The Early Middle Ages

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The Early Middle Ages

• Section 71
• pp. 214-218

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Preview Questions

• Why was Western Europe a frontier land during the
  early Middle Ages?
• How did Germanic kingdoms gain power in the
  Middle Ages?
• How did Charlemagne briefly reunite much of
  Western Europe?

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I. Geography of Western Europe

• Location
• Europe is 2nd smallest continent
• Part of Eurasian land mass
• Resources
• On outskirts of civilization
• Fertile soil, forests, minerals, seas, rivers

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II. The Germanic Kingdoms

• The Franks
• Strongest of all Germanic kingdoms
• Clovis conquered Gaul
• Becomes Christian to gain support

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II. The Germanic Kingdoms

• Europe and the Muslim World
• Muslims built empire in North Africa
• Battle of Tours Martel defeats Muslims
• Muslims remained in Spain worries Europeans

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III. Age of Charlemagne

• Wanted to reunite Western Empire
• Crowned Emperor of Romans

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III. Age of Charlemagne

• Government
• Worked with Church to unite Empire
• Nobles given land to keep soldiers
• Missi Dominici ensured justice for people
• Revival of Learning
• Latin education for officials
• and clergy
• Founded school at Aachen

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IV. After Charlemagne

• Treaty of Verdun divided empire into three
  regions

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IV. After Charlemagne

• New Wave of Invasions
• Muslims attack S. Italy
• Magyars control Hungary
• Vikings control Scandinavia
• Traders
• Explorers
• Destructive Warriors

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IV. After Charlemagne

• Legacy of Charlemagne
• Expanded Christianity into N. Europe
• Blending of many cultures
• Strong, efficient governments