The Middle Ages spanned from around 500 to 1500 AD. This period followed the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, leaving Europe without strong central governments. Society was dominated by the Catholic Church and a feudal system led by kings, lords, and serfs. Significant developments included the building of castles, cathedrals, and the Crusades, as well as the introduction of ideas and goods from Muslim civilizations. The period was drastically impacted by the Black Death plague in the 14th century, which killed around one-third of Europe's population and contributed to the end of feudalism. Notable figures that traveled during this time include Joan of Arc and Marco Polo.

1. Medieval Times
or
Middle Ages
“Age of Faith”
http://eawc.evansville.edu/chronology/mepage.htm

2. Started with the collapse of
Roman Empire
• Crumbling started in earnest 190 CE
• 476 Last Western Roman Empire leader
dethroned.

3. Loss of the Roman Empire
• No strong central government
• Frequent invasions
• Limited Trade
• Limited large projects

4. The Middle Ages
• Existed from about 500 to 1500 A.D.
• Small Kingdoms replaced large empires
• Religion dominated over Reason
• Feudal system is used

5. Feudal System
• Feudalism is a system of government
& way of life
• Fiefdoms- serfs farm land, pay taxes,
landowner protects serfs from
invaders
• Nobles (kings & lords); clergy;
peasants/serfs

6. Castles and Knights

7. Church
Roman Catholic
• Built schools & churches & fed the
poor
• Controlled much of the flow of
information
• Held positions of great power

8. Cathedrals
• Built to celebrate God
• Gargoyles, spires, flying buttresses

9. Crusades
• Started when Muslims invade
Constantinople
• Often exercises in futility, Children’s
Crusade
• Christians supposedly wanted the Holy
Lands to protect them from Muslims
• Introduced Muslim Ideas & Products

10. Muslim Products
• Universities, libraries, schools
• Use of zero & Arabic numerals
• Algebra & Geometry
• Chemical medicines
• Performed surgery
• Wrote medical textbooks
• Astronomy Records

11. Black Death Begins
• Began in Europe around 1350, 1 in 3
people died
• Caused by a germ found on fleas from
rats (Cats could have helped)

12. Impact of Black Death/Plague
• Population decreases
• People isolate themselves, learn about
cleanliness & spread of germs
• People move away from populated
areas back to secluded farms
• Ends feudal system

13. Joan of Arc
French girl who convinced
Charles VII to build her
an army
Burned at the stake
http://archive.joan-of-arc.org/

14. Marco Polo
• Traveled East to the Orient
• Brought back spices, pasta,
fireworks, and more.
http://www.silk-
road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml

15. Age of Faith v Renaissance
• Group
• Survival & self-
awareness
• Simple lifestyle
(survival)
• Celebrated the
Individual
• Ideas of Ancient
Greece & Rome
reappear
• People enjoy
worldly pleasures

16. Renaissance
• Scientific Revolution
• Industrial Revolution
• Enlightenment ( Revolution of Ideas)
• Cultural Revolution
• Political Revolutions
• Democratic Revolutions

17. Bibliography
• http://eawc.evansville.edu/chronology/mepage.htm
• http://www.insecta-inspecta.com/fleas/bdeath/bdeath.html
• http://www.cybersleuth-
kids.com/sleuth/History/Ancient_Civilizations/Rome/index.htm
• People Through the Ages (grade 8 textbook)