Fall of Rome and start of Middle Ages

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Monks were spiritual leaders (obviously)

They lived in monasteries that acted like trade schools and YMCAs

Slide 40

Role of Church

They spent years transcribing the Bible since the printing press wasn’t used in Europe yet.

Slide 41

Churches and Cathedrals during the Middle Ages

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Role of Church

Since there were no strong empires or kingdoms the Church was one organization that had respect and power.

Popes were more powerful than kings!

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Important Middle Ages Technologies

Water Wheel

Eyeglasses

Mechanical Clock

Printing

Gunpowder

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Eyeglasses

Invented in Pisa 13th century

By 15th century Italy making thousands spectacles

Eyeglasses encouraged invention of fine instruments

Gauges

Micrometers

Fine wheel cutters

Precision tools

Slide 45

Mechanical Clock

Undermined Church authority

equal hours for day and night a new concept

Resisted by the church for a century

Every town wanted one

Public clocks installed in towers

Conquerors seized as spoils of war

Allowed individual autonomy

Work now measured by time

increased productivity

Bern, Switzerland

Slide 46

Gunpowder

Europeans improved gunpowder to siege castles

Europeans focused on range and weight of projectiles: siege warfare

With improved metal casting, made world’s best cannon

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Summary

The Roman Empire fell due to outside attacks and disease (brought on by trade)

The Middle Ages began as the Church replaced governments as the central authority.

Slide 48

Feudalism/ Manoralism came from people’s need for protection. Each member had rights and responsibilities.

Cultures interact through wars, such as the Crusades, and trade ideas such as democratic ideas or religious ideas

Slide 49

Any questions before the quiz?

Slide 50

1. What 2 reasons did the Roman empire cease to be a powerful empire?