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What were the Middle Ages?

Explore the historical time period of the Middle Ages, which marked the decline of Western Europe and the rise of Charlemagne. Discover the powerful influence of the Catholic Church, the consolidation of the Frankish kingdom, and the lasting legacy of Charlemagne's reign.

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What were the Middle Ages?

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  1. What were the Middle Ages?

  2. The Middle Ages is a historical time period between (or in the “middle” of) the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 C.E) and the beginning of the Renaissance (beginning around 1500 C.E). • We will look at events in both Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages.

  3. The Middle Ages in Europe

  4. Western Europe in Decline • Invaders swept across the fallen Western Roman region • Trade was slow • Towns were empty • Education no longer truly existed • 500 to 1500: Known as the Middle Ages (Dark Ages) • Medieval: Latin meaning, “middle age” • The CatholicChurch was very powerful in Medieval Europe. • The King may have been ruler but he feared the Church and the Pope. • The King allocated 25% of available land for Church use. • The King was considered to be on the throne because of ‘divine right’ – i.e. that God put him there. • If the King went against the wishes of the Pope, or the rules of Catholicism, he could be excommunicated.

  5. Rise of Germanic Kingdoms • Franks– Germanic tribe that conquered present-day France (named for the Franks) and neighboring lands in the 400s • Frankish kings used military power to expand their territory • No written laws • 486: King Clovis: conquered former Roman province of Gaul • Converts to Christianity: gains allies • The Franks served as a unifying force in Western Europe after the fall of the Western Roman empire. • Muslim empire threatens Europe • Islam began in Arabia in 600s (Muslims) • Muslim army invades France • Charles Martel rallies Frankish warriors • Battle of Tours 732: Christian warriors triumph https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5itBgiz35T8

  6. Battle of Tours 732

  7. Who was Charlemagne? http://www.history.com/topics/charlemagne/videos/the-reign-of-charlemagne?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false

  8. Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • 768 grandson of Charles Martel • Most of 46 year reign fighting Muslims in Spain • Reunited much of old western Roman empire • 799 Pope Leo III asks for help against rebellious nobles in Rome • Placed crown on Charlemagne’s head making him Emperor of the Roman’s • Brought Christendom, but also angered the eastern Roman emperor in Constantinople (deepened split).

  9. Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • Why is this such a big deal?

  10. Charlemagne (Charles the Great) • He wanted to create a united Christian empire • Worked closely with the church • Most of western Europe was included in the new empire. • Churches, road and schools were built to unite the empire. • Appointed Powerful Nobles to rule local regions • MissiDominici – administered law • Revival of Learning • Revived Latin learning

  11. Extent of Frankish Kingdom

  12. What Happened to Europe After Charlemagne’s Death? • Died 814 • 843 Treaty of Verdun – split empire into 3 regions • Legacy – extended Christianity & setup strong efficient government • After the death of Charlemagne, there were invasions by: 1. Angles and Saxons (from Europe) 2. Magyars (from central Asia and Hungary) 3. Vikings from Scandinavia and Russia 4. Muslims from the Middle East

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