Eor Nave World History Period 5
The weakened defense of the old Roman borders cleared the path for Germanic speaking groups to invade Europe.
The geography of Western Europe Most of the land of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages was covered with thick forest. There were large rivers that were easy for trading ships to navigate and were full of fish. The sturdy Roman roads, which had once been the pride of a powerful empire, were now badly in need of repair.
The people of the Middle Ages in Europe The people of the northern Europe did not share the culture or the Latin language of the Romans. These people, often in organized groups, spoke Germanic languages with words from Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Germanic peoples lived in small groups of farmers and herders. herders
Charlemagne was crowned Roman emperor, ruler of a large empire in Western Europe. Charlemagne
Uniting the Franks Around, Clovis was able to unite several of the Frankish groups. After Clovis conquered Gaul in 496,he converted to Christianity. He made allies with the remaining leaders of Rome and of the powerful Roman Catholic
The rise of the Charlemagne During the first ten years of Charlemagne’s rule, he conquered the Lombard Kingdom in present day Northern Italy, fought against the Saxons in Northern Europe and, invaded Spain. By the end of this period, he had united under him the largest region since the fall of Rome. He improved culture, education, and law within his kingdom.
A Christian king Charlemagne had his priests perform baptisms on the populations of the entire city. He also demanded strict punishment for anyone who practiced other religions. The Popes rival was the emperor on Constantinople, who claimed to be sole ruler over all Roman territories.
Charlemagne’s rule encouraged culture and learning to develop in Western Europe.
Schools And Learning Charlemagne wanted to foster culture and reading. He could read, but he could not Write. Alcuin arrived in 782 and organized a school in the palace for the children of Charlemagne and other nobles.
Culture Culture Charlemagne’s interest in learning led to a revival, or renewed interest, in the cultures of Rome and Greece. Most books were produced by monks and were handwritten copies of the Bible And other books on early Christianity. As interest in learning grew and expanded, the monks were also introduced to make copies of works by ancient Roman authors.
The Decline Of Charlemagne’s Empire With Charlemagne’s death on 814, the empire he had built went into slow decline. In 842, after 30 years of conflict, his three grandsons signed the Treaty of Verdun. This treaty divided Charlemagne’s empire into three kingdoms, the lack of leadership allowed invaders to conquer large parts of the kingdom.
One who tends or drives a herd.
The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.
742–814, king of the Franks 768–814 as Charles I, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire 800–814.