Europe in the Medieval Age

Clovis Converts

500

Clovis, the founder of the frankish state, conquered much of modern day France and Belgium. He was able to unite them under Christianity and assert his authority using the religion. This shows change because formerly Rome had fallen and Europe was in a dark age with no leader uniting them.

Medieval Europe Continuity versus Change

Period: 500 to Dec 31, 1450

Icon Movement

Nov 3, 740

There is a definite increase in the use of icons to pass down and teach Biblical stories and principles. This also begins the great schism because many Orthodox Christians believe that this can lead to idolatry as Christ's holiness cannot be shown trhough humen art forms or creations. This shows change in that the Church is beginning too separate further and further apart, and a way to educate people is coming out, thus helping Europe come out of the dark ages.

First Epic Written

Nov 3, 750

Beowulf the first epic or work of fiction in a long time was written in England. It was very significant in that it was a writing for man. This shows a major revival in literacy and even more of a rise out of the dark ages. This shows continuity because the writing is largely influenced by the Church and, again, it shows that Europe is gradually climbing out of the dark ages.

1066

Nov 3, 1066

The battle of Hastings [Norman invasion of Britain] was won by William the Conquerer, a norman [Normans were French vikings], and this caused French culture to seep into Britain. William introduces the feudal system to Britain and it eventually becomes a national monarchy. This shows change becuase there previously were no major conflicts other than the occasional nomad or viking invasion, which was more a pestullance than a serious threat.

Scholasticism

Nov 3, 1079

Scholasticism emerges as an attempt to revive literacy and education in Europe . This shows continuity because humanity and the Church again try to pick themselves up from illiteracy, but it never really caught on.

Crusade I

Nov 3, 1098

The first crusade takes place and the crusaders capture Antioch and most of Syria, killing the Turkish inhabitants. They also capture Jerusalem, killing its Muslim inhabitants and divide their new territories into four principalities. This shows change because this marks not only the first crusade but Western Europe coming out into the rest of the known world and making an appearance.

1050-1300 :The High Medieval Ages

Nov 3, 1100

This time period is known as the high middle ages because of the rising power of Western Europe and the technological revolutions that occurred such as advances in farming- the three field system and a new kind of plough. Other CHANGES included the change from a barter to money system and the beginning of paper manufacturing.

Crusade III

Nov 3, 1187

Muslims recapture Jerusalem, and the Third Crusade is ordered. It is led by German Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, French King Philip Augustus and English King Richard the Lionhearted. It is not successful though they do manage to get Europe on the map. This shows continuity obviously because it is the third in a line of 7 crusades.

Crusade IV

Nov 3, 1204

Crusade IV is kicked off and the Europeans ransack Constantinople, weakening the byzantine empire and leaving it for capture later. This caused Byzantine hate of the West. This shows continuity because it is again the fourth crusade in a line of 7.

Muslims Driven Out of Spain

Nov 3, 1212

The Muslims were driven out of Spain in the name of defense and the Church in 1212. This was very important because it was a major trade contact for the Arabs. This shows continuity from all of the conlict that the crusades created.

Chaucer Born

Nov 3, 1340

Geoffrey Chaucer is born and grows up to write the Cantebury Tales. The book was instrumental in reviving Scholasticism. This shows change because with Chaucer and Aquinas combined they create a more informed culture in Europe cumulatively.

The Plague

Nov 3, 1350

Due to Mongol invasions and the vermin and disease that they carried. A massive plague swept over Europe that was aided with the mongols use of biological warfare (throwing heads over walls). This was a big change because it was the first major disease to be so widespread, or wipe out whole towns and communities. Also kind of marks the end of the medieval era.

Conclusion

Nov 3, 2014

I think that generally a continuous pattern is shown in medieval Europe. The pattern being a few good leaders rising and uniting parts of Europe and then a slow decline back into feudal or manorialisms due to bad leadership. Toward the end of the medieval age there was much more conflict occuring as well. Despite the many changes in technology and government over time, I find that there are many more patterns displaying continuity.

Pepin and Martel Unite Europe

Mar 2, 2022

In 687 Pepin of Heristal and Charles Martel unite Frankish terratories and built a capitol of sorts near the Rhine. Pepin's son Martel was able to create an alliance with the Catholic Church. This shows continuity because a pattern starts to emerge in that kingdoms are united by a few leaders and then fall back into feudalisms or mannorialist terratories.

Charlemagne's Rule

Mar 2, 2022

Another descendant of Pepin's, Charlemagne was one of the most important rulers of medieval history. In time, his empire, known as the Carolingian dynasty, includes the greater section of central Europe, northern Italy and central Italy in addition to realms already conquered by Frankish rule Charlemagne promotes, what is called later, the Carolingian Renassaince which preserves ancient texts. This shows continuity because another great leader siezes power and helps unify Europe.

Carolingian Fall

Mar 2, 2022

Charlemange's empire cannot survive with a lack of good heirs to him. It is divided into the empires ruled by his grandson but promptly falls back into terratories once more due to bad leaderhsip. This shows continuity because this is what has happened since the beginning of the timeline at 500 AD a leader takes charge, and it falls because the ruler died..

Alfred the Great

Mar 2, 2022

Alfred the Great united Britain and created a form of governmen that brought all of the terratories into one nation as district. He established a culture that included public eductional institutes, and an army. Unlike other kingdoms, his heirs kept this one alive for nearly 200 years. This shows a major change because it is the first time that a kingdom lasted so long since Rome, and though it was small it advanced England out of the dark ages.