The origins of ‘Christendom’ expansion and integration of secular Empire Roman occupation of increasingly remote areas Gaul, Germany, Britain, Spain coordination of crop production, transport of natural resources developed infrastructure, cities emerge [paved roads, postal system Pax Romana

Belief and Roman Society polytheistic ready absorption of gods from other cultures, except Masada Judaism:monotheistic Jewish governance; crushed in Jewish Wars, 70CE other religious sects:teacher named Jesus Romans feared rebellion and executed him followers believed divinity and resurrection called the ‘Christ’ - the anointed one persecuted until after 325, Council of Nicea split – Constantinople vs. Rome

‘Christendom’: successors to the Roman Empire Divisive factors: growth of secular statesc.800 lack of strong central governments Unifying factors: faith (the idea) monasteries (the institution) landholdersto 1250 social welfare – inns, orphans, hospice education c. 500

State and Society: feudalism The Three Estates those who pray: clergy those who fight: knights those who work: peasants and… development of arable lands minimized threat of invading nomads clearing of swamps, forests improved agricultural techniques - crop rotation and new crops - horseshoes and collars (horses faster than oxen)

Stable societies: resources to change and grow Growth of manufacturing 2. Reconquista – a commercial economy1060s-1492 tradeIslamic states displaced from Europe 3. Crusades* shapes nature of contact * to capture Jerusalem 1096-mid13C

Overall of note: The geography, topography of the society: how has that impacted its development and structure, its homogeneity or multi-ethnicity how has that shaped relations between it and other groups The overall organization of the society: model of leadership social structure what positions/roles are valued in society The philosophic/spiritual principles of the society:unique similarities