ROME WAS A STRONG, UNIFIED CIVILIZATION
• Controlled all land around the Mediterranean
• Civilization was based on Greek culture
• Latin was the common language
• Urbanized (20% of population lived in cities of greater
than 100,000 people, Rome had 1 million residents)
• High standard of living for the rich, much of the
population was poor but had access to governmentsubsidized food, apartments, entertainment
• Centrally administered - the government and army
reported to Rome.
• Legal system based on rational rules, though it favored
the government over individual rights and favored men
over women
• Emphasis on serving the empire, emperor was
“worshipped”. The high and mighty received all the
accolades, the poor were downtrodden.
MAJOR CULTURAL CHANGE WITH THE INSTITUTION OF
CHRISTIANITY
• Big change formalized in 391 when Christianity
becomes the official religion (Constantine first accepted
Christianity, Theodosius made it official)
• Emphasis was placed on the importance of the soul
which puts all souls on an equal footing (this appeals to
those dispossessed by traditional Roman culture)
• Emphasized the importance of taking care of the less
fortunate
AS ROME LOST ITS POLITICAL POWER, IT RETAINS RELIGIOUS
IMPORTANCE
• Rome will remain as the western center of Roman
Christianity after the Western half of the empire falls in
476, overrun by barbarians
• For centuries the popes, as leaders of the Roman
Catholic Church, will also try to control the politics of
Western Europe
LOSS OF POLITICAL POWER
• Army’s ties to the state weakened. Soldiers fought for
money, not honor. Barbarians were recruited into the
Roman army.
• Politics became overrun by army influence and
increasing economic strain on provincial rulers.
• Capital moved away from Rome to Constantinople in
330
• Invading barbarians advanced from several different
directions, driven out of their land by the even more
ferocious Huns. AD 410-476
These invasions interrupted trade. Rome responded by
minting more money, which caused inflation. Overworked
soil caused poor harvests. These economic problems also
hurt Rome.
BY 800, THERE WERE THREE DISTINCT ‘EMPIRES’ IN WHAT
HAD BEEN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
GREEK CHRISTENDOM in Byzantium – Asia Minor, Balkan
Peninsula
Greek in culture and language, Christian in religion
Emperor is the supreme ruler of both church and state
Not as flexible and creative as the original Greeks
Slowly but surely shrinking.
MUSLIM/ARAB/ISLAMIC EMPIRE – Spain, North Africa, Arabia,
Middle East from Syria to Pakistan/Northwest India
Incredibly rapid expansion, only started in 622
Arab in culture and language, Muslim in religion
Ruled by a Caliphate
Took Greek knowledge to a higher level (ex. Algebra, Arabic
numbers)
LATIN CHRISTENDOM (or “the West”) – Italian peninsula,
Western Europe, British Isles
Little culture, little trade, no common language – dominated
by barbarian tribes who had no written language but a strong
oral culture which esteemed fighting and heroic valor
Barbarian (mostly Germanic) kings ruled small kingdoms,
commanded the loyalty of their subjects
Laws originated in customs, legal system based on “trial by
ordeal”
Cities depopulated
OF THESE THREE CIVILIZATIONS, LATIN CHRISTENDOM WAS
LEAST PREDICTED TO SUCCEED
CHURCH WAS A UNIFYING FORCE
Network of bishoprics everywhere but Britain (Bishop of
Rome - the Pope - seen as the most important, he had
political and religious power)
Monasteries became centers of calm and learning
BUT THE CHURCH DEVELOPED SOME BAD HABITS
• Clergy appointed by rough lords who expected to
control the Church
• Bishops didn’t always listen to Rome
• Pope often controlled by the Roman mob
• Many clergy illiterate
• Pagan superstition mixed in with religious thought
• Many priests married and had children
THERE WAS A TEMPORARY REVIVAL DURING THE
CAROLINGIAN ERA
The Carolingian Era (733-843) saw the emergence of a new
European society, especially under Charlemagne or “Charles
the Great”
FEUDALISM BEGAN TO DEVELOP
Majordomo Charles “the hammer” Martel was able to defeat
the Muslims at Tours in 733 using the help of hired vassals
(Charlemagne’s grandfather)
GROWTH IN CHRISTIANITY
• Frankish kings cooperated with the Pope – the Pope
received protection, Frankish kings were allowed to
exert more control over their Bishops
• In 800 the pope named Charlemagne “emperor”,
combining Christianity and Frankish practices
• Missionary work brought Christianity to German tribes
UNITED WESTERN EUROPE
• Charlemagne (r. 768-814) fought in more than 50
campaigns
• Subdued northern France, took over northwestern
Germany, added portions of northern Italy to his
kingdom, advanced as far as the Balkan Peninsula
• Power centralized in the hands of Charlemagne and his
nobles (Charlemagne gave nobles land, but sent his
“missi” to keep an eye on them)
REVIVED LEARNING
• Carolingian Renaissance led by the English scholar
Alcuin who developed legal documents and set moral
standards.
