Section 1 Powerpoint notes

main idea:  many germanic kingdoms are reunited under Charlemagne empire
why it matters now: Charlemagne spread christian civilization throughout northern Europe which is where some of us came from
notes:

• middle ages: 476-1453
• midieval europe is not united at this point 
• has roots in:
• the classical heritage of Rome
• the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church
• customs of various germanic tribes
• germanic tribes caused:
• disruption of trade
• downfall of cities
• population shifts to rural areas 
• tribes had oral tradition, but couldn't read Greek or Latin
• languages evolve 
• few people were literate, only priests
• germanic warriors' loyalty is to the lord of the manor who provided them w/food, weapons, shelter