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