Development of Feudalism

Europe After the Fall of the (The Western) Roman Empire

With the end of the Roman Empire Trade was disrupted Downfall of Cities Population shifted Learning Declined Loss of a common language

Germanic Kingdoms Emerge The Church as an institution survived

the fall of Rome The Church provided order and security

Idea of government changed Clovis Rules the Franks

Converted to Christianity at the urging of his wife, Clothilde – (Afraid he would loose the battle he called on the Christian God for help and won)

Germans adopt Christianity The Church, with the help of Frankish

rulers had converted many Frankish rulers to Christianity

Missionaries spread Christianity to the Germanic and Celtic tribes that bordered the old Roman Empire

Many Europeans along the coast converted to Christianity due to fear of Muslim invasions

The Church adapts to New Conditions Church built religious communities

Religious communities for men were called monasteries and the men who lived there were called monks

Religious communities for women were called convents and the women who lived there were called nuns.

Papal Power Expands Gregory IV, also known as Gregory

the Great became pope in 590. He broadened the power of the Pope

(Papal authority) He also broadened the church’s secular

authority (secular = worldly, not having to do with

religion)

Charles Martel Charles Martel becomes major domo

an official in charge of the palace in the Frankish kingdom.

Charles Martel (Charles the Hammer) was the most powerful person in the Frankish Kingdom

He stopped Muslim raiders at Tours and put a stop to the Muslim advance into Europe

Charlemagne’s Rise To Power Background on the Franks

Germanic People Lived along the Rhine River Loyal to their Kin Clovis converted to Christianity, 481

Charlemagne’s Accomplishments Created large empire made of self-

sufficient manors Counts kept order in his kingdom Made Aachen a new center for

learning

Charlemagne’s Accomplishments

Brutally put down a Saxon Revolt

Prevented Muslims from expanding into Europe

Converted Germans to Christianity through war

Aftern Charlemagne’s deathHis kingdom was divided into three parts

Division weakened Empire’s unity and caused the collapse of the Frankish Kingdom