1. Medieval Europe

2. The Early Middle Ages  The Early Middle Ages began around 476- 1050 CE and were also known as the Dark Ages  The Dark Ages was a time when little development in trade and social structure occurred  The Late Middle Ages occurred from 1050- 1450 and was a time that experienced some growth in trade and agriculture

3. Feudalism  Developed first on the continent of Europe and then on the island of Britain with the ruler and the ruled having clearly defined roles and duties

4. Political Developments  Small independent kingdoms develop in Italy, Gaul, Spain, Germany, and Belgium (400s)  The pope declares Charlemagne “Emperor of the Romans” (800)

5. Cultural Developments  Christianity was brought to the pagans in Northern and Eastern Europe (400s-1100)  Charlemagne reintroduced education and literacy to western Europe (800s)  Roman style cathedrals were built in France and England (100)

6. Technological/Economic Developments  Wooden castles were built  Heavy plough, horseshoe, and an improved harness improved crop harvests  Horses began to replace oxen to plough fields (900s)

7. Charlemagne  Charlemagne means Charles the Great  The church crowned him Emperor of the Romans in hopes of reestablishing the old western Roman empire  Charlemagne ruled in modern day Germany  His goals were to establish uniform laws through out his kingdom that were upheld by local judges

8.  Art and culture thrived during his reign  After he died civil war broke out in his kingdom and his heirs fought for control of his kingdom  His 3 grandsons divided the kingdom into 3 parts  The western part (modern day France)  The eastern part (modern day Germany)  The middle part ( Italy to the North Sea)