1. The Middle Ages

2. Middle of What? Rome and Renaissance (6th-14th century)
Petrarch called the "Dark Ages"
Political turmoil
Economic and cultural stagnation

3. Political Turmoil Vacuum left by Rome Fragmentation Viking raids
Muslim incursions

4. Manorialism Aristocratic landowners control agricultural laborers
Originated in Roman Empire
Serfs owed significant obligations and loyalty
Low-production farming but self-sufficient

5. Farming
Hard work
Moldboard
Three-field system

6. Feudalism Political fragmentation
King provides vassals with wealth and land.
Vassals/lords provide king with service.

7. Political Developments
Rise of German kingdoms and the Franks
Clovis: Christianity
Charles Martel: Carolingian
Pepin the Short
Charlemagne
Otto and the Holy Oman Empire
Feudal monarchy in France and England

8. Cultural Life Education limited; most people farmers and superstitious
Literate clergy
Benedict of Nursia: Monasticism
Rise of commerce after 10th century begins a slow change.

9. The Church Only institution with centralization Papacy leads from Rome
Political power
Northern pagans assimilate
Saved literacy; conflict with superstition and the vernacular

10. Intellectual Developments
From monasteries to universities
Rediscovery of Aristotle
Rationalism v. Conservativism and Faith
Abelard's "Yes and No"
Aquinas and scholasticism
Bernard of Clairvaux counters

11. Improved Economy
Growth of urban trade and banking, especially in Italy
Manufacturing, merchant, and artisan guilds
Money economy
More political stability
Manorialism weakens

12. The Crusades
Religious reasons
Political reasons
Consequences

13. The Black Death Political consequences Economic consequences
Cultural consequences