1. Intro to the Middle Ages 500-1500 AD

2. Geography Effects Life Because Europe has many types of landforms and climates, different ways of life have developed there. The physical features of Europe vary widely from region to region. Geography has shaped life in Europe, including where & how people live.

3. In Southern Europe the climate is warm & sunny. It is drier with less rain. Most people lived on coastal plains or in the valleys, where the land was flat enough to farm. Crops like grapes & olives were suited to this type of geography. Olive Farm

4. - In Northwestern Europe the climate is mild & cooler. It is wetter with more rain. Towns grew up along the rivers which had access to the sea & protection from invaders. Farmers grew crops in the fertile fields that surrounded the towns. German Countryside

5. In Scandinavia the climate was freezing & cold, there was large amounts of snowfall. Most settled along the coast for protection from cold weather & there was a few areas to grow crops. Norwegian Fjord

6. What is the Middle Ages? After the fall of Rome, groups moved into Europe & divided the lands among themselves. The leaders of these groups called themselves kings. **The creation of kingdoms marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, a period lasting from 500 to 1500. Another name for this age is the medieval period. The Fall of Rome

7. Roman Catholic Church Holds it Together **After the fall of Rome the only organized institution left is the Roman Catholic Church. **Christianity spread to northern Europe through the work of missionaries and monks. The most powerful force that helped spread Christianity was the pope. The pope sent missionaries, people who try to convert others to a particular religion, throughout Europe. The Vatican

8. **Despite the efforts of Christians to maintain order, Europe was a dangerous place after the fall of Rome. Invaders threatened much of Europe in the 700s & 800s. **Converting the outsiders to Christians helped calm the attacks.

9. Order is Needed **A group of Europeans known as the Franks started conquering parts of Europe. This created political changes. **The Franks, led by Charlemagne, created a huge Christian empire.

10. Charlemagne **Charlemagne came to power in the late 700s. He was the leader of the Franks. Charlemagne was a fierce warrior & a strong king. As a warrior, he conquered many kingdoms. **As a king, his reign included France, Germany, Austria, Italy, & northern Spain. Charlemagne (Charles the Great)

11. Why is he important??? I am glad you asked. **He began to reunite Europe after the fall of Rome. **Charlemagne brought people together & made them realize things they had in common, such as Christianity. **On Christmas day, 800, he was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III. The Coronation of Emperor Charlemagne by Pope Leo III

12. Feudalism in the Middle Ages Highest power. Noble loyal to the king. Promised to be loyal & honor lords. Soldiers & warriors on horseback – protected all. King Lord Vassals Knights Freemen Serfs Skilled workers & farmers that could move. (blacksmiths, weavers, potters, & clothes makers) Bound or “tied” to land, & very poor. Couldn’t do anything without permission. Upper Class Lower Class Nobles Peasants