Change and Continuity in the Mediterranean Region Essay

Things that changed during this period were the influences of Christianity, social changes, the splitting of the Empire, and the Fall of Rome. Social changes within the empire became more and more apparent because the newly rich began challenging the aristocratic class. The poor class began to grow rapidly. The Roman Empire wasn’t accepting of Christianity, because of its refusal to worship any of their gods. Christianity began to spread through the Roman Empire, and Constantine created the Edict of Milan to accept Christianity within the Empire, because he converted to Christianity. Diocletian negotiated with Persia and was able to successfully divide the Roman Empire in two. Constantine ordered the construction of Constantinople. The fall of the Roman Empire was caused by several internal factors. The Barracks Emperors or the 26 claimants to the throne resulted in a power struggle. The diseases that were spreading over the Silk

Charlemagne or Charles the Great, (747-814) was one of the most significant people during the Middle Ages, playing a key role in defining the shape and character of Medieval Europe. Considered the ‘Father of Europe’, Charlemagne reigned as King of the Franks (768-814) and became the first Holy Roman Emperor (800-814). He created a great empire as he dramatically expanded the Frankish Kingdom in a series of conquests that united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire. He also introduced many governmental, cultural and economic reforms to further his great ‘Carolingian’ Empire. Additionally the Emperor fostered the Carolingian renaissance, a time of great cultural and intellectual revival and reinforced the Christian foothold on Europe.

Between 500 BCE and 500 CE, the Roman civilization experienced changes both politically and culturally. Firstly, Rome’s government transitioned from a Republic to an Empire. Later, that empire was split into two parts; east and west. In terms of changes in culture, it was impacted by the shift in religion, as the Romans shifted from polytheism to monotheism. Despite all the changes, Rome still remained culturally diverse.

#1 Charlemagne united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire

Charlemagne, the greatest king of the dark ages, shaped the standards of Europe and influenced the people for thousands of years, solidifying the idea that the dark ages weren’t so dark. After the death of his father, Frankish king Pippin III, in 768, the realm was divided into two sections. Charlemagne and his brother, Carloman, both received the sections, and a feud started almost immediately. When Carloman died in 771, Charlemagne took control of both sections in hopes of reuniting the Frankish realm. He was king of the Franks from 768-814, and he was also the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire from 800-814 (Frassetto). Because of his generosity, attractive personality, and need for knowledge, Charlemagne was a very respected leader. During his reign, he was able to conquer and gain control over almost all of the mainland of Europe. Though it took over 50 battles to do so, he was able to unite a large portion of

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the great was a ruler in times of turmoil in Europe during the middle ages. Charlemagne came from a powerful family tree which made a huge impact on why he rose to power. His family history and their backgrounds is what prepared him to take on the task of becoming King of the Frankish Empire and protecting it from intruders. Charlemagne accomplished much during his reign. He focused on bringing education back into medieval Europe but, also discovered a more efficient way to govern his people. His conquests against the adversaries of the Holy Roman Empire is what lead to his expansion and spreading his Empire across most of Europe which he eventually established the Carolingian Empire in the later years of his supremacy. This also led to strong relationships with the Catholic Church and the State. Charlemagne’s goal was to spread Christianity throughout all of Europe and was willing to fight for his religion. One group in particular he fought with the most was the Saxons who he nearly eliminated their whole population.

At around 395 C.E. it was very clear that there were two different Rome’s, this was largely due to there being multiple people trying to govern Rome. Rome was split into eastern and western Rome, after this division, western Rome started to experience many troubles. Between cultural decay, military struggles, and a poor economy, western Rome eventually fell apart, on the other hand, there are some that strongly believe that the decline of Rome was caused by the rise of Christianity, this claim lacks strong evidence to support it, making other explanation much more reasonable.

