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Early Middle Ages

Early Middle Ages. 500-1000 CE. Medieval Period The first 500 years known as Early Middle Ages or the Dark Ages Dark---Levels of learning and culture not as great as they had been during the Greek and Roman Times Instability of government. Economic Activity.

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Early Middle Ages

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  1. Early Middle Ages • 500-1000 CE. Medieval Period • The first 500 years known as Early Middle Ages or the Dark Ages • Dark---Levels of learning and culture not as great as they had been during the Greek and Roman Times • Instability of government

  2. Economic Activity • Bridges, roads and sewage systems not maintained • Less trading in western Europe • Urban to rural (subsistence farming)

  3. Political Activity • Kingdoms that developed were small and weak • Frankish Kingdom the strongest (France to present day Germany) • Germanic people • Christians • Charles Martel—organized an army to fight the Moors (Muslims who were invading Spain) • 732 Martel’s forces defeat the Moors at the Battle of Tours

  4. Charlemagne • Strongest Frankish ruler • Martel’s Grandson • Empire included modern France, Germany, Austria, northern Italy and a portion of Spain • Spread Christianity

  5. Charlemagne • Pope crowned Charlemagne the Frankish king and gave him the title emperor of the Romans • Charlemagne instituted reforms, education, arts etc. • Gave large estates to nobles who had served him in the army or government. This is a factor that leads to the rise in Feudalism.

  6. Vikings • Fierce fighters and sailors from Scandinavia • Attack western Europe periodically • Attack settlements on the coasts of England, Ireland, Scotland and the Frankish kingdom • Most Vikings were farmers, not invaders • Eventually they set up the independent kingdoms of Scandinavia.

  7. Later Middle Ages • 1000-1500 CE • More frequent wars between armies of knights • Many small kingdoms of Western Europe developed political strength and size

  8. Agricultural Revolution • 3 field system (plant on two fields, leave third to fallow) • Horse collar—horse replaced oxen (faster) • Iron-tipped plow—previously wood

  9. Growth of trade and towns • Manors began to produce food surpluses that were sold for cash • Money to buy goods • Merchants and artisans began to settle in towns and set up permanent shops • Towns grew in size

  10. Feudalism • After Charlemagne no strong government in western Europe • Economic disorder and constant warfare threatened people’s security • 800-1300 feudalism develops

  11. Feudalism • Europe’s economic, political and social system, based on the concept of protection • King grants a large piece of land (fief) to an individual noble (lord) in return for political and military support • Nobles who received the land would grant smaller pieces of land to lesser lords in return for loyalty and protection

  12. Feudalism • Most vassals were knights. Trained soldiers who had swore allegiance to a greater lord and were obligated to defend him. • Knights followed the code of chivalry • Common people—artisans and peasants performed economic functions for the lord in return for his protection.

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