This is a time period that is marked by the fall of the Roman empire, the systematic invasion of Gothic tribes (i.e. Vikings, Magyars, Visigoths, Vandals, etc.), the rise of feudalism and manorialism, and a distinct increase in the Church's secular and spiritual authority over European society.
PowerPoint: Be sure to take notes from the presentation. You may want to consider reading the assigned textbook pages (part C) along with the lecture for maximum understanding.
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B. Video Clip:
The Dark Ages (The History Channel): Europe was once an extremely prosperous geographical region, thanks to the power afforded within the Roman Empire. Recall the hugely successful reach of the Roman Empire we discussed in the last module; so how did this colossal empire "fall" in the 400s AD? Who was responsible for the sacking of Rome? And how did this impact the people of Europe? Watch the following video clip and take a few notes with those questions as your guide.
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C. Readings:
1. "World History" Textbook: Chapter 7, Section 1 (pgs. 214-218). 2. "The Devastation of the Goths": This is an excerpt from a primary document, extracted by William Stearns Davis and archived within Fordham University's Medieval Sourcebook.