U11 L1: Early Middle Ages
Education Changes
Literacy declined after the fall of the empire - germanic invaders could not read or write - rural families had no access to schooling - knowledge of greek and latin declined
The graph shows the populations of European cities between 100 CE and 1000 CE. What does the graph indicate about the change in urban populations during this time?
Populations declined in urban areas.
After the Roman Empire collapsed, the Catholic Church began to unify Europe by
taking on many duties of a government.
literacy
the ability to read and write
The Carolingians
took over the monarchy of the Franks in the 700s - one founder, Charles Martel, defeated a Muslim invasion from Spain - his grandson was known as Charles the Great, or Charlemagne
Charlemagne (ca. 747-814
- conquered much of western Europe - forced conquered people to become christians - revived education in europe - strengthened alliance between government and the pope - influenced the ideas of the Magna Carta
Wrap-Up
- the legacy of Charlemagne's empire would be apolitical force for more than 800 years - the pope would continue to crown its leader until the 1500s - other european monarchies would also forge close ties with the church in rome
Background information: This passage is from a book of rules for monks written by St. Benedict. It was used to govern monasteries for hundreds of years. Idleness is the enemy of the soul. And therefore, at fixed times, the brothers ought to be occupied in manual labour; and again, at fixed times, in sacred reading . . . [T]here shall certainly be appointed one or two elders, who shall go round the monastery at the hours in which the brothers are engaged in reading, and see to it that no troublesome brother [can] be found who is open to idleness and trifling. What is the main idea of the Benedictine Rule ?
Being idle and lazy is a negative trait brothers need to avoid.
What did you learn from the reading about Charlemagne's life and character that supports the idea that his leadership led to a strong tie between the Catholic Church and government?
Charlemagne was an important ruler who unified Europe and used religion as a way to bring his people together. He was a devout Christian who expected his people to follow this religion, and he used his influence to build many churches. When he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, he solidified his relationship with both the pope and the church in Rome.
Effects of Charlemagne's Coronation
Charlemagne's coronation was a pivotal moment in European history - revived the idea of a Roman Empire - United Western Europe in religion and politics - further divided East and West - Strengthened the power of the Church
Which item describes an accurate cause-and-effect relationship that existed after the fall of the Roman Empire?
Decline in trade → shift to a rural society
Language Changes
During the Roman empire - latin united europe After the Roman Empire, Europe became separated by language - french - german - italian - spanish - english
What was likely the main reason for the decline in knowledge of Latin after the fall of the Roman Empire?
Europe became more separated by languages, such as Spanish and French.
Rise of the Franks
Germanic warrior kings --> Rise of the Granks - led by Clovis I - controlled a large kingdom - converted to Christianity - established ties to the church in Rome
What important victory did one founder of the Carolingians achieve?
He defeated a Muslim invasion from Spain.
Charles himself saw a ball of fire fall suddenly from the heavens with a great light, just as he was leaving camp before sunrise to set out on the march. It rushed across the clear sky from right to left, and everybody was wondering what was the meaning of the sign . . . BUT CHARLES DESPISED, OR AFFECTED TO DESPISE, ALL THESE OMENS, AS HAVING NO REFERENCE WHATEVER TO HIM. What does the capitalized passage say about Charlemagne's character?
He did not believe in omens.
How does the reading describe Charles's physical appearance?
He was large but not overly tall, with a merry face.
What was the effect of Pope Leo III's coronation of Charlemagne?
It united the people of Charlemagne's empire.v
According to the reading, how did Charlemagne demonstrate his Christian faith? Check all that apply.
His favorite book, City of God, was written by a Christian saint. He built a basilica at Aix-la-Chapelle. He attended church twice a day.
The plan that he adopted for his children's education was, first of all, to have both boys and girls instructed in the liberal arts, to which he also turned his own attention. As soon as their years admitted, in accordance with the custom of the Franks, the boys had to learn horsemanship, and to practice war and the chase, and the girls to familiarize themselves with cloth-making, and to handle distaff and spindle, that they might not grow indolent through idleness. According to the reading, what were Charlemagne's decisions about education for his children?
His sons and daughters were equally educated in liberal arts.
The Roman Empire vs After the fall of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire - centralized rule by an emperor - written code of laws - professional military - citizenship and loyalty to the empire governed society After the fall of the Roman Empire - ruled by warrior kings - tradition and community rules - small warrior bands loyal to their leader - personal ties and relationships governed society
Increased Power of the Church
The Roman Empire Collapsed --> The Catholic Church grew in power - only unifying factor in Western Europe - strong organization
The Middle Ages
The Roman Empire united Europe under a central government - When it collapsed, European government and society changes - this even marked the beginning of a new era, the Middle Ages (476-1500)
How did the power of the Catholic Church expand in the Middle Ages?
The church assumed governmental duties and created a church hierarchy.
Spread of Christianity
The church helped to spread Christianity across Europe - most germanic trribes were polytheistic missionaries converted people to christianity - by 900, christianity had spread across the continent
How did the Catholic Church contrast with the new government that developed after the fall of the Roman Empire?
The church was much more organized.
What was true of the government under the Roman Empire?
The government was ruled by one leader.
The Papacy
The papacy under Gregory I began to take on the role of a central government - became the strongest political force in Europe - assumed civic duties once performed by Roman government
What was a main purpose of monasteries built by the Catholic Church?
They gave aid to travelers and sick or poor people.
Economic and Population Changes
When the Empire collapsed, trade collapsed as well - the economy shifted from one based on tade to one based on rural agriculture - cities were abandoned
coronation
a ceremony in which a king or queen is crowned and begins to reign
Read this excerpt from a book of rules for monks. Idleness is the enemy of the soul. And therefore, at fixed times, the brothers ought to be occupied in manual labour; and again, at fixed times, in sacred reading. On the basis of this excerpt, what is of central importance for a monk?
being busy in one way or another
What type of government did the Roman Empire utilize?
centralized government
monastery
community of people who have taken religious vows (ex monks)
He was not satisfied with command of his native language merely, but gave attention to the study of foreign ones, and in particular was a master of Latin that he could speak it as well as his native tongue; but he could understand Greek better than he could speak it. He was so eloquent . . . The King spent much time and labour with him studying rhetoric, dialectics, and especially astronomy; he learned to reckon, and used to investigate the motions of the heavenly bodies most curiously. This passage exemplifies Charlemagne's enthusiasm for
language.
Charlemagne's Coronation
on Christmas Day 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor - Charlemagne gained authority from this coronation
The Catholic Church
the catholic church stepped in to fill this void - the papacy became the strongest political force - missioanries spread the christian faith - monasteries were established to provide education and scholarship
Monasteries
the church built monasteries across europe - were staffed by monks who dedicated their lives to church service - cared for pilgrims, travelers, the sick, and the poor - created libaries and educated those who wished to serve the church
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire
the fall of the western roman empire led to a lack of centralized authority in europe - people left the cities as trade declined - literacy and education decreased - people lacked a common language and social structure
What is a papacy?
the office of the pope
papacy
the office of the pope
Charlemagne
the pope's coronation of Charlemagne strengthened ties between his empire and the church - this event resulted in increasing the church's power - Charlemagne united much of western Europe
centralized
to bring together under one control
revive
to restore to life or to renew
