Charlemagne Unites the Germanic Kingdoms

1. What role did the Church play in helping Clovis conquer other Germanic peoples? 

The Church helped Clovis conquer other Germanic peoples by giving support to his military. 

2. What role did Pope Gregory the Great play in spreading the idea of a vast unified kingdom? 

Pope Gregory the Great helped spread the idea of a vast unified kingdom by collecting taxes, declined wars, and negotiated peace treaties.  

3. What was important about Charles Martel’s victory at the Battle of Tours? 

Charles Martel's victory at the Battle of Tours was important because he stopped the spread of Islamic in Europe. 

4. How did Pepin the Short strengthen the Frankish kingdom? 

Pepin the Short strengthen the Frankish kingdom by cooperating with the Pope and won the support of the Church.  

5. What was the importance of Charlemagne’s coronation as emperor? 

The importance of Charlemagne's coronation as emperor was that the event signaled the joint of Germanic power, the Church, and the heritage of the Roman Empire. 

6. How did Charlemagne govern his unified kingdom? 

Charlemagne governed his unified kingdom by limiting the noble power and control government officials. 

 TERMS

Middle-Ages: the era of European history called the middle ages began with the decline of the Roman empire 

Franks: were a Germanic people who were in the power of the Roman province of Gaul 

monastery: where the monks lived and devoted their lives to God 

secular: things are not religious 

Carolingian Dynasty: Dynasty of Frankish rulers 

Charlemagne: the heir to the Frankish kingdom who extended Frankish rules  

2. What was the most important event in the unification of the Germanic kingdoms? Why? 

The most important event was when Charlemagne limited noble power and controlled government officials because this took away the power from the rich. 

3. What were the three roots of medieval culture in western Europe? The three roots were classical heritage of Rome, the customs of Germanic tribes, and the belief of the Catholic Church. 

4. What are three ways that civilization in western Europe declined after the Roman Empire fell? Three ways civilization declined was the disruption of trade, the downfall of cities, and the population shifts. 

5. What was the most important achievement of Pope Gregory I? 

The most important achievement was when he used the Church funds to raise armies. 

The Fall of The Roman Empire

1. What were the causes of each condition that led to the fall of the Roman Empire? 

1. Disruption of trade: Hostile tribes outside of the boundaries of the empire interfered with the trade.
2. Gold and silver drain: Expansion fo the empire exceeded the amount of gold and silver available to be found
3. Inflation: Disappearance of money.
4. The decline of loyalty and discipline in the military: Roman soldiers became less disciplines and loyal because they gave their loyalty to Christianity and non-violence. 
5. Citizen indifference and loss of patriotism: Rome relied on foreign men to fight in the army. With no skill, defeat was common therefore resulting to lose of patriotism.

2. What steps did Diocletian take to restore order and reform the empire? 

To restore and reform the empire, the Diocletian split the empire into four regions.

3. What did Constantine do to reform the empire? 

Constantine made Christianity the official religion in Rome to reform the empire.

4. What caused the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire? 

The final collapse of the Western Roman Empire was caused by the German tribes and barbarians moved into Rome.

Terms:

• Inflation: Drastic drop in the value of money coupled with a rise in prices
• Mercenary: Soldier who is paid to fight in a foreign army to defend against the increasing threats in the empire
• Diocletian: Strong-willed army leader who became the new emperor
• Constantinople: New capital in Rome
• Attila: Germanic assault on the empire, became a direct threat

MAIN IDEAS

3. What were the main internal causes of the empire’s decline?

The main internal causes of the empire’s decline were political instability, social decline, economic deterioration, and military collapse.

4. How did Diocletian succeed in preserving the empire?

Diocletian succeeds in preserving by splitting the empire into an Eastern and a Western side and by limiting personal freedoms.

5. Why did so many Germanic tribes begin invading the Roman Empire?

Many Germanic tribes invaded Rome because the Huns invaded their land, and so they were fleeing from them and ended up pushing into Roman lands. 

The Spread of Christianity

Reading Guide

How did each of the following people influence the development of Christianity as a new religion? 

1. Jesus of Nazareth was the “savior” or “messiah”. The religion derived from him.

2. The Jews were the first followers of Jesus. 

3. Pontius Pilate was the Roman commander who had Jesus put to death. 

4. Peter was told to build a church and all priests and bishops left an authority to him.

How did each of the following help to promote the spread of Christianity? 

5. Pax Romana: It was safe to travel and everybody spoke the same language, Latin or Greek.

6. Paul wrote letters and traveled to teach about Jesus. 

7. Constantine declared Christianity as an approved religion. 

8. Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the empire.

Terms

Jesus: Leader who came to be known as Christ & was believed to be the savior

Apostle: Close follower of Jesus

Paul: Apostle who played a key role in the spread of Christianity throughout the empire

Diaspora: Moving away of the Jews from their homeland in Palestina

Constantine: Roman Emperor who ended the persecution of Christians

Bishop: Head of all the churches in one area

Peter: First apostle who helped spread Christianity through Syria & Palestine

Pope: Head of all the Christian church

Questions:

2. Which event do you feel was most significant in the spread of Christianity? Why?

Probably when Constantine ended prosecution because then more and more people can worship God without getting scared. 

3. What did Jesus emphasize in his early teachings?

He emphasized that personal relationships with God, the importance of people's love for God, neighbors, and enemies. Also, offered eternal life if you repented for your sins

4. Why did the early Christians face persecution from the Romans?

They faced persecution because they refused to worship the Roman gods

5. What was the importance of the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed was important because it defined the Church basic beliefs