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Middle Ages Introduction

Middle Ages Introduction. Ca. 500 – 1000 C.E. The Germanic Successor States. Last Roman emperor deposed by Germanic Odoacer, 476 C.E. Administrative apparatus still in place, but cities lose population Germanic successor states: Visigoths Ostrogoths Lombards Franks.

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Middle Ages Introduction

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  1. Middle Ages Introduction Ca. 500 – 1000 C.E.

  2. The Germanic Successor States • Last Roman emperor deposed by Germanic Odoacer, 476 C.E. • Administrative apparatus still in place, but cities lose population • Germanic successor states: • Visigoths • Ostrogoths • Lombards • Franks

  3. Germanic Invasions 450 – 476 C.E.

  4. Medieval Christendom • Two halves of what used to be the Roman Empire • Byzantine empire • Germanic states • Inherited Christianity from Roman empire • After eighth century, tensions between two halves

  5. Successor States to the Roman Empire, ca. 600 C.E.

  6. The Early Byzantine Empire • Capital: Byzantium • Commercial, strategic value of location • Constantine names capital after himself (Constantinople), moves capital there after 330 C.E.

  7. Justinian (527-565 C.E.) • The “sleepless emperor” • Wife Theodora as advisor • Background: “circus performer” • Ambitious construction programs • The church of Hagia Sophia • Justinian’s code: codification of Roman law

  8. Hagia Sophia (now the AyasofyaMüzesi)

  9. Caesaropapism • Power centralized in figure of emperor • Christian leader cannot claim divinity, rather divine authority • Political rule • Involved in religious rule as well • Authority absolute

  10. Muslim Conquests • Seventh century, Arab Muslim expansion • Besieged Byzantium 674-678, 717-718 • Defense made possible through use of “Greek fire” • Constantinople eventually fell to Muslims in 1453 and was renamed Istanbul

  11. Expansion of Islam 632 – 733 C.E.

  12. The Carolingian Empire • In 486, Clovis, King of the Franks conquered the former province of Gaul, which later became known as the kingdom of France. • Clovis converted to Christianity, which was the religion of most people in Gaul. • This also gave him an ally in the pope, the leader of the Christian Church in Rome.

  13. The Carolingian Empire • The Muslim empire was also spreading, mostly across North Africa, but also into Europe. • When Muslim armies moved into France, Charles Martel rallied Christian troops and defeated them at the Battle of Tours in 732. • Muslims advanced no further into Western Europe, but continued to occupy what is now Spain.

  14. The Early Middle Ages • In 786, the grandson of Martel became king of the Franks – his name was Charlemagne. • Charlemagne helped Pope Leo III by arresting some rebels, so the Pope crowned him Emperor of the Romans • How do you think the eastern Roman Empire felt about this?

  15. The Carolingian Empire • Charlemagne continued to work with the church to unify Europe. • Appointed powerful nobles to rule local areas. • Sent out missidominicito stay in touch. • After Charlemagne died, his grandsons battled each other for power. In 843 they split the kingdom into three regions and called for peace with the Treaty of Verdun.

  16. Invasions • South: Muslims • East: Magyars • North: Vikings • Norse expansion driven by population pressure, quest for wealth • Superior seafaring technology

  17. The Vikings • From village of Vik, Norway (hence “Viking”) • Boats with shallow drafts, capable of river travel as well as on open seas • Attacked villages, cities, monasteries from ninth century • Constantinople sacked three times • Carolingians had no navy, dependent on local defenses

  18. Economy in Medieval Christendom • Byzantium – economic powerhouse • Agricultural surplus • Long-distance trade • Western Christendom • Repeated invasions contribute to agricultural decline • Tenth century, increased political stability leads to economic recovery

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