• Also promoted the copying of books (preserving some
ancient works), development of miniscule,
establishment of schools
THE CAROLINGIAN RENAISSANCE WAS SHORT LIVED
• Charlemagne passed most of his empire to his son Louis
the Pious (who in turn divided it among his three heirs
in 843)
• These three heirs fought amongst themselves,
weakening the empire
• Carolingian Renaissance was a small “blip” of improved
“civilization” which ended with the Viking raids
• Vikings began attacking places outside of
Charlemagne’s control, like Ireland in 793, but stayed
away from his lands until they were divided (and thus
weaker)
VIKING INVASIONS RETURNED EUROPE TO A TIME OF CRISIS
AND INSTABILITY
• Vikings initially raided, killing and taking anything of
value, then left
• They were skilled seafarers who traded as far south as
Constantinople (via Russia)
• Settled Iceland, and Greenland for a while.
“Discovered” Vineland (probably Newfoundland)
• They had little contact with Rome, instead they
worshipped pagan, warlike gods
VIKINGS EVENTUALLY INTEGRATED INTO EUROPEAN SOCIETY
Eventually they settled in with the people they had originally
attacked – ex. Normandy, France named for the men from the
“North”
This occurred because:
• Europeans figured out how to respond to the Viking
attacks with feudalism
• Vikings adopted Christianity
• A warming trend made farming in Scandinavia easier
and more profitable
Feudalism (see slide)
Manorialism (see slide) Developed as a response to the
barbarian invasions – a way for people to pull together and
protect themselves
RELIGIOUS REVIVAL
AFTER 500 YEARS OF MOSTLY DISORGANIZATION, EUROPE
REGROUPS, REVIVES AND RECOVERS BETWEEN 1000-1300
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH LED THE WAY WITH A RELIGIOUS
REVIVAL
• Salvation became the overwhelming concern of
everyone
• Kings promised to rule with piety
• Duties of lords and vassals were confirmed with
religious oaths
• Guilds united the people of a trade but were also
religious brotherhoods
• As towns began to regrow, they began building grander
and grander structures dedicated to worship.
FIRST CATHEDRALS WERE BUILT IN THE ROMANESQUE STYLE
Rounded Roman arch, heavy walls with only small windows,
large towers, symmetrical style
Late 10th to 12th century (picture is of Angouleme Cathedral)
ROMANESQUE DEVELOPED INTO THE MORE ORNATE GOTHIC
STYLE
• Consumed much of a town or city’s resources, but also
became a source of revenue due to pilgrimages
• Built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Gothic is easily recognizable by its vaulted (pointed) arches,
flying buttresses, stained glass windows
The idea behind stained glass windows was to let in as much
“holy light” as possible.
Saint Chapelle in Paris has so much stained glass that it seems
weightless. (It’s nick-name is “the jewel box”.)
It stands squarely upon a less ornate lower chapel which
served as parish church for all the inhabitants of the Louis IX’s
palace.
It was Consecrated in 1248 to hold relics (articles of religious
significance like the bones of saints or wood from the cross
Jesus was crucified on – you can decide whether you believe
these are the “real thing”).
Pilgrims came to see these relics, many of them believing the
relics could perform miracles.
MONASTERIES WERE THE SPEARHEAD OF THE CHURCH
REFORM EFFORT
Monks lived austerely, usually away from urban areas and
followed the rules of the Church (no pluralism – leading more
than one congregation, no simony – the buying and selling of
church offices)
This is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque founded by
Cistercian monks in 1148. It is a great example of primitive
Cistercian architecture. It is austere, nothing to distract the
monks. It had only one heated room, where monks copied
the scripture. This abbey was partially destroyed in the
religious wars in 1544, then it was sold to the state during the
French Revolution. Religious laws strictly dividing church and
state in the early 20th century prohibited monks living there.
THERE WAS FREQUENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE CHURCH
LEADERS AND THE POLITICAL LEADERS
The strengthening of the church and the papacy upset the
church/state balance
Popes wanted to get rid of lay investiture – secular rulers
picking their own bishops. Secular rulers did not want to give
up this power
This conflict evolved into the epic 1077 fight between Pope
Gregory VII (pictured above) who believed he was chosen by
God to reform the papacy and Holy Roman Emperor (HRE)
Henry IV who wanted to maintain his lay investiture rights.
The pope threatened Henry IV with excommunication, which
not only would prevent Henry IV from going to heaven, it also
freed all of his German and Northern Italian serfs (who had no
obligation to serve a heretic)
Henry IV was forced to ask for forgiveness at Canossa
As a Christian, Gregory VII had to grant that forgiveness (but
only after he made Henry IV wait out in the snow barefoot for
three days).
