1. Do Now:
• Get a lined sheet of paper and write down
the following questions:
– Describe the “Dark Ages
– Why do historians call it the “Dark Ages”?
– What is the geographical difference between
Northern Europe and Southern Europe?
– How has the climate and geography influenced
Medieval society in Europe?
3. What are the “Dark
Ages”?
476 C.E. – 1000 ish C.E.
Europe: France (Gaul), Italy, Spain, EnglandEurope: France (Gaul), Italy, Spain, England
Portugal, etc.Portugal, etc.
Rome Fell – Left EuropeRome Fell – Left Europe
without leadershipwithout leadership
A Period of FaithA period of struggle
4. Why do historians call it the “Dark Ages”?
1 – Called the “Dark Ages” for
two reasons:
a.Lack of information about the
period
b.Little cultural advancements
made
2 – No longer called the “Dark
Ages” – now known as “Early
Middle Ages”
“The Dark Ages” – 9 min
9. Northern Europe
• Much of northern
and western is
grassland and
farmland
• Cold winters
• Plenty of rainfall
• Forest and
farmland
• Crops- Grains
10. What role did geography play in shaping
Medieval society in Europe?
Abundant forestsGood climate for farming
-Abundant rainfall
-- Great crop land
Home to many self sufficient
small kingdoms and
Estates – People could produce
What they needed
Rivers
11. Review
• Why do historians call the period
between 476 -1000 C.E. Called the
“Dark Ages”?
• What role did geography play in
shaping Medieval society in Europe?
