The Fall of Rome
What event helped start the Middle Ages by allowing invaders to take power?
the fall of the Roman Empire
What was the main reason for the conflict between Christians and Muslims during the Crusades?
control over the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem
What was exchanged for loyalty at all levels of feudal society?
land
What role did Islamic scholars play in preserving knowledge from Greece and Rome?
preserving ancient texts in math, science, and medicine
What Frankish king’s conversion to Christianity strengthened ties between kings and the Church?
Clovis
In Western Europe, what was a major consequence of the fall of Rome?
the loss of central authority
Name one positive impact of the Crusades.
rediscovery of Roman and Greek knowledge through trade routes
What was a key characteristic of the feudal system?
roles based on social class
How did Islam spread from 632-750 C.E.?
through trade routes and military victories
What emperor united much of Western Europe into one empire?
Charlemagne
How did the fall of the Roman Empire affect European society?
the creation of new kingdoms by invaders
Name one negative effect of the Crusades.
long-lasting conflict between Christians and Muslims
What did monasteries do to help spread Christianity? (Name one action.)
providing education, social services and religious instruction
What was an effect of Justinian’s plague on the Byzantine Empire?
weakening the empire and reducing its population
What was Charlemagne’s role in shaping medieval Europe?
unifying Western Europe and promoting learning and Christianity
What was one reason the Northern European Plain was an attractive place for settlement?
fertile land and access to rivers
Which empire was weakened due to the Crusades and Islamic expansion?
the Byzantine Empire
Which group in feudal society worked the land and provided food?
peasants/serfs
How did Islamic scholars help advance European knowledge?
translating and preserving classical works
What Byzantine emperor tried to restore the greatness of Rome?
Justinian
How were Viking invaders able to take advantage of Northern Europe’s geography?
the use of longships to navigate both rivers and seas
What was the role of the Byzantine Empire in relation to the spread of Islam?
slowing the spread of Islam into Europe
How did feudalism shape the relationship between kings and nobles?
requiring kings to grant land to nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty
What key invention helped the spread of Islamic knowledge?
Chinese Paper
How did monasteries preserve knowledge?
copying and preserving ancient texts through scribes