Germanic Kingdoms Unite Under Charlemagne
Main Idea !
Many Germanic kingdoms that succeeded the Roman Empire were reunited under Charlemagne's empire.
Why It Matters Now !
Charlemagne spread Christian civilization throughout northern Europe, which is where many of us came from.
Setting The Stage !
Middle Ages = medieval period
500 - 1500 AD
medieval Europe is fragmented
A. Invasions trigger changes in western Europe
1. Invasions and constant warfare spark new trends
a. Disruption of trade
i. Europe's cities are no longer economic centers
ii. Money is scarce
b. Downfall of cities
i. Cities are no longer centers of administration
c. Population shifts
i. Nobles retreat to the rural areas
ii. Cities don't have strong leadership
A. Invasions trigger changes in western Europe (cont'd)
2. Decline of learning
a. Germanic invaders are illiterate, but they communicate through oral tradition
b. Only priests and church officials could read and write
c. Knowledge of Greek (and literature, science, philosophy) is almost lost
3. Loss of a common language
a. Dialects develope in different regions
b. By the 800's, French, Spanish, other Roman-based languages are evolving
B. Germanic kingdoms emerge
1. The concept of government changes
a. Roman society: loyal to public gov't
b. Germanic society: loyal to family
i. Germanic chief led warriors
ii. During peace, he provided food, weapons, treasure, a place to live (the lord's hall)
iii. During wartime, warriors fought for the lord
Papacy = The Pope's office
Secular power = worldly power
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