1. The Middle Ages Feudalism, Castles, Knights, & Promises

2. Medieval Europe The Fall of the Roman Empire brought many changes to Europe. The once unified empire divided into many regional kingdoms controlled by a nobleman or king.

3. Dark Ages, 500-900 AD Loss of Central Government Disruption of Trade- no government=no laws=unsafe to move goods Downfall of Cities- cities were no longer the center of government so people moved to rural areas to support themselves

4. Dark Ages, 500-900 AD Reasons it was “dark” Decline of learning-Germanic invaders could not read or write so the level of learning decreased Loss of Common Language-Latin mixed with Germanic languages to create the Romance Languages (Spanish, French, Italian, etc.)

5. Frankish Rulers 496 Clovis unites the Franks & converts to Christianity 732 Charles Martel defeats the Muslim Turks @ the Battle of Tours, Europe will remain Christian 800 Charlemange crowned Holy Roman Emperor (Western Europe) on Christmas Day by Pope Leo III

6. Holy Roman Empire Charlemange unites much of Western Europe Reintroduces the value & importance of education Revives the spirit & glory of the Roman Empire Links the power of European monarchs with the power of the Catholic Church

7. Social Structure King was at the top Nobility-any one related to any king or given a title by a king (clergy, knights, etc.) Peasants-Everyone else

8. Feudalism King owns ALL the land Land=power King grants land (fief) to allies (vassals/lords) who promise loyalty, military service, & ransom King promises to protect the vassals Vassals must protect the fief & peasants Peasants must work the land

9. Protection Lawlessness was the rule during the Middle Ages Might made right Noblemen built castles to protect the land & themselves from attacks