1. The Middle Ages

2. Medieval Church
Roman Empire split into East and West
There was also a split in the church (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox)
With little political unity, the pope became very powerful
Those who challenged Catholic teachings were executed as heretics

3. Fall of Rome Goths rebelled against the Romans
Goths had two main groups (Visigoths and Ostrogoths)
Goths conquered much of the Western Empire
Visigoths established a Germanic kingdom in Italy and Western Empire lost forever
Influence of Rome lived on in Romance languages

4. Charlemagne Leader of the Franks
Launched a military campaign that conquered most of western and central Europe
800 AD--pope crowned him emperor of the Romans
He helped unify Europe and reinforced the power of the Roman Catholic Church

5. Feudal System
A system of promises that governed the relationship between lords and vassals
Kings and queens were at the top of feudal society, nobles were next, followed by knights then peasants
Large estates owned by a knight or lord was called a manor
Serfs were workers tied to the land on which they worked
Church gained influence while bishops and priests gained wealth

6. Black Death Many died as a result of the bubonic plague
Began in Asia and made its way along the trade routes to Europe
Was carried by fleas on rats
As people died, production, trade, and supplies of labor decreased

7. Innovations at Sea
Cannon- guns that could fire great distances
Telescope- used to see things far away
Astrolabe- helped sailors determine location
Compass-used magnetic field to determine location
Lateen Sail- triangular sail
Frigate- ship built for war
Galleon- large ship used to trade, but armed
Caravel- small, fast, maneuverable ships

8. Prince Henry the Navigator
From Portugal
Began an Age of European Exploration
Hired scientists and inventors to help make long voyages possible
He hired sailors to explore the African coast
He encouraged sailors to push the limits and sail further than ever before
This is part of Unit 8, but is on the iLEAP assessment guide, so try to remember him!