Western Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire
Historians refer to the period of western European history from 500 to 1500 C.E. as the "Middle Ages", or medieval times. The term "middle" means that the period falls in between two others, preceded by the Roman Empire and followed by the European Renaissance. Another way of referring to the time is the "Dark Ages," which implies that the periods on either end are "light." Indeed, the metaphor is not inappropriate if you take the veiw that civilization is superior to simpler forms of life, such as hunting and gathering, pastoral nomadism, or simple subsistence farming. During the Middle Ages civilization was clearly suspended. However, the period is more complex than that. It is helpful to divide the era in two:
The Early Middle Ages (500 - 1000 C.E.) - During this era the Germanic tribes that had invaded the Roman Empire settled into various parts of Europe. Most of the inhabitants of their kingdoms were pastoral nomads or subsistence farmers, and their political leaders were tribal chieftains. Very few people could read and write, little long distance trade took place, and settlements were mainly villages and small towns.
The High Middle Ages (1000 - 1500 C.E.) - About midway through the Middle Ages, signs of recovery began, accelerating especially after about 1200. Towns grew, small cities emerged, trade with other areas of the more complex with the emergence of a middle class. By the end of the era, the European Renaissance was well entrenched in Italy and was spreading into norther Europe.
Historians refer to the period of western European history from 500 to 1500 C.E. as the "Middle Ages", or medieval times. The term "middle" means that the period falls in between two others, preceded by the Roman Empire and followed by the European Renaissance. Another way of referring to the time is the "Dark Ages," which implies that the periods on either end are "light." Indeed, the metaphor is not inappropriate if you take the veiw that civilization is superior to simpler forms of life, such as hunting and gathering, pastoral nomadism, or simple subsistence farming. During the Middle Ages civilization was clearly suspended. However, the period is more complex than that. It is helpful to divide the era in two:
The Early Middle Ages (500 - 1000 C.E.) - During this era the Germanic tribes that had invaded the Roman Empire settled into various parts of Europe. Most of the inhabitants of their kingdoms were pastoral nomads or subsistence farmers, and their political leaders were tribal chieftains. Very few people could read and write, little long distance trade took place, and settlements were mainly villages and small towns.
The High Middle Ages (1000 - 1500 C.E.) - About midway through the Middle Ages, signs of recovery began, accelerating especially after about 1200. Towns grew, small cities emerged, trade with other areas of the more complex with the emergence of a middle class. By the end of the era, the European Renaissance was well entrenched in Italy and was spreading into norther Europe.
Reading Schedule:
Prelude to Disaster (Pgs. 324 - 325) The Black Death (Pgs. 325 - 332) The Hundred Years' War (Pgs. 332 - 338) Challenges to the Church (Pgs. 338 - 343) Social Unrest in a Changing Society (Pgs. 343 - 353) |
Assignments
In his book A World Lit Only by Fire historian William Manchester details different aspects of life during the Middle Ages. In this case study you will analyze the mindset of people living during this time period.
The late Middle Ages in Europe saw a series of disastrous events unfold and gravely impact society. In this case study you will analyze the events that created the calamitous 14th century.
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