1. Medieval Society: The Middle Ages
Section 7.1

2. Why did the Roman Empire decline?
Economic problems: inflation, high taxes
Weak army
Political problems: corruption, weak emperors
Invasions by the Huns and others

3. Medieval Europe

4. Middle Ages: 500-1500 Changes in Europe:
Dark Ages (After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire)
Disrupted trade, decline of cities, less education
Most people moved to farms

5. Franks Germanic Tribe that conquered Rome Farmers and Herders
No cities
No written laws (family)
Created small kingdoms
Clovis- King of the Franks
Converted to Christianity to gain support of the pope and the people in Rome

6. Clovis/Baptism of Clovis

7. Life on the Farm

8. Charlemagne (771-814) King of the Franks
Grandson of Charles Martel
Built largest empire since the Romans
Crowned emperor by the pope in 800
Spread Christianity, created schools

9. Charlemagne/Visits the Pope

10. Charlemagne Crowned Emperor on Christmas Day by the Pope

11. Charlemagne’s Empire

12. How did he unify Europe? Helped spread Christianity
Administer the law based on the church
Schools and scholars
Charlemagne’s empire fell apart after his death
Many invasions threatened the Frankish kingdom

13. Society in the Middle Ages
Knights: mounted warriors
Fought in tournaments, or staged battles
Followed code of chivalry: bravery, loyalty
Castles served as homes for nobles, and also as protection
Noble (rich) women had some power

14. Knights

15. A tournament

16. Medieval Castles

18. Noble Wedding

20. The Manor

21. Peasants Farming

22. Monastery and Monks

23. Convent and Library

24. Medieval Churches

26. Clergy