The Early Middle Ages Chapter 8
Chapter 8 section 1 vocabulary 15 minutes to work on vocab Medieval Frontier Missi dominici Curriculum
Geography Geography had a powerful effect on the development of Europe Europe expands all the way from present day Portugal to China Roman roads allowed Germanic tribes to overrun Europe from about 476 to 700
Resources Many natural resources Oceans and seas surrounded Europe Forests for timber Fertile soil for crops Minerals like iron and coal Oceans and seas surrounded Europe Used them for fishing, trading and transportation
Germanic Kingdoms The Franks emerged as the most powerful and successful tribes in Gaul (present day France) Clovis was their kings… a brilliant and ruthless leader Converted to Christianity which gained him the most powerful ally… the Christian Church
Charlemagne Frankish king during the 800s Empire stretched across France, Germany, and part of Italy
Cooperation with the Church Charlemagne helped Pope Leo III by defeating Roman nobles in battle Pope Leo III in return crowned Charlemagne “Holy Roman Emperor” He strengthened his rule and attempted to unite Europe In doing this he spread Christianity to all parts of his empire
Government He appointed nobles to rule local areas Gave nobles land in return for their help with defense To keep control on these nobles he sent officials (missi dominici) to check up on the conditions of his empire
Learning Set up schools to ensure education for government officials Creating an insurance policy Making sure his future officials are educated Libraries so scholars could copy ancient texts The Bible Science and history texts
End of an Era Charlemagne died in 814 Empire quickly fell apart His heirs battled for control Grandsons signed a treaty in 843 dividing his empire into three kingdoms Charlemagne’s strong government was a model for future rulers