The Early Middle Ages What were the Middle

The Early Middle Ages

What were the Middle Ages?

Western Europe in Decline • • Invaders sweeping across the Roman region Trade was slow Towns were empty Education no longer truly existed – 500 to 1500: Known as the Middle Ages also called the Dark Ages • There is little known about this period because there is little written history of the time- due to illiteracy! – Medieval: Latin meaning, “middle age”

Rise of Germanic Kingdoms • Franks – Germanic tribe that conquered present-day France and neighboring lands in the 400 s • 486: King Clovis: conquered former Roman province of Gaul – Converts to Christianity: gains allies • Some cities existed near rivers and where trade routes crossed paths. • No written laws existed; communities were governed by unwritten customs. • The kingdoms were ruled by elected kings, whose role was to lead in war. • Muslim empire threatens Europe – Islam began in Arabia in 600 s (Muslims) – Muslim army comes into France • Charles Martel rallies Frankish warriors • He was known as “The Hammer. ” • He led the Franks in the Battle of Tours. – Battle of Tours 732: Christian warriors triumph • He served as Mayor of the Palace.

Battle of Tours 732

Who is Charlemagne?

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • 768 grandson of Charles Martel • Most of 46 year reign fighting Muslims in Spain – Reunited much of old western Roman empire • 799 Pope Leo III asks for help against rebellious nobles in Rome – Placed crown on Charlemagne’s head making him Emperor of the Roman’s- Crowned as Holy Roman Emperor! • Brought Christendom, but also angered the eastern Roman emperor in Constantinople (deepened split). – This event deepened the split between eastern and western Christians. • This event revived the idea of a united Christian empire which affected politics in Europe for years.

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • Why is this such a big deal?

More Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • He wanted to create a united Christian empire – Worked closely with the church • Appointed Powerful Nobles to rule local regions – Missi Dominici – administered law • Revival of Learning- Credited with ENDING the Dark Ages… because – Revived Latin learning

After Charlemagne • Died 814 • 843 Treaty of Verdun – split empire into 3 regions • Legacy – extended Christianity & setup strong efficient government • New Waves of Invasions – Muslim forces attack – Won’t subside till 900 s – Magyars: ethnic group centered in present day Hungary – So what now? ? ?

Raiders From the North • Vikings – independent farmers ruled by land owning chieftains – Expert Sailors – Raiders – Traders & Explorers • Opened up trade routes

Meet and Greet/Info Cards • In the info card boxes you must do the following with a highlighter: – In YELLOW highlight for each person how you know where they were from/which group they belonged to. – In ORANGE highlight each persons ACCOMPLISHMENT(S). – In PINK highlight the YEARS. • On the back create a timeline of the dates/years mentioned.