Order vs. Chaos

Europe after the fall of Rome

MEDIEVAL

MEDI- -EVAL

MIDDLE AVUM

EPOCH

AGE / TIME

MIDDLE AGES Time period in Europe between the fall of Rome and the development of

modern Europe.

THE WORLD GOES DARK

There are no laws. No one is in charge. Order has given way to chaos but has not given up…

Picture Europe

Forests covered much of the European continent.

A large fertile plain ran from Russia across the northwest section of the continent.

The climate varied. While mild in the Mediterranean region year round, it could be very cold and harsh in the North.

Abundant rainfall in parts of Europe made the soil heavy and difficult to plow.

The cities that once belonged to Rome declined. Weeds grew between the carefully laid stones in aqueducts and wall, crumbling the once sturdy structures.

Centralized rule of Europe no longer existed.

Europe was now in the hands of the Franks, Visigoths, Vandals, Angles, Saxons, Ostrogoths, and Vikings.

The various tribes that overran Europe when Rome fell were fiercely independent.

When at war, tribes showed little mercy, killing many women and children.

Trade disappeared except between close neighbors.

Law and order was achieved by local chiefs. There was no higher authority in most places.

Loyalty to tribal chiefs was very important and kept order within small communities. There was no one else to rely on.

Most families grew just enough food to feed

themselves. With threat of starvation and attack ever looming, people saw their

leaders as their protectors.

Choose a leader…

Definition Strength Origin

KING

POPE

Where Did Kings Come From?

• The concept of a “King” is an ancient idea.• In the Middle Ages, the first kings were

leaders of the Barbarian tribes who took power after the fall of Rome.

• Ex: Odoacer declared himself “King of Italy” when he conquered Rome in 476

• Ex: Clovis united all the Frankish tribes, and became the “King of the Franks.”

Definition Strength Origin

KING Leader of a kingdom •Wealth/ land•People•military

King- ancient idea

Kings= leaders of barbarian tribes

POPE Leader or ruler of the Roman Catholic Religion

•Followers (Roman Catholics)•Wisdom•God

Where Did Popes Come From?

• Peter, a close follower of Jesus Christ, is considered to be the first “Bishop of Rome.”

• Since Rome was such an important city, the Bishop of Rome was an important leader in the Christian religion.

• At first, the Bishops of Rome were chosen by local religious leaders.

• Sometime between 300 and 600 AD, the Bishop took the title Pope (which means “father”).

Definition Strength Origin

KING Leader of a kingdom •Wealth/ land•People•military

•King- ancient idea

•Kings= leaders of barbarian tribes

POPE Leader or ruler of the Roman Catholic Religion

•Followers (Roman Catholics)•Wisdom•God

•Peter=1st bishop of Rome•Bishop=important; Rome=important; Bishop of Rome=SUPER IMPORTANT•300-600 C.E. BoR took the title of Pope (father)

One of the big issues in the Middle Ages is:

“Who is more powerful, the King or the Pope?”

Reflection: Underneath your sponge, write who you think will be most powerful/ influential, kings or popes?