Fall of Rome
What economic problem contributed to Rome’s fall?
Heavy taxes and inflation.
Which groups invaded Western Rome?
Germanic tribes.
What city became the Byzantine capital?
Constantinople.
What was feudalism based on?
Land exchanged for loyalty and service.
What religion became most important in Medieval Europe?
Christianity.
What political issue weakened Rome?
Corrupt and unstable leadership.
What happened to cities after the invasions?
Many cities declined or were abandoned.
Why was Constantinople’s location important?
It was at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Who provided protection in feudalism?
Knights.
What was the most powerful institution in Europe during the Middle Ages?
The Catholic Church.
What happened to Rome’s military that made the empire weaker?
The military became weaker.
Why did trade decrease after the invasions?
Roads became unsafe, and regions became isolated.
Who was the most famous Byzantine emperor known for a legal code?
Justinian.
What was the manorial system?
The economic system where manors were self-sufficient.
What did monks and missionaries do?
Spread Christianity.
Why did Rome struggle to protect such a large empire?
It was too big to control and defend.
How did Germanic tribes change government in Europe?
They replaced Roman rule with smaller kingdoms.
What was the Justinian Code?
A collection of organized laws improving justice.
What did peasants do on the manor?
Worked the land and provided food.
Who was Charlemagne?
A king who united much of Western Europe.
Explain how social problems contributed to Rome’s collapse.
Widening gap between rich and poor, less loyalty, and loss of civic duty.
Explain one cultural change caused by the invasions.
Loss of Roman learning, languages changed, or society became rural.
How did the Byzantine Empire help preserve Roman culture?
They kept Roman laws, learning, and traditions alive.
Explain how feudalism helped create order in Europe.
It created a structured system where everyone had roles and protection.
Explain one way the Church influenced daily life.
Controlled education, laws, holidays, or moral guidance.