Chapter 7

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Chapter 7 The Rise of Europe

• Section 1
• Pages 214-218

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Middle Ages 500 to 1500 A period after the
collapse of the Roman Empire in which Europe
experienced invasions creating a blend of
Greco-Roman, Germanic and Christian
civilizations. The culture was known as
medieval.
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Germanic Kingdoms Franks a. Mostly farmers and
herders that lived in small communities. b.
Kings were elected by tribal councils. c.
Warriors swore loyalty to the king in exchange
for weapons and a share of the conquered
people. King Clovis - conquered Gaul in 486
(modern day France). Converted to Christianity
and created an ally in the pope. Battle of
Tours (732) - Battle between the Christian
Franks, led by Charles Martel, and the Muslims.
Christians saw it as a sign God was on their
side.
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Charlemagne (768) the grandson of Charles
Martel became King of the Franks and expanded the
empire into France, Germany and part of Italy.
Reigned for 46 years. (pg. 215) Emperor
of the Romans- Pope Leo III asked Charlemagne for
help against rebels and in return crowned him
Emperor of the Romans. 1. Revived the idea of
one Christian community Christendom. 2. Create
future power struggles between popes and Germanic
emperors. 3. Outraged the emperor of the Eastern
Roman empire. Created a split.
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• Acts of Charlemagne
• Missi dominici officials sent by Charlemagne to
  control provincial leaders. Allowed to
  administer punishment.
• Required his officials to keep accurate written
  records.
• Revived Latin learning and created local schools.
• Charlemagnes Legacy
• Spread Christianity
• Set up a strong, efficient government
• Blended Germanic, Roman and Christian traditions

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Treaty of Verdun Charlemagnes grandsons
divided the empire into three regions. The
regions continued to be attacked by Muslims and
the Magyars, a nomadic group that settled in
present day Hungary. (Map page 217) Vikings
independent farmers from Norway, Sweden and
Denmark who were ruled by land-owning chieftans.
As expert sailors they raided the coast of
Europe. Around 100, they set up a colony in
North America.