Post on 28-Dec-2015
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