2.  The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient world.  It controlled almost all of Europe, Britain, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa  Rome rules its Empire with and Iron First, conquering and governing based on the strength of the Roman Army.  The Roman Legions were the most disciplined, well training and advanced army of the period.

5.  As Rome’s influence spreads, so does it’s philosophy, politics, technology, culture and religion  In the late Roman period, the empire converts to Christianity.  However, as time passes, Rome becomes to big and unruly.  Forced to fight too many wars, in too many places, Rome slowly collapses  By 500 AD, the Roman Empire is gone.

6.  When Rome falls, most of Europe is Christian  Even the enemies of Rome where Christian by this point, having been converted by travelling missionaries  The Church becomes extremely powerful during this period  The church is educated, organized, and has a distinct hierarchy. It is the only Roman institution that remains  The people of Europe gather around the church and become dependant on it.  The Church stepped into this power vacuum and began to take over political functions  Over time, the church became extremely wealthy and the most powerful force in Europe

7.  The fall of Rome gives rise to a new period in European History (The Middle Ages or Dark Ages)  1000 years with almost no social or political progress  During this time, Europe was illiterate, unhygienic, and superstitious  Few social, political and technological advancements

8.  Pope, Cardinal and Bishop were political positions as well as religious ones.  In fact, wars were fought over who became pope.  These men were immensely powerful and rich and worked to keep it that way.  The early medieval church was also extremely corrupt  The Church actively promoted stability and sought to destroy “dangerous ideas”

9.  Rejected all the teachings of ancient societies (they were pagans)  People should be meek and humble  The world was created in perfect order, everything has its place. There is a natural hierarchy. Therefore, if you are born a peasant, that is your place.  The pain of this world was to be accepted, only the afterlife mattered  Total submission to the will of God  God was directly responsible for everything that happened.  The Bible was the only source of Truth

10.  Heresy – the crime of speaking, writing or believing in anything that opposes church teaching  Excommunication – being removed from the church – you were ostracized from all of society  The Inquisition – a special court which travelled Europe to investigate heresy  If the Inquisition found you guilty, you were tortured until you confessed (to save your soul) and then you were executed

14.  Rome falls and its institutions are destroyed  The Catholic Church takes advantage of the power vacuum and asserts power over most of Europe  The Church actively suppresses knowledge, literacy and personal freedom  The Church maintains its power through the power of excommunication, torture and execution