The Middle Ages

Barbarians

Europe was originally controlled by the Roman Empire

When the Roman Empire collapsed around 500CE; Europe was left open to Barbarian attacks

The Anglo-Saxons came from Germany, Denmark, and Holland around 400 ce

Muslims came to Europe around 600 CE from the Arabian Peninsula

Magyars came from Central Asia around 800 CE

The Vikings invaded Europe around the 700s

These constant invasions made it impossible to trade, and very little progress was made

In 1066, William the Conqueror (Norman/Frank) invades England and defeats the Anglo-Saxons in the Battle of Hastings

Along with his Norman cutlure, William brings along the Feudal system to England.

The Feudal System

Kings gave land (Fiefs) to loyal and important Lords (Vassals)

In Exchange, the Vassals pledged their loyalty; and offered Knights to the King to help protect his Kingdom

Lords then created Manors which had large houses for the lords to live in, and smaller plots of land for serfs to live and work

Lords would collect rent and taxes from serfs, as well as goods they farmed. In exchange, the serfs were protected by the Lord within the manor

Manors were almost like small cities, and were self-sufficient (they didn't need outside trade)

However, manors and the feudal system strengthen the strict social class structure

The Church

Christianity spread through Europe by Catholic missionaries, who also brought the Latin Alphabet to Germanic tribes.

The Catholic Church became even more important in Europe after the Roman Empire ended; it unified Europeans with common culture, customs, and beliefs

Church in European Culture

• Center of every town
• Common meeting place
• Threw all the festivals
• Cared for the sick and poor
• Provided education
• Served religious and social needs of the people*

Monasteries housed Christian Monks, but also preserved Greco- Roman
cultural achievements (philosophy, art, sciences, etc.).

As Roman governments fell, Church authority grew

Large amounts of land were given to The Church, which (along with tithes) gave it wealth and power

The Pope was also given the authority to crown Emperors

Which made them the most powerful force in Europe in the Middle Ages