Einhard’s The Life of Charlemagne is one of several prominent texts from Mediaeval Europe. The main focus of the text is on the life of Charlemagne, the Frankish king from the Carolingian dynasty. Under his rule, the Frankish kingdom experiences an extensive period of prosperity and growth, especially in intellectually related areas since Charlemagne himself is a well-known patron of the arts (#). Hence, Charlemagne is the ruler often credited for the “Roman revival” across Mediaeval Europe. In order to ensure that Charlemagne’s glorious reign will leave its mark in history, all of Charlemagne’s works and accomplishments are accounted for Einhard’s book. As expressed in the preface of the book, Einhard’s intention is to document the life of the greatest king that is often overlooked in other texts (*). Four essential facts are noted in The Life of Charlemagne: 1) The prevalence of alliances & foreign relations 2) Cultural revolution through public works & endorsement of the arts 3) Promotion of the Christian faith 4) Public reforms throughout the state. The Frankish kingdom rises as the dominant post-Roman European entity through the political and economical stabilization of the state with the use of foreign alliances. Emperor Charlemagne is said to have close relations with Kings of Persia, Scotland, and Constantinople (*). Prosperity in the Frankish kingdom is due to the frequent correspondences that exist between these European states, further promoting the flow of

The Medieval Mind, is most focused on reviving the oft-scorned term "the Dark Ages." For a long time over the last several centuries, it was commonplace to see the time period that last roughly from 400 A.D. to 1400 A.D. as a culturally backward and impoverished period of time. The rough social image is one of a declining Western civilization after the barbaric destruction and decay of the Roman Empire. It would not be until the rise of a number of social movements, the rediscovery of antiquity and the creation of modern science. Then the Western World would emerge from the darkness and enter the light through social periods like the Renaissance and the

remained constant in social, while there were significant changes in social such as population, social classes based on race, and the need for

Europeans’ changing world-view had enormous impact following the Middle Ages. Evaluate cultural and intellectual changes and continuities in Europe during this period.

Charlemagne was able to unify the empire by making allies with Muslim rulers. Also, he made nobles to rule various areas. This in turn spread Christianity through Europe. After this ruler that came after home followed his lead in making their kingdoms stronger. His empire was divided into counties which was ruled by Counts. He then sent out royal agents to check on the Counts to make sure they were not abusing their power. He visited every county to settle disputes and reward

Between 200 CE and 1000 CE the Mediterranean region saw dramatic political transformations as the Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE with attacks from Germanic tribes while the Eastern Roman Empire preserved Roman culture and endured until 1453 CE, when it fell to the Ottoman Turks. In both the Western and eastern Empires, the introduction of Christianity was an initial change that became a continuity for the rest of the time period and position of women in society remained the same below men. However, while the Byzantine Empire saw a continuity of Roman culture through Roman law, learning, arts and entertainment, the Western Roman Empire saw a decline of learning, trade and Roman

Historical Argumentation Compare and contrast the decline and fall of empire in two of the following three regions: South Asia Mediterranean THESIS: During the fall and decline of South Asia and the Mediterranean, the Gupta and the Roman Empire were greatly affected by their different types of religion, social hierarchy, and political features, making the fall of these empires a distinct period in time. Different types of religion played a significant role in the decline of the empires within the South Asia and, mediterranean regions. Such as, Hinduism and buddhism Greek rationalism Spread of Christianity Different Cultures/Beliefs Therefore, the social hierarchy led to a huge fall that weakened the Empires and the people living in them.

The Middle Ages, often referred to as the Dark Ages, was regarded to be a time of despair, disease, and death. Just as the name the “Dark Ages” suggests, this period of European history seemed to be surrounded by darkness and hopelessness. Unfortunately, the majority of people only see this side of the Middle Ages when, in fact, the Middle Ages was a much more important era. Especially during the late Middle Ages, one can find a change in orthodox social structure, political instability mostly concerned with succession to the throne, and economic changes and how those changes went hand in hand with the change in society. After certain demographical changes and turning points such as the Hundred Years’ War, Europe began to transform