Traditions & Encounters
Chapter 17 & 20
Ch. 17 & 20 Review Questions
Chapter 17 – The Foundations of Christian Society in Western Europe
1. List the different Germanic kingdoms that took over Europe in the 400-500s and explain their importance.
The different Germanic kingdoms were Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Byzantine empire, Franks, Lombrads, Angles, and Saxons. These Germanic kingdoms were the successor states of the Roman empire.
2. Which region did the Franks conquer and explain how they became powerful?
The regions that the Franks conquered were southern and eastern regions. They became powerful because the constructed a society that drew on the agricultural resources of continental Europe. As a result the center of gravity in Western Europe shifted from Italy to the northern lands of France, Germany, and the Low Countries.
3. Describe Charlemagne, and the reasons for his greatness.
Charlemagne also known as Charles the Great was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of Italy from 774 and the first Roman Emperor in Western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier. Charlemagne's empire united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire. His rule spurred the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the medium of the Catholic Church. Through his foreign conquests and internal reforms, Charlemagne encouraged the formation of a common European identity. Both the French and German monarchies considered their kingdoms to be descendants of Charlemagne's empire.
4. Describe the Carolingian Empire and the influence of the Norse Peoples.
The Carolingian Empire takes its name from its founder, known as Charles, known as Charles Martel because of its military power. The Norse people developed a remarkable set of shipbuilding techniques and seafaring skills.
5. How did England become a regional authority?
England became a regional authority