Dark Ages, the early medieval period of western European history. Specifically, the term refers to the time (476–800) when there was no Roman (or Holy.

The Middle Ages500 – 1400

The Dark Ages

Dark Ages, the early medieval period of western European history. Specifically, the term refers to the time (476–800) when there was no Roman (or Holy Roman) emperor in the West; or, more generally, to the period between about 500 and 1000, which was marked by frequent warfare and a virtual disappearance of urban life. It is now rarely used by historians because of the value judgment it implies. Though sometimes taken to derive its meaning from the fact that little was then known about the period, the term’s more usual and pejorative sense is of a period of intellectual darkness and barbarity.

Charlemagne Government

Expands the Frankish kingdom and unitesWestern Europe

Crowned Holy Roman Emperor

Divides Empire into counties headed by a count

Charlemagne Spreads Christianity

Spread by force or through education

Education Promoted learning to educate clergy

and government officialsSchools were for nobles’ children taught by

monksScholars produced readable Bibles

Feudalism A social and political system that

developed after Rome fell Alliances between vassals based on

ownership of land Characteristics: loyalty, service,

protection, and power structure Kings/lords/nobles give land to lesser

nobles They become his vassals Vassals swore an oath of loyalty, fought

battles acted as the lord’s advisors

Warfare Knights were from the noble class Training

› Age seven “page” learned manners, weaponry

› Age twelve “squire” cared for horse, weapons, and armor

› Tried in battle to become a knightFights between lords and vassals for power and landPeasants suffer hardships. The church steps in to help them.

Feudal Justice

The accused would be brought before the lord for trial

Trial by battle, Trial by compurgation or oath taking

Trial by ordeal Example: Hot iron or boiling water

The Manor System The manor system is an economic

systembased on agriculture.

Manors were large estates that included farms and fields

Grew their own food and made everything they needed. “ Self sufficient”

The Manor System

Lord holds 1/3 of landPeasants work 2/3 of land. They could not leave the land without permissionNobles lived in castles built on hills for defenseMarriage was seen as a way to advance fortunes

The Revival of Trade

Why did trade return to Europe?

The Crusades made Italy the center of trade

Ships would carry soldiers to the Holy Land and return with goods from Asia and the Middle East

Major trade centers were Kiev and Flanders –woolen cloth, fur, hemp. silk , spices and sugar

A Need to Protect Trade

Hanseatic League - German cities joined together to control and protect trade.

Trade fairs developed as a place to buy and sell goods

News and ideas were exchanged

Where did they make things?

Goods were manufactured in homes

This was known as the domestic system

The beginning of Banks

People needed a place to exchange currencies

Banks began to loan money Gave out bills of exchange (like checks)

There is money to invest in new ideas

Investing The beginnings of capitalism People began to invest capital in order

to make profits To raise money people began to form

partnerships Investors created a market economy All land. Labor and capital were

controlled by private individuals

Towns begin to grow

Growth of towns Towns won self government (no longer

under the control of a manor lord) A lord granted a charter that listed

their rights

Towns

People living in towns had 4 basic rights

Freedom given after 1 year and 1 day Exemption: a person did not have to

work on the manors ( serve the lord) Town justice – they had their own

courts Commercial privileges: free trade

Guilds

Merchant guilds provided trade protection

Only locals who paid fees could trade Craft guilds set rules for wages, hours,

and working conditions Craft guilds set rules for training of

skilled workers Merchants and master workers formed

the new middle class

The Black Death

People’s faith in God was shaken The Church lost some of its power and

importance Workers could demand higher wages

because the plague killed so many workers

What changes took place because of the renewal of trade?

New wealth and a middle class Trade organizations New ways of doing business Banking Investing Growth of towns The spread of disease