European Developments (1.6)

The Roman Empire was ruled by a single centralized government with one leader controlling all territories. The Empire transitioned from a Republic to an empire with an Emperor.

A decentralized political system based on land ownership and loyalty. Kings granted land (fiefs) to lords, who in turn granted land to knights and peasants, creating a hierarchy of loyalty.

The Eastern Roman Empire, located in Constantinople, preserved Roman traditions and continued with a central government and organized bureaucracy. It was the successor to the Roman Empire.

An important city-state in Eastern Europe that was a center for trade and adopted Orthodox Christianity, forming strong cultural ties with the Byzantine Empire.

The split of Christianity in 1054 CE, separating the Roman Catholic Church in the West from the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East.

A decentralized political system where land ownership and loyalty determine social hierarchy. Kings grant land (fiefs) to lords, who in turn grant land to knights and peasants, creating a chain of dependence.

The Roman Empire grew too large to govern from a single capital. It was divided into Western and Eastern Empires, each with its own emperor, leading to significant differences in religion, culture, and ways of life.

The Western Roman Empire fell to barbarian invasions in 476 CE, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe.

The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, preserved Roman traditions and continued with a central government and organized bureaucracy in Constantinople. It was the successor to the Roman Empire.

A political and religious system in the Byzantine Empire where the Emperor held both secular and spiritual authority as “caesar” and “pope.”

The division of Christianity in 1054 CE, splitting the Roman Catholic Church in the West from the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East.

A series of religious wars against non-Christians, primarily against Muslims, triggered by the Byzantine Empire's plea for help against the Seljuk Turks. The Crusades led to the capture of Jerusalem and further solidified the division between Christian denominations.

The Church dominated all aspects of life in Western Europe, including education, politics, and societal norms. It was seen as the only path to salvation and was considered unquestionable.

A Renaissance philosophy that emphasized human potential and reason over religious dogma. It promoted a focus on individuals rather than God.

Western Europe had a rigid social structure based on Feudalism. This system was inherited and could never be changed, with Kings ruling by divine right, Lords serving the King, Knights serving the Lords, and Peasants serving the Lords. The Black Death eventually led to increased urbanization and a shift in power from the nobility to the commoners.