Dark Ages Dark Ages The Dark Ages is

Dark Ages

Dark Ages • The Dark Ages is a period that begun with the fall of Rome and ending in 1095 with the launch of the first Crusades. • When Rome fell, trade collapsed and the European World was set into chaos. • New groups of people scattered across the land. They were uneducated people who spoke different languages. • Muslim people began moving into what had been Roman territory in the past. Their influence spread quickly and they took over many lands.

Middle Ages Geography Chapter 17. 1

Physical Features of Europe • Small continent • Part of Eurasia-a large landmass that includes both Europe and Asia (Ural Mt. divide the 2) • Diverse land – Different landforms – Waterways – Climates

Landforms • Topography- refers to the shape and elevation of land in the region • There are maps that show the Topography The different colors show different elevations

Landforms and waterways • Mountain ranges – cover most of southern Europe – Some peaks in the Alps are higher than 15, 000 feet – Snow fields and glaciers • North of Alps are plains • Rivers – Many in the north • Peninsula – Many – Scandinavia-Largest

Climate • Climate – Varies in different regions – South- warm and sunny, trees that don’t need a lot of water – Northwest- mild and cold, wet, freezing in winter – Scandinavia- very cold throughout the year

Geography Shapes Life • Most people lived on the coastal plains – Grew crops-grapes, olives • By the mountains, they raised sheep and goats • Rivers provided transportation and trade – Also provided easy access for invaders

Questions to answer p. 499 • Answer questions 1 a/b and 2 a-c

Europe after the fall of Rome Chapter 17. 2