The Early Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, saw the fall of the Western Roman Empire due to Germanic invasions. Small Germanic kingdoms like the Franks and Lombards emerged to fill the power vacuum. The Catholic Church was the sole surviving centralized institution and provided order. Charlemagne united much of Europe under the Frankish Empire and helped spread Christianity. His empire marked a revival of learning and centralized government, though it declined after his death.

1. The Early Middle Ages “The Dark Ages”

5. Franks Visigoths Lombards

13. Charlemagne’s “Holy Roman Empire” Expanded the lands of the Franks. Helped centralize power in Europe Helped Christian Church spread Established more monastaries Collected Taxes. Borrowed ideas from the old Roman Empire