The Early Middle Ages The Rise of Christianity Charlemagne Feudalism The Vikings
Section Focus After Rome fell the world entered into chaos. Time of warfare, violence, and religion. Time period known as Middle Ages or Medieval because it is between ancient and modern times.
European Invaders
The Rise of Christianity Many thought end of world was near and waited for Jesus to return. While waiting, churches formed and leadership was organized. (Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests.) Clergy (church workers) became dominant force of Medieval times.
The Rise of Christianity Archbishop of Rome took power and became first Pope. Pope sent missionaries and monks all over Europe. Wanted to convert as many people as possible to restore order.
Ireland & England After Rome, England & Ireland lost contact with Europe. New groups migrated and settled into islands: Ireland (Celts) England (Anglo-Saxons)
Ireland & England Missionaries converted Anglo-Saxons and Celts. Christianity took over governments and people of islands. Christianity then began to spread into new areas.
The Franks One Germanic group, called Franks, conquered Gaul. Franks more interested in stability and farming, than war. Converted to Christianity to bring balance and order. Created one of the strongest kingdoms in Europe.
Charlemagne Frankish King, Charlemagne or Charles the Great, conquered most of Europe. Restored peace, trade, and learning and helped the spread of Christianity. Large estates of land began to form.
Charlemagne Charlemagne died and empire was divided. Became France, Germany, and Italy and fighting began. Church was only unifying force and became organized and powerful.
Charlemagne
The Rise of Feudal Territories After Charlemagne, fighting began over the land. 3 Main kingdoms emerged; France, Italy, & Germany. Nobles helped run the land and had all power in each territory: Protected peasants Controlled Money Ran Military
The Rise of Feudal Territories Nobles gave some land to vassals in return for military service. Many learned how to fight to obtain land. Feudalism: He who has the land, has the power.
The Rise of Feudal Territories Feudalism started - power based on ownership of land. Society included 4 main groups: Kings: Owned the land Nobles: Worked for king for power over some land Knights: Fought for nobles for power over some land Peasants & Serfs: Worked in return for protection
Knighthood Almost all nobles and vassals were knights, who received land for military service. Knights had to obey the laws of chivalry: Fight fair Be honest Help the weak Trained for war by fighting in tournaments.
Knighthood
Knighthood Armor of Medieval Knights
Knighthood Swords of Medieval Knights
Knighthood Weapons of Medieval Knights
The Manor A manor is an isolated farming community owned by nobles and won through fighting. All people depended on manor for needs: Castle / Manor House Fields Mill Church Houses
The Manor
The Manor
The Manor Nobles were usually fighting, so had others work land: Freemen: peasants who rented land from noble Serfs: Attached to the land Noblewomen (ladies) were subservient to men and raised children, cooked, cleaned, and cared for sick.
The Manor
The Vikings One group began to cause problems: The Vikings. Originated in Scandinavia but land was inhospitable. Began conquering and trading to survive.
The Vikings
The Vikings Vikings discovered many new areas and routes for trade. Started settlements in Russia, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. Most times were looking for food and valuables.
The Vikings
The Vikings Stole goods, destroyed homes, burned churches, killed and enslaved people. Vikings were first real threat to Christianity, but were minor compared to the Muslims.
The Vikings