1. Aim: Identify the Effects of Germanic Invasions

2. Invasions of Western Europe
Gradual decline of the Roman Empire ushered an era in European History called the Middle Ages or Medieval Period ( )
5th Century- Germanic invaders overran western half of Roman Empire
Repeated invasions altered economy, government & culture
Effects of Invasions
Disruption of Trade
Cities abandoned
Population shifts to rural areas
Decline of learning
Loss of common language- Different dialects develop 2

3. Germanic Kingdoms Emerge
Small Germanic Kingdoms replace Roman provinces
Church provided order and security
Concept of government changed
Germanic peoples lived in small communities that were governed by unwritten rules and traditions
Germanic Chiefs led band of warriors ho pledged loyalty
The Franks hold power
Came from Gaul (France & Switzerland)
Leader was Clovis
Brought Christianity to area
Church welcomed Clovis’s conversion
511- Clovis united the Franks into one kingdom 3

4. Germans Adopt Christianity
Politics played key role in spread of Christianity
600- Church converted Franks
Missionaries spread Christianity
Church built religions communities called Monasteries
Christian men (Monks) devoted life to serve God
Became best educated communities (Schools)
590- Gregory I- Became Pope
Papacy became secular (Worldly power)
Pope’s palace center of Roman government
Region from Italy to England fell under his responsibility
Idea of Churchly kingdom central them of Middle Ages 4