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?

The Dark AgesThe Dark Ages

What are the “Dark Ages”?

476 C.E. – 1000 ish C.E.

Europe: France (Gaul), Italy, Spain, EnglandEurope: France (Gaul), Italy, Spain, EnglandPortugal, etc.Portugal, etc.

Rome Fell – Left EuropeRome Fell – Left Europewithout leadershipwithout leadership

A Period of FaithA period of struggle

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

European Geography

Physical Features: Mountains, waterways, flatlands

Vegetation

Find the Landform!

Atlantic Ocean

English Channel

Pyrenees

Alps Apennines

EurasiaBlack Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Climate

Southern Europe

• Rugged landscape – the Alps and the Apennines

• Mild winters and hot, dry summers

• Crops – citrus, olives, etc.

Northern Europe

• Much of northern and western is grassland and farmland

• Cold winters• Plenty of rainfall• Forest and farmland• Crops- Grains

What role did geography play in shaping Medieval society in Europe?

Abundant forests Good climate for farming-Abundant rainfall-- Great crop land

Home to many self sufficientsmall kingdoms andEstates – People could produce What they needed

Rivers

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?