Geography & Trade
Why was Europe good for trade?
It was close to the sea
What era began after the fall of Rome?
The Middle Ages
Who was the first Frankish king to become Catholic?
Clovis I
What does “Charlemagne” mean?
Charles the Great
Name three groups that invaded Europe.
Vikings / Magyars / Muslims
How did rivers help trade in Europe?
They allowed people and goods to travel easily by boat
Who settled in England after the Romans left?
Angles and Saxons
What was the job of the “mayor of the palace”?
To run the government
What city was Charlemagne’s capital?
Aachen
Where did the Vikings come from?
Scandinavia
Name THREE major European river.
Rhine / Danube / Seine / Po
What happened to the Celts after Anglo-Saxons arrived?
They moved to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Who stopped Muslim expansion at the Battle of Tours?
Charles Martel
How did Charlemagne govern such a large empire?
Through local officials called counts
Why did Vikings become skilled sailors?
They had little farmland and depended on the sea
How did rivers and mountains affect unity in Europe?
They separated people, making it hard to unite Europe
Why was Roman influence weaker in Britain than in Italy or Spain?
Romans ruled Britain for less time and less strongly
Why was the Battle of Tours important?
It stopped the spread of Islam into Western Europe
Why was Charlemagne’s empire difficult to maintain after his death?
It depended on his strong leadership
How did invasions affect Europe?
They weakened kingdoms and caused instability
Explain how geography led to both trade AND division in Europe.
Seas and rivers helped trade, but mountains and rivers also separated regions
How did distance from Rome affect Germanic kingdoms?
Farther regions kept more Germanic traditions, while closer ones adopted Roman ways.
Why did the pope support Frankish leaders like Pepin?
He needed protection and wanted to strengthen Christianity.
How did Charlemagne promote education in his empire?
He created schools and encouraged learning subjects like Latin and religion.
How did the Catholic Church gain power in medieval Europe? Give ONE reason.
It spread Christianity, provided services (schools, hospitals), or influenced rulers.