The Dark Ages - CE 11

What were three reasons for the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

Instability with shifting leaders, bad emperors, and many assassinated over time.

Which Germanic tribe invaded Rome?

Visigoths.

Who was Aloric and how did he impact Christianity?

Aloric was a Gothic warrior of the Visigoths who helped Christianity gain a greater profile in the Western world.

Who was Clovis and how did he influence Christianity in Western Europe?

Clovis was the King of the Franks who converted to Christianity, influencing his followers and society in Western Europe. Gave him new set of allies & political connections/strength, later focused on power.

Killed male relatives in hopes to limit bloodline from eliminating his power & maintain power .

What were some social and economic effects on the Western Roman Empire during the Dark Ages?

Christianity spread within the Roman Empire.

How did Emperor Justinian attempt to reunify the Eastern and Western Roman Empires?

By signing peace treaties, reconquering the west, and building the Hagia Sophia (foundation of many future cathedrals built)

What role did Empress Theodora play during Justinian's reign?

She stood up to Justinian and refused to flee during riots. Blamed from cause of plague, said to be punishment from God due to her prostitution

What was the impact of the Black Death on Emperor Justinian's efforts?

25-50% of the population died, making it difficult to sustain the Empire. Byzantine empire cannot sustain the Roman Empire it once was & efforts of Justinian once he passes

What were the social, economic, and political effects of the plague on Europe?

Military loss, starvation, and population restoration.

What was the capital of the Western Roman Empire?

Rome.

What was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire?

Constantinople.

What role did monks play in preserving education and classical texts?

Monks were the 'Guardians of literacy' and kept classical texts and Scripture alive. Handwriting a manuscript, in charge of Europe's literary culture.

What was St. Benedict's influence on the Benedictine order?

He established strict rules for monastic life (Ora e Labora - Pray & Work), emphasizing work and prayer. Could heal, bring peace, & had God on his side. Obey rule of St.Benedict, allow individuals to obliterate their wills, eliminate drives that cause you to sin, exercise own will

What was the significance of Charlemagne to the Frankish Kingdoms?

He defended Christendom and transformed the Frankish Kingdom.

What threat did the Muslims pose to Western Europe and Constantinople?

They presented military threats during the 7th to 10th centuries.

What threat did the Vikings pose to Christians in Britain?

They conducted raids and invasions, threatening Christian communities.

What were the reasons for the Great Schism between the Roman and Constantinople churches?

Disputes over authority and theological differences.

What were the 'Peace of God' and 'Truce of God'?

These were measures by the Catholic Church to control violent knights in Western Europe.

How did the Black Death affect the Roman Empire?

It led to significant population loss and weakened the Empire's structure.