1. The Birth of Medieval Europe
Early Middle Ages
The Birth of Medieval Europe

2. What were the effects of the fall of Rome?
Strong govt. vanished
Economic life was in turmoil
Law & order broke down
Towns & cities were abandoned
Level of learning decreased

3. What characteristics of the Christian Church might account for its unifying role during the early Middle Ages?
Offered a single faith
Provided social organization
After the fall of the Roman Empire, European govt., law, & economy disintegrated. W/ no central govt. to provide order & security, the Christian Church emerged s a source of unity during the M.A.

4. Church organization

5. How might the Church have been affected by its new role?
Acquired political power

6. Why do you think people accepted the Church’s assumption of responsibilities once fulfilled by the Roman govt.?
Society needs a source of organization & structure (unity & order)
The Church was the only institution capable of this after the fall of Rome
Its strong organization & acceptance by most of the population allowed it to slowly assume the duties & powers usually only given to govts.

7. Early Medieval Leadership Timeline
481: Frankish ruler Clovis united the Franks
Conquered the Roman & Germanic people in Gaul
Later captured some Visigoths in southern Gaul

8. 687 – 714: Pepin II reunited the Franks
Known as “Mayor of the Palace”
The king’s chief officer
717 – 741: Charles Martel (the Hammer) ruled over most of Gaul
In 732, at the Battle of Tours, he stopped the Muslim advance into Western Europe

9. 751 - 768: Pepin the Short becomes “King of the Franks”
Supported by the pope because he had defended Church lands from the Lombards
751 – 987: The Carolingian Dynasty

10. The Father of Europe
768 – 814: Charlemagne (Charles the Great) becomes “King of the Franks”
Devoted Christian
Admired Greece & Rome
Encouraged education
Reunited Western Europe for the first time since Rome
His blending of Germanic culture with that of Greco-Roman culture and Christianity became the founding characteristics of Medieval Europe.

11. After Charlemagne Late 800’s – early 1100’s: 1100’s – 1300:
Unfortunately no one is able to sustain his kingdom after his death & a new wave of Magyar & Viking invasions occur
1100’s – 1300:
Feudalism will develop
Revival of towns & trade will lead to new business practices, increased agriculture & population growth.