Middle Ages

The European Middle Ages lasted from 500-1500 A.D. This period had roots in classical Rome, Roman Catholicism, and the customs of Germanic tribes. Germanic invaders overran the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and education greatly decreased. Small Germanic kingdoms arose in 400-600 and the Church survived to influence these leaders. Clovis brought Christianity to Gaul when he ruled the Franks. By 511, Clovis unites the Franks into 1 kingdom. Gregory I became Pope in 590 and the papacy became a worldly power. Charles Martel expanded the Frank kingdom and solidified Christian rule. Pepin the short took over power and started the Carolingian Dynasty.
 Once Pepin dies, Charlemagne rules the kingdom and expands the kingdom, reuniting Western Europe and spreading Christianity. In 300, Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne Emperor of Rome. Charlemagne crowned Louis the Pious Emperor right before his death. Louis is an ineffective ruler and his 3 sons fought for control of his kingdom. They eventually split the kingdom into 3 smaller sections at the treaty of Verdun. From 800-1000, invaders destroyed most of the remaining Frank kingdom, Vikings from the North, Magyars from the East, and Muslims from the South. Feudalism now begins in 911 and loyalty is to the lord and owner of the local estates.