1. INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
Roman Empire Breaks Down
Europe is politically fragmented
Germanic kings rule over numerous and dissimilar kingdoms
Muslim Arabs and Berbers overturn Visigoths in Spain and push into France

2. INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
CAROLINGIANS UNITE FRANKISH KINGDOMS
Charles “the Hammer” Martel
Soldiers had been farmers – seasonal commitment to fight
Asks church for money and land to raise formidable army
Take on Moors (Muslims) from Spain; win surprisingly
Credited as the savior of Christendom

3. INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
CHARLEMAGNE
Remembered as the father of Europe
Considered to be the greatest king of medieval era
Re-establishes tradition of economics and education, even though they were different in nature
Rules over Gaul (France), Germany, and parts of Italy
Christmas Day 800 CE, ordained as 1st Holy Roman Emperor in St. Peters Square

4. INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
INSTABILITY OF THE WEST
Empire is eventually divided amongst Charlemagne’s grandsons and is never united again!

5. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS
Attack England, France and Spain in the 8th and 9th centuries
Overpopulation causes migrations south
Plunder Europe into “Dark Ages”

6. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS
On hunt for treasure, slaughter anyone in the way
Church had wealth; many attacks conducted against monasteries and monks
Easy money as monks have no weapons – reinforces the ease of the campaign, others follow suit (path of least resistance)

7. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE VIKINGS
Attacks on the British Isles (neighbors) were especially frequent
Attacked for control of land and wealth
The Great Heathen army takes York; tortures the king (Blood Eagle)

8. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Brief Overview:
Economy is transformed with the fall of the Roman Empire
De-urbanization and decline in trade
Regional elites gain power and influence – leads to development of Celtic and Germanic cultures and traditions

9. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM
Rural Agriculture becomes important to society at large:
Diet in north is based on beer (hops and barley), lard or butter, and bread (wheat)
Diet in south is based on wine (grapes), olive oil, and bread (wheat)

10. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM
Self-sufficient farming estates (manors) were center of agricultural production
Grew out of the need for self-sufficiency and self-defense
The lord of the manor had almost unlimited power over his agricultural workers (Serfs)

11. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Chain of Feudal States: King
Lords (Nobility)
Vassals (Knights)
Serfs (peasants)

12. EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE FEUDALISM Relationship commitments:
Top to Bottom
Protection from outlaws, raiders, and bandits; land
Bottom to Top
Agricultural work; military obligations; court service