1. Early Middle Ages 500-1000 CE. Medieval Period The first 500 years known as Early Middle Ages or the Dark Ages Dark---Levels of learning and culture not as great as they had been during the Greek and Roman Times Instability of government

2. Economic Activity Bridges, roads and sewage systems not maintained Less trading in western Europe Urban to rural (subsistence farming)

3. Political Activity Kingdoms that developed were small and weak Frankish Kingdom the strongest (France to present day Germany) Germanic people Christians Charles Martel—organized an army to fight the Moors (Muslims who were invading Spain) 732 Martel’s forces defeat the Moors at the Battle of Tours

4. Charlemagne Strongest Frankish ruler Martel’s Grandson Empire included modern France, Germany, Austria, northern Italy and a portion of Spain Spread Christianity

5. Charlemagne Pope crowned Charlemagne the Frankish king and gave him the title emperor of the Romans Charlemagne instituted reforms, education, arts etc. Gave large estates to nobles who had served him in the army or government. This is a factor that leads to the rise in Feudalism.

6. Vikings Fierce fighters and sailors from Scandinavia Attack western Europe periodically Attack settlements on the coasts of England, Ireland, Scotland and the Frankish kingdom Most Vikings were farmers, not invaders Eventually they set up the independent kingdoms of Scandinavia.

7. Later Middle Ages 1000-1500 CE More frequent wars between armies of knights Many small kingdoms of Western Europe developed political strength and size

8. Agricultural Revolution 3 field system (plant on two fields, leave third to fallow) Horse collar—horse replaced oxen (faster) Iron-tipped plow—previously wood

9. Growth of trade and towns Manors began to produce food surpluses that were sold for cash Money to buy goods Merchants and artisans began to settle in towns and set up permanent shops Towns grew in size

10. Feudalism After Charlemagne no strong government in western Europe Economic disorder and constant warfare threatened people’s security 800-1300 feudalism develops

11. Feudalism Europe’s economic, political and social system, based on the concept of protection King grants a large piece of land (fief) to an individual noble (lord) in return for political and military support Nobles who received the land would grant smaller pieces of land to lesser lords in return for loyalty and protection

12. Feudalism Most vassals were knights. Trained soldiers who had swore allegiance to a greater lord and were obligated to defend him. Knights followed the code of chivalry Common people—artisans and peasants performed economic functions for the lord in return for his protection.