Dark Ages

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Justinian

Ruled Byzantine empire at its peak. Wife was Theodora.

Made Justinian’s code, built Hagia Sophia church. Was a ruthless leader and people rebelled with Nika revolt.

Wars and plague weakened and bankrupted empire.

Herakleios

Created the Themes system and Exarchates: soldiers administer land and now have personal interest in defending it) and fought extensively with the Persians.

Exarchates

military headquarters outside of the heart of the byzantine empire ex: Ravenna, Carthage

Iconoclasm

Destroying religious images people are worshiping instead of God. Pope condemns it so Emperor removes Pope’s control of the Papal states. Deepens divide between East and West empire and church.

Empress Irene

Regent for her underage son who she eventually killed so she could continue ruling. Sought support from the Catholic church so declared Iconoclasm heresy. This caused her to be crowned a saint. Tried to foster ties with Charlemagne.

Basil II

Expanded the emperor into Greece and the Balkans as well as winning victories in Syria. Doubled the size of the empire.

Hired Viking mercenaries to fight for him.

After his death many revolted and empire fell into decline.

Caesaropapism

the state defining church policy, the emperor acting as the church/pope

Battle of Manzikert

Saljuq Turks, under rule of Alp Arslan captured the Byzantine emperor. Was more of a moral loss.

Constantine the 11th

Last Emperor of Byzantine, defeated by the Ottoman empire and Sultan Mehmed II. His body was unable to be found.

Monasticism

Monks living in Monasteries. Produce many religious works and had access to education.

Saint Benedict

founded many self sufficient monasteries: ora et labora

Pope Gregory I

A supporter of Monasteries, ordered monks to convert Germanic tribes by adapting pagan customs into Christianity. Ex: Christmas

Authority and power of the Pope increases

Saint Patrick

Lived as a slave in Ireland after captured by pirates. Escaped then returned to Ireland to become a missionary.

Ireland became a Christian stronghold, Irish monks spread Christianity.

Book of Kells

A religious text produced in a Monastery. Parts of the christian gospel with ornate drawings.

Lombards

After the death of Justinian they invade the former Western Roman Empire. Queen Theudelinda convinces her second husband Agilulf to convert to Christianity, plus useful politically.

Visigoths

Located in present day Spain. Emperor Reccared converts them to Christianity. Councils of Toledo

Councils of Toledo

Church councils with strong influence over Visigoth government and society, nominated kings. Oppresses non-Christians.

Clovis I

Founder of the Frank Merovingian Dynasty. Raised pagan but converts to Christianity to secure loyalty of all Frankish people. Under him Franks quickly rise in power.

Gavelkind

Division of property equally among all sons, including royalty and land.

Salic Law of Succession

A prince descended through a woman could not claim the throne.

Mayor of the Palace

Eventually ruled instead of the king and became a hereditary position.

Charles Martel

Mayor of the Palace. Defended the Franks from Muslim invasion at the Battle of Tours and stopped Muslim expansion into Europe.

Pepin the Short

Mayor of the Palace who the Pope declares as king. In return Pepin gives the church the Papal states.

Charlemagne

Expands Frankish territories, spreads and protects Christianity, revived education: standardization of writing Aa.

Missi dominici

a layman and a bishop who inspected dukes and counts under the order of the king.

Alcuin

introduced English methods of learning to the Franks

Treaty of Verdun

Divides Frankish kingdom into three territories marking beginning of modern day European countries; Italy, Germany, and France.

Harold Hardrada

last of the Vikings, attempted to conquer England.

Vikings Siege of Paris

845: Ragnar Lodbrok lays siege on Paris, Charles the Bald bribes him to leave with 7,000 livres.

885: Viking siege Paris again, Charles the Fat gives them only 700 livres to leave.

Charles the Simple

Gives land grant to viking leader Rollo, will become Normandy.

1. Encourages Vikings to stop raiding Frankish territory

2. Rollo protects mouth of the Seine River against future Viking raids.