Medieval Europe spanned from 500 to 1500 CE following the fall of Rome. It was characterized by weak local governments and a decline in cities, trade, and literacy. Germanic tribes divided the region into small kingdoms. The Franks, led by Clovis, established the Merovingian dynasty and converted to Christianity. Charlemagne further united Europe under the Carolingian Empire in 800 CE and promoted education. After his death, the empire fragmented and was vulnerable to attacks from Muslims, Magyars, and Vikings. Feudalism developed as a political and economic system defined by the exchange of land for military service between lords and vassals.

1. Medieval Europe (500 – 1500)

2. The Middle Ages or Medieval Europe is the 1,000 year period after the fall of Rome and before the Renaissance.

3. I. Geography : Europe is on the western end of Eurasia.

4. B. Natural Resources: Dense forests Fertile soil Rich minerals Seas

5. II. Causes

6. Fall of Rome Dark Ages in W. Europe Tribal Warfare Money is no longer used Cities disappeared Advances made by Greece & Rome forgotten Trade collapsed No central gov’t Weak local gov’ts Literacy declined

7. III. Germanic Tribes A. Farmers and herders 1. No written laws 2. Divided W. Europe into small kingdoms

8. Not these Franks!

9. B. The Franks

10. 1. The most powerful Germanic tribe in Gaul , or present-day France. Gaul

11. 2. Clovis King of the Franks He converted to Christianity The Roman Catholic Church becomes his ally ( supporter)

12. 3. The Battle of Tours - In 732 CE, the Franks defeated the Muslims in Spain.

13. This stopped Muslims from advancing into W. Europe. DON’T WRITE THIS Christians did not want Islam to spread into Europe, even though they learned science and math from Arab Muslims.

14. C. Charlemagne ( Charles the Great ) 1. In 800 CE, he became king of the Franks 2. Pope Leo III named him emperor

15. 3. His empire united Europe.

16. 4. Legacy He spread Christianity He blended Christian, Roman and German traditions He formed an efficient gov’t

17. Charlemagne tried to revive learning He set up schools to educate officials and children. Edumacation!

18. Curriculums, or formal courses of study, included reading, grammar, math, music, and astronomy. Don’t write this!

19. D. New Attacks 1. After Charlemagne’s death in 814 CE, Muslims, Magyars and Vikings attacked.

20. Peace Out, Charlemagne! When Charlemagne died in 814, his empire fell apart as his heirs fought over it. Don’t write this!

21. 2. 843 CE- The Treaty of Verdun divided the empire into three kingdoms.

22. 3. This became the Holy Roman Empire.

23. Life in Medieval Europe (500 – 1500 CE)

24. I. Political A. Feudalism- A political system which exchanges land for military service. King gives lord ( vassal ) a fief (land) . In exchange, the lord (vassal) gives the king his loyalty and protection when needed. Lords gradually became more powerful than kings as they acquired more land.

25. Feudalism King or lord Required to give: -Fief (land) Vassal or lord Required to give: -loyalty -military service

26. B. Social Kings and Lords were at the top of the social hierarchy.

27. Knights - mounted warriors Chivalry - code of conduct for knights be brave, loyal, polite

30. Feudal lords battled constantly for power and land By the 1100’s, fighting declined so lords held tournaments (fake battles) to entertain people.

31. Serfs - peasants who worked the lord’s land They could not leave without permission They paid the lord rent in food and labor (no $$) for use of the land and protection.

32. DON’T WRITE THIS! Role of Women Noblewomen managed the household and were in change when men were away. Rights: Received a limited inheritance Arranged marriages, expected to have many kids Few knew how to read and write Chivalry raised women to a new status. They were protected and cherished.

33. C. Economic Manorialism - an economy where land, not money, is the basis of wealth

34. Manor - the lord’s estate including the town, peasant houses, church, and fields - It was self-sufficient, which led to a decline in trade

35. Three-field system - two fields planted, one left fallow (empty) to regain fertility

36. Remember Europe was isolated BUT, there were advanced civilizations in the Middle East, South Asia, and China!