Introduction for Chapter 8
8. Europe in the Early Middle Ages, 600–1000
>How did the events and developments of the Early Middle Ages shape European civilization? Chapter 8 examines the transition from antiquity to the period known as the Middle Ages.The agents in this slow process included not only the barbarian migrations that broke the Roman Empire apart but also the new religion of Islam, Slavic and steppe peoples in eastern Europe, and Christian officials and missionaries. The early Middle Ages, as this period is conventionally known, was a time of disorder and destruction, but it also marked the creation of a new type of society and a cultural revival that influenced later intellectual and literary traditions. While agrarian life continued to dominate Europe, political and economic structures that would influence later European history began to form, and Christianity continued to spread.
LearningCurve
After reading the chapter, use LearningCurve to retain what you’ve read.
>What were the origins and early impact of Islam?
>How did the Franks build and govern a European empire?
>What were the significant intellectual and cultural changes in Charlemagne’s era?
>What were the consequences of the ninth-century invasions and migrations?
>How did internal conflict and outside threats shape European development?
| 481– |
800– |
| – Merovingian dynasty | – Free peasants in western Europe increasingly tied to the land as serfs |
| ca. 571– |
843 |
| – Life of the Prophet Muhammad | – Treaty of Verdun divides Carolingian kingdom |
| 651 | 850– |
| – Official version of the Qur’an published | – Most extensive Viking voyages and conquests |
| 711 | ca. 900 |
| – Muslim forces defeat Visigothic kingdom | – Establishment of Kievan Rus |
| 711– |
911 |
| – Muslim conquest of Spain | – Vikings establish Normandy |
| ca. 760– |
950 |
| – Carolingian Renaissance | – Muslim Córdoba is Europe’s largest and most prosperous city |
| 768– |
1000 |
| – Reign of Charlemagne | – Stephen crowned first king of Hungary |
| 800 | |
| – Imperial coronation of Charlemagne |