Aim Identify the Effects of Germanic Invasions Invasions

Aim: Identify the Effects of Germanic Invasions

Invasions of Western Europe Gradual decline of the Roman Empire ushered an era in European History called the Middle Ages or Medieval Period (500 -1500) n n 5 th Century- Germanic invaders overran western half of Roman Empire Repeated invasions altered economy, government & culture n n Effects of Invasions n Disruption of Trade Cities abandoned n Population shifts to rural areas n Decline of learning n Loss of common language- Different dialects develop n

Germanic Kingdoms Emerge 400 -600 - Small Germanic Kingdoms replace Roman provinces n n n Church provided order and security Concept of government changed Germanic peoples lived in small communities that were governed by unwritten rules and traditions n Germanic Chiefs led band of warriors ho pledged loyalty n n The Franks hold power Came from Gaul (France & Switzerland) n Leader was Clovis n Brought Christianity to area n Church welcomed Clovis’s conversion n 511 - Clovis united the Franks into one kingdom n

Germans Adopt Christianity Politics played key role in spread of Christianity n 600 - Church converted Franks n Missionaries spread Christianity n Church built religions communities called Monasteries n Christian men (Monks) devoted life to serve God n Became best educated communities (Schools) n n 590 - Gregory I- Became Pope Papacy became secular (Worldly power) n Pope’s palace center of Roman government n Region from Italy to England fell under his responsibility n Idea of Churchly kingdom central them of Middle Ages n