1. The Middle Ages

2. Agenda
Bell Ringer: Why would religion be a dominant force after the fall of the Roman Empire?
Brief Lecture: The Middle Ages
Video Clip: Clovis
Video Clip: Charlemagne
Feudal System Chart and Analysis.
Discussion: The Church and Feudalism
Test outline and Review Guide.

3. Early Middle Ages These are the Dark Ages
Little literature, or technological advancement is occurring.
Everyone is invading and pillaging.
Germanic Tribes carved up the Roman Empire, and 489, Clovis converts people to Christianity.

4. Feudalism
Violence from tribes led to local lords controlling land and offering protection.
Lords -> Vassals
Granted a fief – real estate
The lord protects vassal, while the vassal pledges loyalty to the lord.

5. High Middle Ages: England
William of Normandy enters in 1066, establishes a strong, central monarchy.
Under Henry II, Common law replaces individual codes.
Wanted to punish Clergy.
Thomas Becket murdered in the process.
Magna Carta signed in 1215 under King John (overuse of powers)
Parliament developed under Edward I, begins an era of collaboration and conflict.

6. High Middle Ages: France
Hugh Capet takes over after the Caroligian rulers.
Not very powerful.
Takes over 100 years to develop a central monarchy.
A Royal bureaucracy develops in the 13th Century.
First meeting of the Estates-General in 1302, the last would be 1789…

7. Religion in the High Middle Ages
Catholic Church reaches the height of their power in the High Middle Ages.
They could influence royal families with papal sacraments.
Sacraments also made the Church an integral part of people’s lives.
Architecture expands on the idea of the light of God. Gothic Cathedrals.