STRUGGLE FOR POWER BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE WILL
CONTINUE FOR CENTURIES
ECONOMIC REVIVAL OF TOWNS AS CENTERS OF TRADE AND
PLACES OF PROTECTION
The three-field system meant that there was more food
available to the population. This led not only to people living
longer due to better health, but also an increase in the birth
rate.
Between 1000 and 1150 the population of Europe increased
over 30%
This increased population began to move to towns to ply their
trade
A small middle class developed – burghers (or bourgeoisie in
France), who were more interested in making money than
pleasing God
Towns and cities also became centers of learning
Rothenburg was founded in 1170
Was weakened by the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) despite
its impressive wall and the plague in 1634
Rothenburg stopped growing and was preserved in its 17th
century state
Today Rothenburg is a popular tourist destination.Was
weakened by the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) despite its
impressive wall and the plague in 1634
Rothenburg stopped growing and was preserved in its 17th
century state
Today Rothenburg is a popular tourist destination.
Towns were busy making money (a positive) but were also
crowded and unsanitary (a negative)
Towns were haven for runaway serfs (freed after a year and a
day in a town)
Charters spelled out the rights of the town – somewhat self
governing
TRADE BECAME INTERNATIONAL
Trade with Asia was prompted in part by European’s exposure
to Asia during the Crusades
Italy dominated trade with Asia
Silk road brought Chinese goods to Europe over land. Water
routes facilitated trade with China, India and Indonesia.
Northern Europe was also trading internationally
Flanders (the region encompassing northern France and what
will become the Netherlands and Belgium), dominated the
wool trade
The Hanseatic League promoted trade in the north in the 13th
and early 14th centuries.
The League primarily traded timber, furs, resin (or tar), flax,
honey, wheat, and rye from the east to Flanders and England.
Cloth (and, increasingly, simple manufactured goods) were
traded from the west to the east.
Metal ore (principally copper and iron) and herring came
southwards from Sweden.
For most people, however, culture was very local. To go 10
miles away from your home was a big deal.
ENGLAND ESTABLISHED A STRONG NATION QUICKLY
England united against the Vikings
Became highly centralized under William the Conqueror
(1066-1087)
Developed a system of common law and jury trials
Castles were built around the kingdom to cement the king’s
rule. This is Caernarvon Castle built by Edward I around 1100
– circular, thick walls
Henry II (r. 1154-1189) tried to increase his influence over the
Church, evolved into a huge conflict with his Archbishop
Thomas Becket (who was killed by four of Henry’s knights)
ENGLAND TAKES THE 1st STEP TOWARD REP. GOVT
On June 15, 1215 English barons forced King John to sign the
Magna Carta in Runnymede (if he wanted any more money to
fight his disastrous part of the Hundred Years’ War – John’s
nickname was “John Softsword”)
The Magna Carta acknowledges that kings have to follow the
law, begins the concept of no taxation w/out representation
& the idea that every person has the right to due process of
law.
Kings resisted the Magna Carta for centuries, but Parliament
pressed these issues. This document led to a more
entrenched Parliament in Britain than other European
country. The nobles successfully asserted their power over
the king.
FRANCE MOVED MORE SLOWLY TOWARD UNIFICATION
France had a more difficult time uniting due to the
interlocking landholdings of England and France
This is a map of interlocking claims of England and France,
during time of Eleanor and Henry II (1154-1189) Henry II
claimed all the areas shaded purple: Normandy through his
ancestor William the Conqueror, Aquitaine through his
marriage to Eleanor. The French kings only personally
controlled the area in red.
Philip II (Augustus) (1180-1223) began taking control of
France. By the end of the 13th century France had
approached its modern borders.
In France, the king was more powerful than his nobles
Louis IX (who build St. Chapelle) established a national court
(the Parlement of Paris)
GERMANY WAS UNABLE TO FORM A NATION
Germany was shattered into many little states. A vote (or
war) determined the order of succession for the Holy Roman
Empire Also many German kings weakened their hand by
trying to take over parts of Italy.
BY 1300, THE MAP OF EUROPE IS STARTING TO LOOK
FAMILIAR
Kingdoms of England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden,
France and France
Germany is still ill-defined
Kingdoms of Poland (Slavic but Latin Christian Western),
Bohemia (Magyar but Latin Christian and Western), and
Austria/Hungary (Magyar but Latin Christian and Western)
Russian kingdom (Slavic and not shown on this map) and Slavs
of the Balkan Peninsula (Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia) formed
kingdoms that were Orthodox and Eastern in orientation
LATIN CHRISTIANITY MUCH STRONGER IN 1250 THAN 800
Latin Christianity is vibrant and growing
Greek Christianity has lost much of Asia Minor to the Muslims
Muslims have lost most of Spain, but have increased their
influence in Africa and the Middle East