The Early Middle Ages

Chapter 7, Section 1

Dark Ages

Middle Ages Medieval Period

Western Europe in Decline

• At it’s height, the Roman empire included much of Western Europe • Rome unified the region, spread classical ideas, the Latin language, and Christianity …Germanic conquerors would later build on these traditions

Germanic Tribes

• Goths, Vandals, Saxons, & Franks • Very different culture from the Romans’ (mostly farmers/herders) • No cities; No written laws

Germanic Tribes

• Lived in small communities with unwritten customs • Kings were elected by tribal councils • Warriors swore loyalty to the king in exchange for weapons and a share of the plunder

Europe between 400 – 700 AD

• Germanic tribes cut Europe into small kingdoms

The Franks

• Germanic Kingdom— formerly the Roman province of “Gaul” • King Clovis, of the Franks, conquered Gaul • Gaul  “France”

King Clovis

• Ruled lands in Frankish custom, but preserved Roman legacy • Converted to Christianity—the religion of his subjects • The pope became a powerful ally (who was the leader of the Christian Church of Rome)

Muslims Threaten Europe

• As Germanic tribes carved up Europe, a new power was coming across the Mediterranean Sea… Islam

Islam

• Began in Arabia in the 600s • Founded by Muhammad • Qur’an (Koran) = holy book

Christians Feel Threatened

• Leaders of the Church and Christian kingdoms were alarmed when Muslim armies overran Christian lands • Eventually, Muslims crossed into France after conquering Spain

Charles Martel

• Rallied Frankish warriors • Christians kept Muslims at bay in the Battle of Tours (732) • Sign from God?

• Continued to rule Spain

Muslims

• Advanced no farther into Western Europe • Eventually, trade relations were established

Charlemagne

• Grandson of Charles Martel— became King of the Franks • Briefly unites Western Europe (France, Germany, & Italy) • Charles  Charles the Great  Charlemagne

A “New” Emperor

• 799—Pope Leo III asked Charlemagne for help against rebellious nobles • He had Leo’s opponents arrested • Christmas Day (800)—pope showed his gratitude by placing a crown on Charlemagne’s head • Charlemagne = “Emperor of the Romans”

Impact

1. Revived the idea of a unified Christendom 2. Outraged the Eastern Roman Emperor (Constantinople) 3. Deepened the split between Eastern & Western Christian worlds 4. Began a long-lasting power struggle between popes and kings

7.1 Study Guide