1. Christian Societies Emerge in Europe 600-1200

2. Early Medieval Europe 600-1000
A time of insecurity
Politically fragmented kingdoms (Excluding Charlemagne)
Viking Invasions
William the Conqueror (Battle of Hastings)1066
A Self Sufficient Economy
No Rome = Regional Elites
Medieval Diet = Beer, lard, butter, bread (North) wheat, wine, olive oil (South)
Manorialism = Small landowners (serfs) sell land to lords, provide services in exchange for protection
Early Medieval Society
Feudalism = Political, economic, social system where military service & land ownership ruled
Vassals = People who are given a fief (land) in exchange for military service
Knights = Honor code of chivalry is a 2 sided contract

3. Politics and the Church
Holy Roman Empire = loose confederation of German princes
Struggle for Power
Investiture Controversy = Secular rulers vs. popes on who should choose bishops
Ex: Pope Gregory VII vs. Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
Monasticism = Devotion to religious life
Celibacy, devotion to prayer, isolation from society
Centers of literacy, learning, refuge, inns, orphanages = all self-sufficient
Hard for Catholic Church to control

4. Western European Revival 1000-1200
Population & Agricultural Production Increases
Resurgence of trade
Kings strengthen control
Technology = Heavy moldboard plow, the horse collar
Self-Governing Cities
Relied on manufacturing & trade for income (Ex: Venice = Maritime Power)
Use of Gold & Sliver Coins linked with increase of trade

5. The Crusades
Crusades = Series of Christian Military campaigns against Muslims
Causes = Religious zeal, vassal participation in church-sanctioned warfare, desire for land, trade
Four Total (Jerusalem captured in the first, lost in the third)
Holy Land = Focus of the Crusades
Tradition of Pilgrimages, Muslim control of Christian religious sites
Pope Urban II initiated 1st Crusade 1095
Impact of the Crusades
Ended Europe’s intllectual isolation
Exposed to larger urban areas
Trade between the East & West Increased (East not as eager)

6. The High Middle Ages 1200 - 1400 Gothic Architecture Urbanization
Rise of Universities
Decline in serfdom
Rise of Centralized Monarchies
Increased Eurasian trade
Growth of banking
Military Technology = Gunpowder & Cannon