Early Middle Ages - Review Charlemagne & Feudalism

After what event did the "Dark Ages" start?

• Fall of Western Rome

• The Great Schism

• Battle of Tours

• Christianity starts

Answer explanation

The "Dark Ages" began after the Fall of Western Rome in 476 AD, marking a period of cultural and economic decline in Europe, characterized by the fragmentation of the Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism.

When Rome fell in AD 476, life in Europe changed.  How did life in the early Middle Ages differ from Roman times?

• trade increases

• people moved from rural areas to citiies

• education and literacy declined

• the population increases

Answer explanation

After the fall of Rome, education and literacy declined significantly due to the collapse of centralized institutions and the focus on survival rather than learning, contrasting sharply with the more educated Roman society.

Which group established the most successful Germanic Kingdom?

• Saxons

• Franks

• Visigoths

• Vandals

Answer explanation

The Franks established the most successful Germanic Kingdom, notably under leaders like Clovis, who united various tribes and expanded their territory, laying the foundation for modern France.

The area in yellow is called Scandinavia. Who came from there?

• Vikings

• Chinese

• Franks

• Eskimos

Answer explanation

The Vikings originated from Scandinavia, which includes countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They were known for their seafaring and exploration during the late 8th to early 11th centuries.

The pope's actions of crowning Charlemagne as Emperor suggested that Charlemagne's rule had the full backing of 

• the church and God

• the Roman people

• the Greek gods

• none of the above

Answer explanation

The pope's crowning of Charlemagne as Emperor symbolized the church's endorsement of his rule, indicating that he governed with divine authority and support from God, thus aligning his reign with the church's interests.

What religion did the Franks convert to?

• Islam

• Judaism

• Buddhism

• Roman Catholic

Answer explanation

The Franks converted to Roman Catholicism in the 5th century, particularly under King Clovis I, marking a significant shift in their religious practices and aligning them with the Christian faith.

What dynasty did the Charlemagne establish?

• Carolingian

• Merovingian

• Capetian

• Ottonian

Answer explanation

Charlemagne established the Carolingian dynasty, which marked a significant period in European history, known for the Carolingian Renaissance and the expansion of the Frankish state.

What was life like for peasants on the medieval manor?

• church was the center of their life

• hard life of physical labor

• not allowed to leave the manor

• all of the above

Answer explanation

Life for peasants on the medieval manor was challenging. The church was central to their community, they endured hard physical labor, and they were often not allowed to leave the manor, making 'all of the above' the correct choice.

A member of the peasant class tied to the land and subject to the will of the landowner

• Serf

• Vassal

• Knight

• Fjord

Answer explanation

A serf is a member of the peasant class who is bound to the land and under the control of a landowner, making 'serf' the correct answer. Vassals and knights have different roles in the feudal system, while 'fjord' is unrelated.

Draw an example of a Medieval Manor

Answer explanation

Medieval Manor should include a farming community, a castle, fields, and a peasant village.