Medieval Period.pdf

Medieval Times  Medieval Comes from Latin Means “middle” Transitional time between ancient and modern times Also called Middle Ages and Dark Ages Setting the Scene Rome has fallen Why has Rome fallen?  The Frankish Empire The largest po...

Medieval Times  Medieval Comes from Latin Means “middle” Transitional time between ancient and modern times Also called Middle Ages and Dark Ages Setting the Scene Rome has fallen Why has Rome fallen?  The Frankish Empire The largest post-Roman barbarian kingdom in Western Europe A Germanic peoples Began as a loose confederation of individual tribes along the Rhine River “Franks” = “the fierce” or “the brave” Childeric I Founded Merovingian dynasty, successfully unifying most of Gaul and gaining control over Frankish tribes Clovis I Converted Franks to Christianity Charlemagne Took over in 768  Early Reign 1. Frankish empire comprised of modern day Italy, Germany, and Burgundy 2. Gained complete power after death of brother 3. Charlemagne sought to unify all Germanic peoples and convert them to Christianity 4. Gave money and land to the Church and actively protected Popes  Charlemagne the ruthless 01 02 03 Conquered Ordered 4500 Lombards Waged a 3 decade Saxons slaughtered (present day long battle against → Massacre of northern Italy), Saxons which Verden Avars (present earned him rep of day Austria and ruthless Forced Saxons to Hungary), and convert to Bavaria Christianity or die  Charlemagne and the Church Named first Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day 800 Continued to convert Promoted education Driving force behind conquered to and encouraged Carolingian minuscule Christianity Carolingian → Standardized form Renaissance of writing → basis for modern european print  What did life look like? Decline in Independence Civilization Small communities united by Less trade King but functionally Bridges, roads, and independent cities in disrepair Formal laws are Many leaders rare Kings rule over warrior nobles Formal learning who run communities based on only in loyalty monasteries No common language due to dialects  Provide for social and religious needs Christianity spreads due to Church missionaries Monasteries preserve Greco-Roman Authority culture and achievement Much less Secular Must listen to church Authority Church makes recommendations