INTRODUCTION:There were two important events that led to the development of Medieval Europe. One was the Christianization of the Germanic tribes and the second was the unification of Western Europe by Charlemagne.
Introduction-The original settlers of the region, the Celts found themselves being ruled by the Romans from c55 BC until the region was finally abandoned by Rome in 406 AD. Subsequently, the area was taken over by the Jutes, Angles, and the Saxons. The resulting Anglo-Saxon was primarily pagan, but gradually the people were Christianized, especially in Ireland.
Introduction-Charlemagne devoted his energies to conquest. Through his efforts much of western Europe was united under the Christian religion. Charlemagne's reign is often referred to as the Carolingian Renaissance.
Architecture-Charlemagne encouraged the revival of classical forms in many of the building projects that he sponsored.
Manuscript Illumination-Charlemagne believed that education was vital to the success of his empire. He continually promoted learning especially among the clergy. During his reign, Charlemagne brought many Early Christian manuscripts from Rome to be copied by the monks at the Abbey Church of Saint Riquier.
Introduction-Charlemagne's empire only survived for thirty years after his death. After the empire;s collapse, a series of invasion further weakened the continent. Finally in the mid-10th century, a new line of saxon kings gained control of the eastern portion of the old empire. The time period is historically referred to as the Ottonian Period, after three of the most important rulers. Otto I, Otto II and Otto III.
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