1. Franks and Germanic Tribes Notecards

2. Byzantine Empire
Eastern part of the Roman Empire that survived Germanic attacks.
Leaders included Constantine and Justinian, who spent a great deal of money and put the Empire in debt.

3. Justinian
Leader of the Byzantine Empire who spent great amounts of money to build up the Empire. This put their Empire in debt. He also put heavy taxes on the people.
His wife Theodora was a strong advisor.

4. Great Schism
This was the division of the church that took place when the Roman Empire divided into the West and the East.
The Western Roman Empire kept the tradition views forming the Catholic church and the Byzantine Empire adopted the Orthodox church.

5. Iconoclast Movement
Movement in the Orthodox Church to end the worship of icons such as pictures, statues, etc. Thought the worshiping of idols made them similar to the polytheistic religions.
One of the things that divided the Catholic and Orthodox church.

6. Monasticism
The very strict practice of Christianity. Example would be the Benedictine Rule where people/monks followed strict obedience, humility, and daily schedules often living lives of poverty.
Helped to spread Christianity throughout Europe.

7. Germanic Invasions
Germanic tribes attacked and invaded the Roman Empire. These attacks cause the Western Roman Empire to fall.
Germanic tribes begin to settle in Europe after the attacks and adopt aspects of Roman Society.

8. Vikings
Germanic tribe that was characterized by their ship building abilities.
The vikings built ships that could travel in very shallow waters which allowed them to sail up streams and creeks and sneak up on villages, raid them and take their resources.

9. Huns
Germanic tribe that was characterized by their violence and raids on unsuspecting villages.
Their leader was Attila who was particularly feared among Europeans.

10. Franks
The most powerful of all of the Germanic Tribes after the fall of the Roman Empire. They kept some of the same government and societal structures as the Romans and were very tied to the church.
Leaders included Clovis, Pepin, and Charlemagne.

11. Clovis Frankish leader who converted to Christianity.
Helped to spread the Christian religion to all of the Franks.

12. Pepin
Frankish leader that gained land defending the church and then turned that land over to the Pope creating the Papal States.
Helped to strengthen the bond between the Franks and the church.

13. Papal States
Area of land that was conquered by Pepin. He turned the land over to the Pope.
The Pope was grateful and thus a bond was created between the church and the Franks.

14. Charlemagne
Frankish leader who was very intelligent and devoted to religion. He united all of Europe and was crowned “Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire”.
He also started the Carolingian Renaissance which expanded religion and education to the people of Europe.

15. Dark Ages
Also known as the Middle Ages. Time period after the fall of the Western Roman Empire where there was society and culture come to a halt.
The church becomes very important during this time and provide hope, education, and support to the people.