Europe in the Dark AgesTransforming Roman World

Major Question 1How did political power in Europe shift after

the fall of the Roman Empire?

First of all…Rome was divided into two empires in 284

AD by the Emperor DiocletianWest (Rome) East

(Constantinople)

What happened to Rome in 476 AD? Western Roman Empire sacked and

destroyed by German Invaders

http://www.history.com/videos/the-visigoths-sack-rome#the-visigoths-sack-rome

Germanic KingdomsGerman kings replaced many rulers in

western Roman EmpireRoman Empire became collection of German

states

Germanic SocietyIntermarried with people of Roman EmpireFamily=crucial bondWergildOrdeal

Problems with Germanic KingdomsWeak politically

Little organization

Why might Germanic Kingdoms have been weak politically? Where did they get power from in the first place?

Needed more political power

FranksOne of the few long lasting German statesClovis (500 A.D.)

Strong military leaderFirst Germanic ruler converted to ChristianityEarned support of Roman Catholic Church

Romans and Germans intermarry and form new society

ChristianityBefore, Germanic Kingdoms =

weak/disorganizedChristianity at this point = strong and

organized. Popes

Bishops

Priests

ChristianityBy end of 4th century, Christianity spreads

throughout Europe (missionaries)

The CHURCHChristianity had been organized into the

Roman Catholic Church.Anytime you see “The Church” (capital C)

referenced, it means Christianity/The Roman Catholic Church.

Roman Catholic Church = The Church(Christianity)

For example: The power of the Church grew during the Dark Ages.

Power in EuropeThe Church gains power as Kings convert to

Christianity

Why would Kings listen to the Church?

Church gains great political power in Europe over time

Major Question 1How did political power shift in Europe after

the fall of the Roman Empire? Who held political power before the fall?Who took over?Were they politically strong?What happened?Who ended up with political power in

Europe?

RecapRome dividesGermanic InvasionsSack of RomeGermanic KingdomsFranks (Clovis)ChristianityChurch

Major Question 2How did the Church/Christianity impact

European society?

Political Impacts on SocietyPope Gregory I 6th centuryStrengthened office of pope (pope has more

power)What’s a pope?? You must know this,

estudiantes. Church takes control of Rome and

surrounding territoriesPapacy = religious and political powerPope = Papacy = Papal

Papal power = power of the pope.What would a papist be?

Religious ImpactsAs the Church grows, more people become

Christians and follow the pope’s rules and guidelines.

Pretty simple.

Monks“man who separates

himself from ordinary human society in order to pursue a life of total dedication to God”

Benedict’s rulePrimary emphasis

on prayer and manual labor

Physical labor required

Prayer 7 times a day

Monasteries – Where monks liveCenters of learning Scriptoria – copied Bibles and Roman/Greek

booksMonks spread Christianity to Europe

Heroes?Monks provided

moral examples, social workers, schools, hospitality, and hospitals.

How do these things benefit society? How do monks help spread Christianity?

NunsFemale versions of monksLived in conventsAbbess in charge of each convent

Education centers for women

Major Question 2How did the Church/Christianity impact

European society?Political powerSpread of ChristianityBenefits of monks/scriptoriaNuns