Life After the Fall of Rome

[Pages:2]Life After the Fall of Rome

E. Q. How did the fall of the Roman Empire politically, economically, and culturally impact the people?

The collapse of Rome in the late fifth century ushered in a roughly 1,000-year period (500 C.E.?1450 C.E.) known as the Middle Ages. This time is also known as the medieval period, from the Latin words medium (middle) and aevum (age). The early part of the Middle Ages is often referred to as the Dark Ages.

During the Roman Empire, the Roman government united its many different conquered lands under one government. This government had a highly developed system of government and laws that were applied to all people in the Empire. The Roman government believed that the Empire was more important than individuals. Romans emphasized learning and scholarly works. Cities and towns developed into centers for learning and trade. The Empire also had a sophisticated network of roads which helped to spread the goods throughout its vast empire. To help make trade easier, Rome established a standardized currency throughout its empire.

After the fall of Rome, the political structure and culture changed greatly in Europe. The many different barbarian tribes established their own kingdoms throughout Europe. These groups tended to live in small communities that were independent from each other. They maintained order through traditions and unwritten laws. As a result, they did not develop large governments or trading systems. Most of these invading tribes did not focus on education. Therefore, most schools ceased to exist. Eventually few people could read or write.

During this time or disorder and chaos, many people left the cities and towns due to fear of warring kingdoms and thieving tribes. They sought protection from wealthy landowners. These landowners needed people to take care of their crops. So, protection was given in exchange for work. Few people left the large estates, or manors, of the landowners, so trading decreased. These manors were self-sufficient. This means that people found all that they needed on the estate. Millers ground wheat into flour, clergy held church services, craftsmen, bakers, tailors, and others all worked on the manor. Cities and towns became less important because they had fewer businesses, and money wasn't needed as much. People bartered, or traded one thing for another, in order to get needed goods and services. Because people did not trade or travel much, there was less cultural contact. They shared fewer ideas and learned less and less. Europeans actually forgot many of the Greek and Roman ideas.

Life After the Fall of Roman Empire

E.Q. How did the fall of the Roman Empire politically, economically, and culturally impact the people?

Names Given to this Period of History:

Middle Ages: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Medieval: ____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Dark Ages: ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Before the Fall 1. There was a highly developed system of government and laws.

2. A unified system of currency (coins) was used throughout the Empire.

3. Rome ruled using one strong central government.

4. Trade was encouraged. Goods and ideas spread throughout the Empire from other cultures and civilizations.

After the Fall

1. ____________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

2. ____________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

3.___________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

4. ____________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

5. The Empire valued education and learning.

6. Cities and towns developed and were important centers for trade and learning.

5.____________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

6. ____________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

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