Middle Ages - Outline 1 Flashcards
500 A.D. The Germanic tribes destroy the Western Roman Empire, what are the results of this?
Trade declined; Cities/ bridges/roads fell; law order disappeared; education declined immensely; money was not used
When was the middle ages?
Relatively 476-1453
What does Medium Aveum mean?
Medium (middle) aveum (age) - The transition from the ancient to modern world
When was the fall of the Roman Empire?
476 A.D.
What overall came out of the ‘Dark Age’ or Middle ages?
Supposed extinction of culture and learning; Monasteries and Universities; “The Age of Domination”
Out of the middle ages arose a highly competitive civilization, what does this entail?
It combined elements of Christian Beliefs, Germanic Culture, and Roman Culture
Who were the Merovingians/Carolingians, and how long did they hold power?
Held power till the early 700 A.D.
Leaders of the Church: Clovis
481 A.D.; Merovingian king; Converted to catholicism in 496; Upon his death he divided the kingdom among his male heirs - this led to 200 years of son fighting son for inheritance; By 700 A.D. real power was no longer held by bloodline kings but by MAYORS OF THE PALACE (government officials)
Leaders of the Church: Charles Martel “Charles the Hammer”
714 A.D.; Became a Mayor of the palace; Fought and won in a great battle at Tours, France in 732; This win ensured that Christianity would be the dominant religion of Europe
Leaders of the Church: Pepin “the short”
Took over in 741 for his father as Mayor of the Palace; He wanted to be named the king of France, but he had no blood claim to the throne; The pope proceeds to travel to France and anoint him King; Other major achievements included to wipe out Lombards - He proceeded to take over this territory called DONATION OF PEPIN (known as the PAPAL STATES); Pepin’s importance 1) continued cultural unity and 2) integrated the Catholic Church to the west
Who was Charlemagne “Charles the Great”?
Firmly establishes a monarchy; Nearly doubled the size of the Frankish kingdom; His royal court became a center for learning which helped to preserve classical learning; Crowned the “emperor of the romans” by Pope Leo III on Christmas day (CHURCH V STATE PRIME EXAMPLE); Charlemagne is known as Emperor and as the protecter of holy church; Einhard was his biographer who wrote “a Life of Charlemagne which empowered Charlemagne as a great leader
What were the reasons for the Carolingian empire falling?
In 814 there was no more Empire in 814 A.D. which left a vacuum of power; No one could replace Charlemagne
Who was Charlemagne’s son?
Louis the Pious - did not have the ability to lead
As a result of the vacuum of power after Charlemagne, the Treaty of Verdun was set up. What is this?
Charles the bald - controlled most of present day France (the western portion); Louis the German - took over the eastern part or Germany; Lothair - became the Holy Roman Emperor ruled territory fro the North Sea southward to Italy
In the late 800 there was a disintegration of the Empire, what caused this?
There was internal weakness; There was a rise of Nobles and Constant funding between powerful lords
