The%20Early%20Middle%20Ages

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The Early Middle Ages

• Chapter 7, Section 1

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Dark Ages Middle AgesMedieval Period
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Western Europe in Decline

• At its 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

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Germanic Tribes

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

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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

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Europe between 400 700 AD

• Germanic tribes cut Europe into small kingdoms

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The Franks

• Germanic Kingdomformerly the Roman province of
  Gaul
• King Clovis, of the Franks, conquered Gaul
• Gaul ? France

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King Clovis

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

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Muslims Threaten Europe

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

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Islam

• Began in Arabia in the 600s
• Founded by Muhammad
• Quran (Koran) holy book

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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

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Charles Martel

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

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Muslims

• Continued to rule Spain
• Advanced no farther into Western Europe
• Eventually, trade relations were established

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Charlemagne

• Grandson of Charles Martelbecame King of the
  Franks
• Briefly unites Western Europe (France, Germany,
  Italy)
• Charles ? Charles the Great ? Charlemagne

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A New Emperor

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

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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

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7.1 Study Guide