The Early Middle Ages

Section 7*1

pp. 214-218

Preview Questions

Why was Western Europe a frontier land during the early Middle Ages?

How did Germanic kingdoms gain power in the Middle Ages?

How did Charlemagne briefly reunite much of Western Europe?

I. Geography of Western Europe

Location Europe is 2nd smallest continent Part of Eurasian land mass

Resources On outskirts of civilization Fertile soil, forests, minerals, seas, rivers

II. The Germanic Kingdoms

The Franks Strongest of all

Germanic kingdoms Clovis conquered

Gaul Becomes Christian

to gain support

II. The Germanic Kingdoms

Europe and the Muslim World Muslims built empire

in North Africa Battle of Tours:

Martel defeats Muslims

Muslims remained in Spain; worries Europeans

III. Age of Charlemagne Wanted to reunite

Western Empire Crowned Emperor

of Romans

III. Age of Charlemagne Government

Worked with Church to unite Empire Nobles given land to keep soldiers Missi Dominici ensured justice for people

Revival of Learning Latin education for officials

and clergy Founded school at Aachen

IV. After Charlemagne

Treaty of Verdun divided empire into three regions

IV. After Charlemagne

New Wave of Invasions Muslims attack S. Italy Magyars control Hungary Vikings control Scandinavia

Traders Explorers Destructive Warriors

IV. After Charlemagne

Legacy of Charlemagne Expanded Christianity into N. Europe Blending of many cultures Strong, efficient governments