Transcript The Early Middle Ages - Gibson's World History

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?
Muslims
• Continued to rule Spain
• 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