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The Fall of the Roman Empire

Explore the transition from the Roman Empire to the Dark Ages in the Middle Ages. Learn about the collapse of Rome, rise of barbarianism, feudalism, Viking raids, and the evolution of warfare during this transformative period.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire

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  1. The Fall of the Roman Empire & the Dawn of the Dark Ages (Middle Ages)

  2. An Empire Divided • Between 400 and 500 A.D. the Roman Empire Collapsed • The empire was divided in two • the Western Empire (Capital - Rome) • the Eastern Empire (Capital – Constantinople) Also known as the Byzantine Empire

  3. An Empire Divided

  4. Rise of the “Dark Ages” • Why is this part of the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages? • Roman civilization was lost and all the benefits thereof. • All government administration • Roads • Postal system • Sea transportation • Safe Trade Routes • Coinage • Rule of law • Artistic skill • Science & Scholarship and much more. • Europe regresses into an age of barbarianism – lack of unification.

  5. Rise of the “Dark Ages” • The Military system of the Roman Empire had been in decline due to : • Western Roman armies consisting of barbarian war bands serving under barbarian leaders. • The Eastern Empire relying heavily on mercenaries • One unifying force was the Catholic Church established by Constantine. • This was later divided into Roman Catholicism in the west and the Eastern Orthodox church in the east.

  6. Barbarian Military Organization • The War Bands or Retinues ( a group of attendants) of kings, Princes and aristocrats, (adolescents and young men of noble birth) • Retinues lived in permanent attendance upon their lords • In return Retinues received sustenance, gifts and possibly land

  7. Mobility & Raiding • Raiding parties created local Lords/Strongmen • Most of these raiders are highly mobile • Arab/Muslims Armies – cavalry • Vikings – ships/ Longboats • Mongols – horse archers

  8. Mobility & Raiding • Keys to Raiding Successes • Mobility • Surprise • Choice of Time and Place • Little opposition • No standing state armies to protect the populace. • Local solutions to the problem of raids are fortifications and local strongmen. • This leads the rise and success of the feudal system, Castles and Knights in Western Europe

  9. Warfare for Profit • Focus of War changes in the Middle Ages • Focuses mainly on plunder, raids for bounty, and quick wealth. • Focus no longer on long term exploitation or building strong empires • Conquest based on profit does not create strong Empires or states (nations). • Once the plunder is gone there is nothing to keep the government together. • Loyalty to the king or lord is based on land grants

  10. Norse or Viking • Viking is a borrowed word from the native Scandinavian term for the Norsewarriors. • More properly referred to as Norse.

  11. Norse Raiders 8th – 11th century • Raided the coasts of Scandinavia, the British Isles, and other parts of Europe. • Goal is loot. • No organized military force to stop these raids. • Speed and surprise advantage in raiding. • Video ->>>>

  12. Create armed camps for future raids. • These camps later blend with local populations. • Some see raids as migration. • Examples of settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (Canada). • Ireland and British Isles are main areas of settlement.

  13. Long ship • Shallow draft galley. • Prefect raiding vessel. • Enter rivers and easily beached. • No need for docks or harbors.

  14. Viking Raider • Warriros Viking - Terror 1/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 2/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 3/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 4/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 5/5

  15. FEUDALISM FEUDALISM

  16. Feudal System • The Nucleus of a royal army was the king’s household • This was supplemented by nobles’ retinues • In some places in Europe another source of soldiers was levies from towns and cities • In theory, all free men, could be called into service • In reality only those who possessed sufficient property to equip themselves were subject to military service

  17. Weapons and Military Equipment • Iron weapons and body armor • very expensive – only the wealthy (Kings, lords and aristocrats) could afford. • Defensive Weapons • Helmet (conical with nose guards) • Shield – oblong of kite-shaped • Shirt/ coat of mail

  18. Weapons and Military Equipment • Offensive Weapons • Long Sword • Short Sword • Throwing Axe • Spears • Lance • The Viking Battle Axe • Bows and Arrows • Tactics for victory center around mass charge of heavy horse

  19. Weapons and Military Equipment • Mounted Troops • Different types of cavalry become main striking arm. • Carolingian Calvary – Armored Knights Conquest: Knights and Armor-part 1-3

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