UNIT 2 – THE MIDDLE AGES
Chapter 13 – European Middle Ages
Chapter 14 – the Formation of Western Europe
CHAPTER 13
SECTION 1
Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms
SECTION 2
Feudalism in Europe
SECTION 3
The Age of Chivalry
SECTION 4
The Power of the Church
OBJECTIVES

CORE OBJECTIVE: Describe the political structures and
systems that changed Europe during the Middle Ages and
the Formation of Western Europe
 Objective
2.1: Describe the impact of
Charlemagne’s Empire

THEME: Europe will become fragmented during its decline after
the fall of Rome and new cultures will emerge.
CHAPTER 13 SECTION 1
Many Germanic kingdoms that succeeded
the Roman Empire are reunited under
Charlemagne’s empire.
THE MIDDLE AGES

Effects of Constant Invasions and Warfare


Germanic invaders overrun western Roman Empire in 400s
Fighting disrupts trade and government; people abandon cities
 The
Middle Ages — period from 500 to 1500;
describes European decline after the fall of Rome

The Decline of Learning
 As



cities are abandoned, level of learning declines
Knowledge of Greek language and culture is almost completely lost
Loss of a Common Language: Introduction of German language changes
Latin; dialects develop
This era is sometimes called the “Dark Ages”
GERMANIC
KINGDOMS

Years of Upheaval Between
400 and 600
 Germanic kingdoms
replace Roman provinces
 Continual wars change
borders between
kingdoms
 The Church provides
order and security

The Concept of Government
Changes
 Germans held together by
family ties and loyalty, not
government
 Small communities are
governed by unwritten
rules and traditions
 Germanic warriors pledge
loyalty to their chief; live
in lord’s hall

Germanic people called Franks hold power in
Roman province of Gaul

Clovis unites Franks into one kingdom by 511
 He
also converts to Christianity in 496
 Leads
warriors against other Germanic armies
 Unites Franks into one kingdom with Church’s help
 The Franks territory would someday be known as France

Clovis is one of many Germanic tribal leaders that take
apart the Roman Empire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnbTPaVs8F0
HOW DID THE POPE BEGIN?
 The
Pope
 Head
of the Catholic Church
 Peter (d 67 AD) is considered the first Pope
 Pope’s over first 300 years are obscure &
persecuted by Rome
 They gain influence when Constantine recognizes
Christianity and moves the capital away from
Rome
 First “Pope” is Damasus I in 366
 With the collapse of Roman Empire – popes gain
land & authority


In 590, Gregory I becomes pope &
the church becomes secular
(political) power
Pope’s palace becomes center of
Roman government


Uses Church money to raise armies,
care for poor, negotiate treaties
Establishes a Christendom — churchly
kingdom fanning out from Rome

Europe’s Kingdoms



The Franks control largest and strongest of Europe’s many
kingdoms
By 511, Frankish rule extends over what is now France
French Dynasty



Pepin, begins Carolingian Dynasty — family that ruled 751–
987 after helping the Pope fight the Lombards
Pepin dies in 768, leaves kingdom to two sons
Pepin’s second son, Charlemagne (Charles the Great), rules
Frankish kingdom in 771
 Charlemagne
 Charlemagne’s
Extends Frankish Rule
armies reunite western Europe, spread
Christianity
 In 800, Charlemagne travels to Rome; protects Pope
Leo III
 Pope crowns Charlemagne emperor in 800
 Greatest Feat: builds largest empire since Rome

Charlemagne dies in 814; his son, Louis the
Pious, rules poorly
 Louis’s
three grandsons fight for control of empire

In 843 they divide
empire into three
kingdoms by signing
the
— ASSESSMENT

The Middle Ages
A.
B.
C.
D.

Began immediately after Pax Romana
was a period of Roman domination in Europe
was a period of violence in the Byzantine Empire
describes European decline after the fall of Rome
The Treaty of Verdun resulted in
A.
B.
C.
D.
The division of Charlemagne’s empire into three parts
The start of the Carolingian rule in Europe
The formation of the regions of Normandy & Britain
The formation of the Holy Roman Empire
— ASSESSMENT

The Middle Ages
A.
B.
C.
D.

Began immediately after Pax Romana
was a period of Roman domination in Europe
was a period of violence in the Byzantine Empire
describes European decline after the fall of Rome
The Treaty of Verdun resulted in
A.
B.
C.
D.
The division of Charlemagne’s empire into three parts
The start of the Carolingian rule in Europe
The formation of the regions of Normandy & Britain
The formation of the Holy Roman Empire
THE DARK AGES?

Crash Course
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7CanyzhZg