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