The Fall of Rome & Early Medieval Europe

● 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.

Feudalism

● 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.

The Medieval Church

● 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.

The Crusades

● 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 (1054)

● Break between Roman Catholic (West) and Eastern Orthodox (East).

● Key Issue: The pope’s claim to authority over all Christians.

Reconquista

● Reconquista (Spain) – Christian kingdoms’ effort to retake Iberia from Muslim rule.

● Impact: Expulsion of Jews and Muslims led to economic decline and loss of cultural

diversity.

Medieval Kingdoms

● 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 & Constantinople

● 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.

Agricultural Improvements

● Heavy Plow, Three-Field System, Horse Collar – Increased food production.

● Result: Population growth, rise of towns, revival of trade, emergence of middle class.

MAIN IDEAS TO KNOW

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.