From 476 CE on, various Germanic tribes split Europe into different kingdoms/cultures Strongest and most important tribe was the Franks
Settled in what is now France & W. Germany Merovingians – early leaders of the Frankish Empire 481 CE – Clovis (1 st Germanic leader to convert to Catholicism)
732 CE – Charles Martel (aka “The Hammer”) battle of Tours, beats Muslims
“A New Rome” – for the 1 st time since the fall of Rome, most western Europeans under one ruler Appointed Emperor by the Pope Emphasis on education & the church
Death of Charlemagne in 814 CE Invasions Muslims Slavs & Magyars Vikings Split into 3 kingdoms
What they are NOT? A single nation or tribe Guys wearing helmets with horns Guys with ponytails (tresses) Dirty, unclean barbarians who only fought and pillaged
Viking – a verb meaning to take part in a raid or expedition Most were farmers, fishermen, and traders Colonizers & explorers 1 st Europeans to “discover” America Usually from Scandinavian region (Danes, Swedes, Norwegians)
No evidence of horned helmets Shaved their heads in the back from ear to ear and let it grow long in the front Were actually known for being very clean – used tweezers, razors, combs & “ear spoons”
Defeated Muslims at battle of Tours, kept Europe Christian. Also known as the Hammer. Who is he? 1. Charlemagne 2. Clovis 3. Charles Martel
Greatest of the Frankish kings. United most of Western Europe under his rule, appointed Emperor of the Romans by the Pope. Who is he? 1. Clovis 2. Charlemagne 3. Charles Martel
The Social, Political, & Economic Backbone of the Middle Ages
Suppression & Isolation Lack of strong central power and invasions led to instability and isolation, feudalism developed in response The Church opposed any new ideas different than doctrine, which led to suppression of science & inquiry
Fiefs – estates or lands granted to someone of lesser rank (who would split them into manors for those below) Vassal – a person receiving a fief who serves someone of higher rank (baron or lord) Knight – a person trained and devoted to combat Peasants – workers who were “free” Serf – workers who were “tied” to the land
Knight or lord had absolute authority on his estate Peasants & serfs work the land in exchange for protection Each manor was self- supporting
Became very powerful, wealthy, & corrupt Canon law – the rules of the church Heretics – unbelievers or anyone who questioned the Church
Chivalry – code of behavior expected of knights Bravery in battle Treat women w/ respect Be kind & courteous Troubadours – traveling musicians who composed poems & music about love & bravery “Courtly love” – emotions & attraction important part of a relationship