1. The Early Middle Ages

2. What were the Middle Ages?

3. Western Europe in Decline
Invaders sweeping across the Roman region
Trade was slow
Towns were empty
Education no longer truly existed
500 to 1500: Known as the Middle Ages also called the Dark Ages
There is little known about this period because there is little written history of the time- due to illiteracy!
Medieval: Latin meaning, “middle age”

4. Rise of Germanic Kingdoms
Franks – Germanic tribe that conquered present-day France and neighboring lands in the 400s
486: King Clovis: conquered former Roman province of Gaul
Converts to Christianity: gains allies
Some cities existed near rivers and where trade routes crossed paths.
No written laws existed; communities were governed by unwritten customs.
The kingdoms were ruled by elected kings, whose role was to lead in war.
Muslim empire threatens Europe
Islam began in Arabia in 600s (Muslims)
Muslim army comes into France
Charles Martel rallies Frankish warriors
He was known as “The Hammer.”
He led the Franks in the Battle of Tours.
Battle of Tours 732: Christian warriors triumph
He served as Mayor of the Palace.

5. Battle of Tours 732

6. Who is Charlemagne?

7. Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
768 grandson of Charles Martel
Most of 46 year reign fighting Muslims in Spain
Reunited much of old western Roman empire
799 Pope Leo III asks for help against rebellious nobles in Rome
Placed crown on Charlemagne’s head making him Emperor of the Roman’s- Crowned as Holy Roman Emperor!
Brought Christendom, but also angered the eastern Roman emperor in Constantinople (deepened split).
This event deepened the split between eastern and western Christians.
This event revived the idea of a united Christian empire which affected politics in Europe for years.

8. Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
Why is this such a big deal?

9. More Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
He wanted to create a united Christian empire
Worked closely with the church
Appointed Powerful Nobles to rule local regions
Missi Dominici – administered law
Revival of Learning- Credited with ENDING the Dark Ages… because
Revived Latin learning

10. After Charlemagne Died 814
843 Treaty of Verdun – split empire into 3 regions
Legacy – extended Christianity & setup strong efficient government
New Waves of Invasions – Muslim forces attack
Won’t subside till 900s
Magyars: ethnic group
centered in present day
Hungary
So what now???

11. Raiders From the North
Vikings – independent farmers ruled by land owning chieftains
Expert Sailors
Raiders
Traders & Explorers
Opened up trade routes

12. Meet and Greet/Info Cards
In the info card boxes you must do the following with a highlighter:
In YELLOW highlight for each person how you know where they were from/which group they belonged to.
In ORANGE highlight each persons ACCOMPLISHMENT(S).
In PINK highlight the YEARS.
On the back create a timeline of the dates/years mentioned.