Lecture Notes Unit 2 Introduction to Medieval Europe Roman Legacy - Language “Medieval” is a ___________ (language spoken by Romans) term that means “Middle Ages.” Math connection: This Latin root word also gives us the word “median” in math (the middle number). What do you think “medi” means in Latin? _______________________________________ 2.2 The Beginning of Medieval Europe Medieval Europe began after the Fall of the _______________ Roman Empire in 476 A.D. In response to the lose of political unity under the Western Roman government, German tribes formed their own _________________ (territories ruled by a king). These kingdoms were often at war with one another. The most powerful rulers were those who had the most _________ (territory) and had the fiercest and most effective fighters. 2.2 Charlemagne’s Empire One powerful kingdom during this time was the __________, who had developed a new style of warfare. The Frank leaders depended on troops of _____, heavily armed warriors who fought on horseback. The knights pledged their loyalty to the ruler by fighting for him and in return for their loyalty, the ruler rewarded knights with _________ (territory) and political privileges. 2.2 Charlemagne’s Empire One of the early leaders of the Franks was Clovis who became leader at the age of 15. Not only did he extend the boundaries of the Frankish kingdom, but helped lead the Franks into ____________________ (the religion that believes Jesus is the Son of God.) As the Franks grew stronger and its territory grew larger, a leader came to power who was determined to unite the different kingdoms of Europe into one empire: ________________, which means “Charles the Great.” 2.2 Charlemagne’s Empire Starting in 774, the 6 foot 4 inch leader embarked on over 50 military campaigns. He successfully unified nearly all Christian lands of Europe into a single empire. Because the Church was a central part of society during this time, Charlemagne believed that having the blessing of the Church sent the message, “God is on my side.” In return for Charlemagne’s military protection, the pope crowned Charlemagne the _______ _____________ emperor. 2.2 Charlemagne’s Empire Charlemagne’s successful military campaigns demonstrated that Western Europe had a chance of reuniting under a single empire again (as it had under the Roman government). However, weak rulers followed Charlemagne after his death and they could not defend the empire against new waves of ____________ (aggressively entering into a territory). Although a unified Western Europe was no longer __________ (capable of working), the Frankish style of warfare (rewarding knights with land for military service) helped pave the way for the system of ______________ (sociopolitical system in which people exchanged loyalty and labor for protection). 2.2 Invasions Cause Need for Protection After Charlemagne’s reign, Western Europe was threatened by _______ (1, 2, . . .) main groups who viewed the region as politically, economically, and socially _________________ (broken into pieces) and weak. The invasions came from completely different societies and effectively surrounded the continent from different directions. 2.2 Invasions Cause Need for Protection These three invaders were: 1) The _______________ from the North such as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway 2) The ____________ (people who believe in the religion of Islam) from the Southeast 3) The ______________ from the east, specifically Russia 2.2 Invasions Cause Need for Protection Fast Facts • The Vikings never wore horned helmets • The _________________ (formerly Eastern Roman Empire) suffered from repeated raids by Muslim forces because it was located so close to the Middle East • Magyars were excellent horsemen who could shoot arrows while riding. Western Europe had not seen ____________ (ring that holds the foot of a rider) before the Magyars’ invasions. 2.3 Medieval Europe’s Response to Invasions: Feudalism The waves of invaders from the North, East, and Southeast made central control of Europe very difficult. A system based on local power and ___________ (faithful to promises, commitments and relationships) emerged. This system was called _______________. Feudalism: a political and social system that tied together kings, lords, knights, and peasants in a relationship based upon loyalty and ____________ (territory). 2.3 Medieval Europe’s Response to Invasions: Feudalism