The Dark Ages

500-1000 A.D.

Characteristics Roman civilization disappeared. Wars raged constantly. Towns emptied. Learning ceased.

The Franks The strongest and most successful kingdom

between 400-700.

Clovis Ruler in the late 400’s. Conquered Gaul. Converted to Christianity.

Muslims/ Moors overran Spain!!!

Charles Martel Led the Franks and

defeated Muslims at Tours in 732.

Charlemagne Over 6’ foot tall. Reigned for 46 years. Supported by Pope Leo III

Education Changes Set up schools where

grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy were studied.

The End of an Empire 814, the Frankish Empire collapsed.

Charlemagne’s Sons Created the Treaty of Verdun which broke the

empire into 3 parts.

Magyars and Vikings Most feared barbarians in Europe.

A New System was needed to protect the people.

Feudalism

What is feudalism?

It is a system of rule where local lords divide up their land to lesser lords for service and loyalty.

How did feudalism come about? Feudalism began with people joining together in

response to common problems. These problems included danger from foreign invaders, the lack of a common currency or trade, and food shortages.

The Invaders: Muslims, Magyars, and Vikings.

The Trade: Vassals were given large plots of land, called fiefs,

in exchange for: 40 days of military

service per year Money, mostly by

crops. Advice.

The Serfs

The serfs were the lowest segment of society. They were bound to the land and often had to pay the lord more than half of their crops in taxes.

Who started this system? In 1066, William I or

William the Conqueror took control of England. He instituted the system.

The Battle of Hastings

Hastings was important because it marks the only time in world history

that the British Isles were invaded and conquered.

Read “Life of the Medieval Knight”