic Kingdoms German peoples began taking control of Western Europe after the fall of Rome Visigoths- Occupied Spain Ostrogoths – Occupied Italy Some Roman structures of government were held in place, but most Romans were restricted from power by the Germans. Angles and Saxons from Denmark and Germany settled in Britain, and became the Anglo-Saxons.

Europe around 500 A.D.

Kingdom of the Franks The longest lasting Germanic kingdom was the Franks Kingdom was established by Clovis He eventually adopted Christianity. By becoming Christian, he gained the support of the Roman Catholic church. With his newly gained power, Clovis conquered many neighboring German tribes and united all of the Franks

Clovis Frankish King Clovis, as well as an image of him being baptized.

Germanic Society Germans and Romans intermarried over time Family was extremely important in Germany, as land was farmed together by the entire extended family, and passed on to the next generations Their law system was very different than the Roman system.

Concept of Family and Justice The German concept of family created “blood” feuds. If one man harmed another, or committed a crime against another, this could lead to horrible acts of violent revenge. This was totally acceptable in German society. To avoid bloodshed, they changed the punishments to a monetary fine called a Wergild.

Wergild If you committed a crime, you paid a fine. It was more expensive if the crime was committed against a wealthy man It was also less expensive if committed against a poor man. Determining guilt was done through an Ordeal. An ordeal would be a physical test. If you made it through the test with no harm, you would be presumed innocent.

Ordeal Example: Grabbing a red hot piece of metal. If you were unharmed by the Ordeal, you were innocent!

The Role of the Church The Church also helped fill the void left by the Roman collapse

Organization of the Church A priest led local Christian communities called parishes A group of parishes was headed by a Bishop. His area of authority was called a a bishopric or a diocese. The bishoprics were joined together, and led by an archbishop.

Monks and Monasteries Monks helped convert non-Christians throughout Europe. Monk- Someone who separates themselves from society and dedicates their life to Christianity Monasticism- The life of a monk St. Benedict- Created a set of rules for monks to follow. The community he created was a model for all monks.

St. Benedict

Ancient Monastery

Life of a Monk Everyday monks practiced physical labor and prayer. They also chanted Psalms or sacred songs They were the highest ideal for Christian life They were also social workers, teachers, ran hospitals, and taught peasants carpentry and weaving.

Significance of Monks Monasteries were centers of learning They spread Christianity English and Irish Missionaries did the leg work in spreading Christianity By 1050 most Europeans were Catholic

Carolingian Empire Over time, power shifted away from Frankish kings to Pepin, son of Charles Martel (battle of tours) When Pepin died his son Charlemagne took over. He was a great leader, powerful warrior, strong statesmen, and a pious Christian. From 768-814 he ruled the Carolingian Empire

Carolingian Empire (in orange)

Charlemagne as Emperor 800 A.D. Charlemagne named Roman Emperor Symbolized the joining of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements. Created a new civilization with the Catholic Church in Rome as the center. If the Pope gave you support, you now had more authority over the people. The citizens of Europe were pious Christians, so they believed the Pope to be divine. If a King was supported by the Pope, the King was also divine, and people were very reluctant to question him. If they did this, they would be questioning god.

Carolingian Renaissance During the reign of Charlemagne’s empire, there was a renewal in learning. Especially Greek and Roman ideas. Monks established scriptoria, or writing rooms to copy and translate ancient works. Most of the ancient Roman works that we have today are from the Monks translations.

Chapter 9 section 2 Feudalism

End of the Carolingian Empire Charlemagne died at age 72 in 814. This created a giant power vacuum. Local authorities gained much power as Carolingian rulers fought each other. While the central governments fought, local people and landowners had to find a way to keep the peace. This leads to Feudalism.

Feudalism = the legal and social system in medieval Europe, in which people were given land and protection by a lord in return for which they worked and fought for him Also called: (feudal system)

Invaders Besides the fighting between Carolingian rulers, outside invasions also played a large role in this development. Magyars from Western Asia invaded Eastern Europe Muslims attacked Southern Europe Normans (Vikings) attacked Northern Europe had a lasting affect.

Effects of Invasions While the central governments of the Carolingian empire were fighting amongst themselves people needed more protection. The foreign invasions made this even more of a necessity, and is another major reason for the development of Feudalism.

Vikings Great Seamen. Their shipbuilding skills were tremendous, allowing them to travel the seas and up shallow rivers as well. What advantage would this give them? They were very violent, as they sacked village after village. Overtime they settled down, were given land by Kings, and adopted Christianity. Why do you think local kings would give them land and purposely convert them to Christianity?

An amphibious Viking landing. Notice the design of their ships An amphibious Viking landing. Notice the design of their ships. They were shallow enough to travel up rivers, yet stable enough to take a beating on the high seas.

Navigation/Invasion routes of the Vikings.

Some Viking Images. The one on the left is actually my uncle Bob.

Development of Feudalism What led to this development? (See a few slides ago) Explain this in your own words! ?

Knights and Vassals Vassal- A man who served a lord in a military capacity was a vassal. Knights- Heavily armored horseman, who used lances to impale their enemies. For almost 500 years Knights dominated warfare in Europe Knights were given land, and funding for their weapons in return for defending the lord.

Feudal Contract Having loyalty to a lord was a virtue This relationship between vassal and lord, was made official in a public ceremony. To become a vassal, one had to perform an act of homage to his lord.

Complicated System The system was not always as simple as the prior slides indicate. There were more powerful lords, less powerful lords, more powerful vassals and knights, as well as less powerful knights and vassals all working under the same power structure. The common people, or peasants, worked the fields and lived in the small village on the lords land.

Feudal Society Warfare was a popular and a way of life for lords and knights Tournaments formed to help train young knights, and entertain people Chivalry- This was a code knights had to live by. They were supposed to fight for noble causes, treat women with respect, and not receive material rewards for fighting battles. This was not usually followed.

Jousting at a Tournament

A Knight’s Armor. What would be the advantages and disadvantages to this stuff?

A Crossbow, and a Catapult

Various other weapons

Aristocratic Women’s Roles Women had a huge responsibility, even though they were not allowed to own land. If the lord was away at war, they had to keep order in the house including all financial records, and the food supply for the community within the house.

Women Continued Some women also dominated their husbands such as Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was married to King Louis VII of France, and later to King Henry of England. She was very influential in England, even after her husband died. 2 of her sons became kings of England.