The Early Middle Ages Section 7*1 pp
Preview Questions Why was Western Europe a frontier land during the early Middle Ages? How did Germanic kingdoms gain power in the Middle Ages? How did Charlemagne briefly reunite much of Western Europe?
I. Geography of Western Europe Location Europe is 2 nd smallest continent Part of Eurasian land mass Resources On outskirts of civilization Fertile soil, forests, minerals, seas, rivers
II. The Germanic Kingdoms The Franks Strongest of all Germanic kingdoms Clovis conquered Gaul Becomes Christian to gain support
II. The Germanic Kingdoms Europe and the Muslim World Muslims built empire in North Africa Battle of Tours: Martel defeats Muslims Muslims remained in Spain; worries Europeans
III. Age of Charlemagne Wanted to reunite Western Empire Crowned Emperor of Romans
III. Age of Charlemagne Government Worked with Church to unite Empire Nobles given land to keep soldiers Missi Dominici ensured justice for people Revival of Learning Latin education for officials and clergy Founded school at Aachen
IV. After Charlemagne Treaty of Verdun divided empire into three regions
IV. After Charlemagne New Wave of Invasions Muslims attack S. Italy Magyars control Hungary Vikings control Scandinavia Traders Explorers Destructive Warriors
IV. After Charlemagne Legacy of Charlemagne Expanded Christianity into N. Europe Blending of many cultures Strong, efficient governments