Unit I: Europe in the Middle Ages Notes The Fall of the (Western) Roman Empire (c. 476 CE) 476 CE = end of Western Roman Empire Eastern half remained intact: the Byzantine Empire Competing Churches Exodus from cities: sacked by invaders Spread of Catholic Church Decentralized States Economic and Political power lies with local lords Roman Catholic Eastern Orthodox Western Europe Latin language Leader of church is Bishop of Rome (Pope) Eastern Europe Greek language Leader of church is Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul) European Feudalism and Ulrich von Lichtenstein Knight's greatest ambition was to serve a lady steadfastly and well, in hope to be rewarded for their service, preferably becoming the lady’s lover. Knights saw their lady as a trophy to be earned The Power of the Catholic Church Catholic Church was the only unify entity in Western European institution (“Christendom”) Power struggles between the church and the state Church controlled large tracts of land, received tithes (10% annual tax) Widespread mission work in Europe during early Middle Ages to convert the pagans Some syncretism (blending) - Halloween & Christmas The Crusades (1000 - 1300) Byzantines asked Western Europe for help against expanding Muslim armies Series of “holy wars” led by European Catholics to recapture the holy land and spread Christianity