From the fall of Rome to the Crusades The Early Middle Ages From the fall of Rome to the Crusades

Western Empire Falls 410 – Alaric and his Visigoths capture and sack Rome 476 – Odoacer and Visigoths return – capture Rome and last Roman Emperor gives up his throne. True end of the Western Empire.

Central authority had disappeared with the fall of Rome. Barbarians pretty much had free reign in Western Europe Infrastructure – roads, bridges, aqueducts, etc. fell into state of disrepair Central authority had disappeared with the fall of Rome.

The various Germanic tribes that had destroyed the Empire established their kingdoms throughout Western Europe

The Barbarian Kingdoms began to unite into larger kingdoms that formed the basis for the countries that later grew up in Europe

Germanic Society Germanic tribes were rural People were mostly peasants who worked the land Cities declined – commerce began to disappear – almost no currency (money) in circulation Most land in hands of old Roman families or main Germanic families Monasteries owned much land – donated in exchange for prayers said by monks Germanic tribes began to adopt some old Roman institutions More and more Germanic tribes began to convert to Christianity

Growth of monastic movement & monasteries Benedictine Rules Rules for Monks and monastic life When to work When to pray Rule of silence Rule of Celibacy Rules of Behavior

Monasteries were built all through Western Europe

The Church was strengthened when Clovis, the King of the Franks – the largest tribe in Western Europe – was baptized and became a Christian

Monks could read and write They spent time copying books as well as the Bible They also ran schools to teach the children of nobles Monasteries served as hospitals and inns for the few people who traveled

The Catholic Church replaced the Roman Empire as the only central authority in Western Europe – Church brought stability to Europe …but not security from everything

Islamic armies spread across North Africa and into Spain – defeating all before them

They were finally turned back at the Battle of Tours by Charles Martel – “The Hammer.” The Battle of Tours was a major turning point in history of the western world

By the end of the 8th Century, Charles the Great (Charlemagne) united much of Western Europe into The Holy Roman Empire

After Charlemagne’s death, his empire was divided among his three sons.

Along with the Viking raids, Europe was invaded by the Magyars and suffered through raids by Islamic pirates on cities and towns in Italy and southern France

9th Century: A New Threat to the Stability of Western Europe The Vikings

Commerce was virtually non-existent during the Early Middle Ages for a number of reasons. The Church had rules that stifled commerce. Usury was not permitted – Usury meant you could not charge ANY interest on a loan. Profit was also forbidden. It was a violation of Church rules to make a profit from business dealings Based on these rules, there was no incentive for people to engage in commerce of any kind.

ANARCHY CLOVIS BATTLE OF TOURS RURAL THE VIKINGS MUSLIMS CHARLEMAGNE After the fall of Rome, Western Europe entered a period of_____ These places became the centers for learning in Europe in the Dark Ages These invaders and raiders came from the north and destroyed even monasteries starting in the 9th century. ANARCHY THE VIKINGS MONASTERIES This king of the Franks converted to Christianity and spread Christianity to other barbarian tribes. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope on Christmas Day in 800CE. This battle was a turning point in European history because it turned back the Islamic invaders. CLOVIS BATTLE OF TOURS CHARLEMAGNE These people from the Middle East captured Spain in the 8th Century. He established the rules for Monks and monasteries. Was the Germanic society urban or rural in nature? MUSLIMS RURAL ST. BENEDICT

the Manor System and Feudalism. Seeking security from invaders and bandits, Europeans turned to a new way of living, the Manor System and Feudalism. The Manor was self-c0ntained and self-sufficient. Very little was needed from the outside world. Very few reasons to establish contact with the outside world.

Serfs took refuge in the castle when the Manor was attacked Manor houses grew into small castles – then into larger castles – with walls and moats and battlements. Serfs took refuge in the castle when the Manor was attacked

Feudalism: a social and political system based upon holding land in fief and resulting homage, fealty, loyalty, and duty to provide mutual protection

Here’s how it worked: A Lord (it could be a King, a Lord or an Abbott) would grant a tract of land to a noble. The grant was called a FIEF. The Noble would now be the VASSAL of the Lord. In return for the fief he pledged LOYALTY and FEALTY to the Lord. Also, a portion of his income would go to the Lord as taxes AND, in the event of war, he and his knights would fight in defense of the Lord. The Noble would then grant land (a fief) to his knights. In return, each knight would pledge LOYALTY and FEALTY to the Noble. Also, a portion of his income would go to the Noble as taxes AND, in the event of war, he and his knights would fight in defense of the Noble and the Noble’s Lord. The most numerous class were the SERFS. They worked the land, paid taxes with a portion of their crops, and though not slaves, they were bound to the land and could not leave without their Lord’s permission.

Even though there still was almost no trade and commerce, The system worked Even though there still was almost no trade and commerce, Even though there was almost no interaction between people in manors and villages, Even though there were almost no advances in education, art, culture, or science, Feudalism and Manorialism brought a feeling of security and safety to Western Europe for around 300 years.

Another system developed during the Middle Ages that impacted on the lives of the Nobility Chivalry

Chivalry was more than courtesy Chivalry was more than courtesy. It also involved training for war and fighting bravely.

It provided structure, stability and protection The Manor was a self contained unit. It provided almost everything its residents needed Why was it not necessary for people to leave the Manor? A code of behavior and honor and courtesy, etc. What was Chivalry? Who was responsible for running the Manor in the Lord’s absence? Why was Feudalism successful? What role did the system play in Western Europe? His wife – or the Lady of the Manor. It provided structure, stability and protection No. They were not slaves, but they were tied to the land and could not leave w/o permission. Were the serfs slaves owned by the Lord of the Manor? A portion of his income as taxes, loyalty and service in time of war, and a place to stay when visiting. What did the vassal owe to his Lord in return for the fief he was granted by the Lord/King?