THE
MIDDLE AGES
500-1500
How did we get here?
After the fall of the Roman Empire,
threats of attacks ended almost all
trade in Western Europe.
Cities were easy targets for attacks.
People moved from the cities for
safety and to grow their own food.
These conditions led to the growth
of feudalism.
FEUDALISM
POLITICAL system
of local government
based on the
granting of land in
return for loyalty,
military assistance,
and other services.
In Medieval society a
person born and died
on the same piece of
land and in the same
social class.
King
Lord/Vassal
Knights
Peasants/Ser
fs
MANORIALISM
Manorialism was the
ECONOMIC system
that revolved around
self-sufficient farming
estates. There was
little or no trade.
EVERYTHING was
produced on the
manor and used by
the people who lived
on it.
CHARLES THE GREAT-CHARLESMAGNE
Leader of the Kingdom of the Franks
Created a huge empire
Pope asked Charlemagne for help to drive
the barbarians out of Rome. Pope
crowned him as emperor.
Helped to revive literacy and learning in
Western Europe.
Empire declined after his death.
INVASIONS WEAKEN EUROPE…
AGAIN.
Muslims from Africa invaded
the Mediterranean Coast
Slavs invaded central Europe
The Vikings Invaded
from 793-1000
came from Scandinavia—
modern day Denmark,
Sweden, and Norway.
Raided from Ireland to Russia
Raids were swift—landed,
plundered, killed and left
Great sea farers—1000
traveled to Newfoundland in
Canada
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
MOST POWERFUL INSTITUTION IN
THE MIDDLE AGES
Filled political and leadership
positions
Gained vast amounts of land and
wealth
The Pope in Rome held the greatest
power.
Canon Law-Church Law and had the
power to tax
THE
CRUSADES
Cause
Cause
ss
• 1. Pope
wanted to
increase his
power
• 2. Many serfs
wanted to
gain freedom
• 3....