2. Essential Question Describe the governments that arose in the Dark Ages.

3. Government

4. christianity Since there was no true emperor to follow, the church essentially became the leader of Europe. Monasteries popped up all over Europe spreading the word of God. This began to give people the sense of community needed for a strong nation.

5. The Birth of Kings

6. The King After Rome fell Europe split up into small states ruled by kings. They were not elected. Instead, they were born as kings and considered “chosen by God.”

7. Charlemagne

8. Became king of France in 771. Very religious. Used his army to unite all of Europe as an empire based on Christianity. Also focused heavily on the importance of education. Became king of France in 771. Very religious. Used his army to unite all of Europe as an empire based on Christianity. Also focused heavily on the importance of education.

10. ....

11. Charlemagne

12. The Vikings

13. Vikings A group from Scandinavia in northern Europe. The land there is often frozen over so very little food was available. Eventually their population got so big they had to go south to find food – and they did not go peacefully!

14. The Vikings The arrival of Viking raiders destroyed this unity. The people once again focused purely on survival. Trade stopped, learning stopped, the Dark Ages were back in full force.

15. ....

16. Put a star next to what you believe are the three most important facts so far today. Then compare answers with your shoulder partner and agree on one most important fact.