Fall of Rome (476 CE)

Collapse of centralized authority; led to political fragmentation and loss of long-distance trade.

Dark Ages/Early Middle Ages

Period marked by ruralization, decline of learning, and local warfare.

Manorial System

Economic system where peasants lived and worked on a lord’s estate in exchange for protection.

Subsistence Agriculture

Farming for survival rather than trade; characteristic of the early medieval economy.

Feudal System

Political and social hierarchy based on landholding and loyalty.

King → Nobles → Knights → Peasants/Serfs

Structure of obligations.

Knights

Warriors who pledged loyalty and military service; governed small plots of land (fiefs).

Chivalry

Code of conduct emphasizing bravery, loyalty, and protecting the weak.

Catholic Church

Central institution unifying Western Europe; controlled education, daily life, and law.

Pope Innocent III

Expanded papal authority; claimed supremacy over monarchs.

Stained Glass Windows

Taught Bible stories to an illiterate population.

Universities

Grew around cathedrals; trained clergy and helped standardize learning.

Crusades

Series of military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land.

Pope Urban II

Called for the First Crusade to fight Muslim Turks.

First Crusade

Crusaders captured Jerusalem; resulted in massacre of many inhabitants.

The Great Schism

Break between Roman Catholic (West) and Eastern Orthodox (East). Key Issue: The pope’s claim to authority over all Christians.

Reconquista (Spain)

Christian kingdoms’ effort to retake Iberia from Muslim rule.

Impact of Reconquista

Expulsion of Jews and Muslims led to economic decline and loss of cultural diversity.

French Kings (e.g., Philip II)

Expanded royal lands; strengthened centralized power.

English Kings

Weakened due to conflict with nobles.

Magna Carta (1215)

Limited royal power; established that even the king must obey the law.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern continuation of Roman Empire.

Constantinople

Thrived due to location on trade routes and strong walls.

Icon Controversy

Disagreement over use of religious images contributed to the Great Schism.

Heavy Plow, Three-Field System, Horse Collar

Increased food production. Population growth, rise of towns, revival of trade, emergence of middle class.

Impact of Rome’s Fall

Western Europe fragmented. Decline in trade, cities, learning.

How Feudalism Restored Order

Provided security through local lords and knights. Created predictable economic and social structure.

Power of the Medieval Church

Influenced education, government, law, and daily life. Reached its peak under strong popes like Innocent III.

Effects of Crusades & Reconquista

Increased contact between Europe and Middle East. In Spain, expulsion of Jews and Muslims weakened cultural and economic strength.

Universities’ Significance

Helped professionalize clergy. Preserved and expanded classical knowledge.

Constitutional Development in England

Magna Carta protected noble rights. Foundation of limited government and constitutionalism.