Feudalism in the Middle Ages by Mr. Quigley

Medieval Europe

Rome Fell 476 CE

Started "Middle Ages"

500-1450 CE

From Latin

medium = middle

aevum = age

Germanic tribes conquered

divided into small kingdoms

many thrived thanks to

mountains gave minerals

iron for weapons

crops & livestock

moderate climate

rich soil

abundant forestland gave lumber

water

possible trade routes

fish

sea

rivers

governments got stronger eventually

almost constant war

safety/security challenges

somewhat united by Christianity

Pope

stayed in Rome city

Led Christianity

Franks

Clovis first converted

many subjects did too

spread Christianity's influence

Conquered Roman Gaul 486

Clovis first converted (Franks)

most not before 500 CE

Saxons

Angles

Jutes

destroyed towns

not interested in trade

killed people

no huge Roman army

No strong central government

Franks tribe

obeyed traditions of king

no large central gov.

no written laws

small villages

worked land

tended herds

Previously united Europe

caused W. Europe change

large cities disappeared

trade disappeared