The Beginning of the Middle Ages

Who were the franks and what area did they claim for themselves?

One of the invading groups of Western Europe was the franks, they claimed an area called Gaul which is now France.

What had this empire meant to Western Europe?

Rome had provided Western Europe with order, stability, and spread its culture, language and religion across the continent.

What happened after Charlemagne's death?

After Charlemagne's death, his only remaining son, Louis, took over the empire; however he was not a strong ruler like his father and the empire began its decline. After his death, his kingdom was divided amongst his sons (a Frankish custom) who fought each other for control of the empire. This weakened the empire within and opened it to attack from the outside. Western Europe was once again collapsed into many small kingdoms at war with each other.

What was it replaced with?

After its collapse, it was replaced with a patchwork of small kingdoms with their own languages, customs, and laws. Many of the invading groups couldn't read or write so these skills were in danger of disappearing from Western Europe completely.

Why is it often referred to as the medieval period?

Because medieval comes from the latin words that mean "middle ages".

Who became the king of the franks in 768 and what did he accomplish?

In 768, a skilled military leader called Charlemagne became king of the franks, Charlemagne established schools to promote culture and learning, issued money, improved the economy by standardising weights and customs, standardising language, and spread Christianity. Western Europe had not been this prosperous or unified since the Roman Empire.

Approximately when did it begin and when did it end?

It began approximately in A.D. 500 and ended approximately in A.D. 1500.

What event is considered to be the beginning of the Middle Ages?

The medieval ages began with the collapse of the Roman Empire in Western Europe.

What were the Middle Ages?

The middle ages were the years between ancient and modern times.

How did Charlemagnes death lead to a new system of government?

The people of Europe had to find a way to defend themselves against attacks and to organise their communities. Slowly they worked out a new system of government called feudalism.