THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES7.1

WESTERN EUROPE IN DECLINE

• The Roman Empire included much of Western Europe. After Rome’s fall, Western Europe began to decline socially, economically, and politically.• The period from 500 A.D.-1000 A.D. is referred to

as the Dark Ages.• Greco-Roman, Germanic, and Christian

traditions began to blend. This assimilation created medieval civilization.

THE RISE OF THE GERMANIC KINGDOMS

Germanic tribes such as the Goths, Vandals, Saxons, and Franks conquered parts of the Roman Empire from 400 A.D.-700 A.D.

They were mainly farmers and herders. Lived in small communities and governed themselves

with unwritten laws. Kings were elected by tribal councils. Warriors swore loyalty to the king in exchange for

weapons and a share of the loot from raids .

Clovis King of the Franks In 486 A.D. Clovis conquered Gaul(France). He ruled with Frankish customs, but preserved some Roman

practices. He converted to Christianity and won the support of the Pope

in Rome.

Muslims Threaten Europe Islam began in Arabia during the 600s. Christian leaders became worried about the spread of Islam

from Palestine, to North Africa, and into Spain. Charles Martel led the Christian Franks to victory against

invading Muslims in the Battle of Tours.

CHARLEMAGNE

In 768 A.D., the grandson of Charles Martel became king of the Franks.

His empire included France, Germany, and part of Italy

He took the name Charlemagne which means Charles the Great.

Most of his 46 years in power were spent repelling invaders and uniting the former Roman Empire.

CHARLEMAGNE AND HIS EMPIRE

CHARLEMAGNE

In 799 A.D., Pope Leo III asked Charlemagne to defeat rebellious nobles in Rome.

Charlemagne defeated the nobles and was crowned Emperor of Rome. This act created a united Christian community in Europe. It also set the stage for disagreements between future German kings and popes.

The leader of the eastern Roman Empire was outraged resulting in a bigger split between Christianity in the east and west.

POPE LEO III CROWNING CHARLEMAGNE EMPEROR OF ROME

CHARLEMAGNE Nobles were chosen to serve as local leaders.

Education was viewed by Charlemagne as a way to further unify his kingdom. He reestablished Latin learning and encouraged the creation of local schools.

Following his death in 814 A.D., Charlemagne’s sons fought one another for power.

In 843 ,Charlemagne’s grandsons created the Treaty of Verdun which split the empire into 3 parts.

INVASION

In the late 700s the Vikings from Scandinavia began to invade coastal towns in Europe.

Skilled sailors and explorers.

Settled with local peoples in England, northern France, Ireland, and parts of Russia.

Around 900 A.D. the Magyars settled in present day Hungary.

They overran Germany, France , and Italy, but were pushed back.