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What empire was centered in Rome before the Middle Ages began?
The Roman Empire
What year is often used to mark the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
476
What were the people called whom the Romans labeled as outsiders, like the Goths and Vandals?
Barbarians
What is the title given to the bishop of Rome?
The pope
Who was known as Charles the Great?
Charlemagne
What helped Roman soldiers, goods, and messages travel across the empire?
Roads
What happened to many Roman roads and aqueducts after the empire fell?
They fell apart and were not repaired
What religion spread across Europe after the fall of Rome?
Christianity
What kind of religious community did Saint Benedict help create?
Monasteries
What group of people did Charlemagne rule?
The Franks
Why did trade decline in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire?
There was no central government to maintain roads and trade routes
Why did the bishop of Rome become more powerful after 476?
There was no western emperor, so people looked to church leaders for order
What rule did Saint Benedict write to guide monks’ daily lives?
The Rule of Saint Benedict
What two main activities balanced a monk’s daily schedule?
Prayer and work
Why did Charlemagne encourage learning and education?
He believed education helped strengthen his empire
How did fighting among Roman generals weaken the Roman Empire?
It disrupted law, order, and trade
Why is the term “Dark Ages” not considered accurate today?
Historians now see the period as a time of change and growth, not total darkness
How did monasteries help preserve knowledge during the Middle Ages?
Monks copied books by hand and kept libraries
Why did Pope Leo III crown Charlemagne emperor?
Charlemagne protected the pope and supported the Church
What was unusual about Charlemagne’s views on education?
He believed women should be educated as well as men
What changes led to the decline of the Western Roman Empire?
The Western Roman Empire declined because it became too large to manage, ran out of money, had fighting among its leaders, and was invaded by outside groups. Roads that once helped Rome also made it easier for invaders to reach the city.
What problems arose as a result of not having a central government?
Without a central government, roads and aqueducts fell apart, trade decreased, cities shrank, and fewer people could read or learn skills. Life became more local, and people depended mostly on farming to survive.
Why did the collapse of the Western Roman Empire make it possible for the bishop of Rome to become more powerful?
After the emperor was gone, the bishop of Rome (the pope) became the most important leader in the city. People turned to the Church for leadership, order, and help, which increased the pope’s power.
How did Saint Benedict’s ideas help people in Europe during the Middle Ages?
Saint Benedict created rules for monks that balanced prayer, work, and learning. His monasteries helped preserve knowledge, cared for the poor, ran schools and hospitals, and spread Christianity across Europe.
Why did King Charles earn the title Charles the Great, or Charlemagne?
Charlemagne earned the title because he was a strong leader who expanded his empire, supported education, worked closely with the Church, improved government organization, and helped shape Europe’s future.