This document summarizes the empires and borderlands of early medieval Europe from 400-1000 AD. It discusses the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England, the Visigothic kingdom in Spain, the Lombard kingdom in Italy, and the Frankish kingdom in Gaul. It also covers the growth of the papacy, conversion of the Anglo-Saxons and Irish, rise of monasticism and learning, the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, and the rise of feudalism. The period saw the decline of the Roman Empire, invasion of Germanic tribes, growth of the Franks, and establishment of new political structures across Europe.

1. Empires and Borderlands of the Early Middle Ages

2. Germanic Kingdoms of Western Europe General characteristics Anglo-Saxon England Visigothic Spain Lombard Italy The Kingdom of the Franks

3. Anglo-Saxon England Celts Roman Britain 400: Angles + Saxons invade Loss of Romanization 3 Kingdoms

4. Visigothic Spain (409-711) 5 th –6 th c: Power in southern France 587: Conversion of King Reccared Visigothic Code (654) 711: Muslims conquer Spain

5. Lombard Italy (568-774) Alboin + Invasion of Italy (568) Byzantine loss of power Queen Theodelinda: Orthodox Christianity Fragmentation = Frankish conquest (774)

6. The Kingdom of the Franks Merovingian dynasty (476–750) Conversion of Clovis Salic Law (508-511) Death of Clovis = civil wars Rise of “Mayors of the Palace” Decline of urban life

7. Growth of the Papacy Decline of Byzantine Power Frankish-Papal alliance Revival: Gregory the Great Monasteries + Missionaries

8. Converting the Anglo-Saxons Anglo-Saxon paganism Gregory the Great: Missions from Rome St Augustine Strategy: gentle persuasion Source: Bede

9. Converting the Irish Celtic religion Palladius: convert + reform St. Patrick + 5 th C Missions Growth of monasteries

10. Monastery: Center of Learning St. Benedict Rise in power Library + Scriptorium Illuminated manuscripts Growth of education

11. The Carolingian Empire Pepin the Short Charlemagne: classical to medieval 3 classes: 1. Peasants (workers) 2. Nobles (fighters) 3. Clergy (educated + powerful)

12. Reign of Charlemagne Policy of expansion Goal of Christianization Coronation of Charlemagne Divisions of Frankish Kingdom Establishing loyalty Commerce + trade

13. The Carolingian Renaissance Revival of learning Alcuin of York Carolingian miniscule Unification of the church Einhard

14. Division of Western Europe Death of Charlemagne = fragmentation Dynastic rivalry Civil wars: Treat of Verdun (843) Rise of local powers East Francia: Otto I + the Saxons West Francia: Capetian dynasty

15. Invasions of Europe 7 th -11 th C Muslims Vikings Magyars Conversions = end of invasion

16. Rise of Feudalism Causes Loyalty + service Lords and Vassals Land grants: fief Obligations of vassal: Fealty Obligations of Lord Oath of loyalty Warrior culture Feudal law