Unit #1 – Early Middle Ages

1. Unit #1 – Early Middle Ages Review Presentation

2. The Romans • Followed the Greek attitudes in learning and made them their own. • Developed advanced systems in regards to irrigation, travel, and military • The Roman Legions were so powerful that at their peak they controlled most of Europe, southeast Asia, and North Africa. • Latin became the language of dominance, and Roman Law applied to everyone, allowing trade to expand • Roman Law: Law became more universal and was documented • The Mediterranean was under Greek rule for 6 centuries.

3. Roman Roads & Aqueducts • The keys to any society’s survival is the introduction of new technologies and their constant evolution. • In the case of Rome, the constant expansion and survival of the Roman Empire was the result of two instrumental developments: • Roman Road systems • Aqueduct system

4. Islam • Muslims, the followers of Islam, formed their belief around the teachings of Mohammed. • Mohammed’s teachings are found in the Muslim holy book Qur’an • Islam rapidly spread into Asia, Africa, an finally Europe by 711 CE

5. Christianity • Founded in Palestine by apostles. • Christianity is based around the teachings of Jesus Christ • Taught that the two greatest commandments were to love God and love your neighbour as yourself. • Made people seem as equalsnot as different levels of society/status • Romans (before end of empire) were scared of Christianity due to fear of uprising. • They killed Jesus. Raised from the dead… • New religion spread quickly through trade routes

6. Judaism • Moses received the 10 Commandments from God, was part of the Torah • Torah was the most important book of the Jewish Holy Books • Guide for life and belief

7. The Franks • Because it was a Kingdom, the Franks were ruled by royal families, the most famous Frank family was the Merovingians. • The Merovingians ruled for close to 300 years and the most successful ruler was Clovis I (481-511 A.D.) • After the death of Clovis, the Merovingian Kingdom fell apart due to constant infighting or violent bickering between Clovis’ heirs.

8. The Franks & their rules • The Franks were a violent people, but they had laws to govern themselves. Their law was called the Salic Code. • The Salic Code included slaves, wives and children as property. • Theft of a slave = 120-150 lashes • Arson = slavery in mines, banishment, or death • Theft = fine, torture or death • Break a betrothal = 65 gold solidi • Touch woman’s hand = 15 gold solidi • Cutting hair of free boy/girl = 45 gold solidi • Grave robbing = 200 gold solidi • Man money (Person’s worth) • Free woman of childbearing age = 600 • Pregnant woman = 700 • Boy under 12 = 600 • Girl under 12 = 200

9. Before we go any further, where are we? • Who took over Europe following Alex the Great? • Romans • Who was the first leader of note in Rome? • Caesar • What happened to him? • Assassinated • What made Rome so great? • Architecture (Roads, Aqueducts, Baths, Coliseum) Laws, Legions, Tradition, & Legacy • What made Rome not-so-great? • Greed & corruption

10. Where we are part 2… • Who were the people who were responsible for the “sacking” of Rome? • Barbarians • Following the fall of Rome, what was the ‘era’ known as and why? • Dark Ages, people fell into a more less structured, primitive state • What was responsible for the re-shaping of Europe? • Spread of Religion • What Religions & why? • Judaism, Christianity, & Islam; because they all followed similar principal & belief in a similar God. • Who were the most notable, and successful of these Barbarians? • The Franks • Who led the Franks (family name), and where did they go? • Merovingians & into Gaul (France)

11. Charlemagne • Governed from modern day Germany, in a place known as Aachen • Gave local governments freedom, all the while sent out his agents to ensure that the people we being treated properly • Developed a code of laws for the whole empire • He tried to make things better for the serfs and tradespeople, unlike anyone else before him • Developed a more successful education program • New schools and encouragement of learning

12. Charlemagne II • Aside from new schools and higher levels of learning Charlemagne achieved much more… • Succeeded in brining a rebirth of learning and the art • His time has been referred to as the Carolingian Renaissance • Wasn’t always the “nice, reformed guy” • Number of Saxon (other Barbarians) we captured, he insisted that they converted to Christianity – Saxons said no – up to 4000 Saxons executed in one day…

13. Irish Celts • The Irish Celts soon developed into the “educated elite” of Europe • Previously were more of a lower educated, ruthless group of people. • With “refined” religion came change • Formally studied Druidism (Nature Worship) • Irish Monks trained Missionaries, spread Christianity, and other knowledge all over Europe.

14. Vikings • The Vikings came to Europe with one goal in mind… • Looking for “plunder and glory” • Sent by God as punishment • The Vikings were a group who terrorized most of coastal Europe for over 200 years (800-1000 BCE) • They built a culture of Violence and slavery mixed in with a structured system of laws and government.