The Birth of the Early Middle Ages

(Early Medieval Period)



What does loyalty mean to you? To whom do you owe loyalty?

Your family and friends? Your School? A religious group?



The citizens of ancient Rome were expected to be loyal to the emperor.

When the Roman Empire collapsed, however, new loyalties arose.



During this WebQuest, you will discover how different groups during the Middle Ages were bound together by different sets of loyalties. You will be asked to create maps and answer eight questions that demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of this era.



The Situation

During the Middle Ages (500-1500), the development of the feudal system of government resulted in war, famine, serfdom, and the strengthening role of the Papacy or Church in the lives of everyday citizens. Many were called upon to serve their local nobles, the Pope, or protect their community from attacks by marauding Vikings or hostile lords seeking to expand their kingdoms. Some of the most important people in this era were knights, farmers, priests, and traveling merchants.

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Your Quest

You will discover how and why the Early Middle Ages were such a pivotal era in man's history. Your task is to demonstrate your knowledge of this era by a series of tasks (written essays, maps, and oral presentations) that will show your knowledge of this era and its historical importance.

Your mission is to become a "Knowledge Knight" and successfully learn how changes during the Early Medieval Ages became the foundation for our concepts of democracy, capitalism, and individual rights.



Quest Number One

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Why did the fall of Rome create disorder in Europe?

Fall of Rome

Rome Falls Gradually

Leading to the Middle Ages


Quest Number Two

How did Frankish rulers such as Charlemagne gain control of Western Europe?

Charlemagne

King of the Franks


Quest Number Three

How did Charlemagne create an empire that blended several different traditions?

How did the Germanic traditions differ from the Roman traditions?

The Franks

History of the Franks

The Frankish Tribes

Germanic Traditions


Quest Number Four

Why was medieval life organized around feudalism and the manorial system?

What were the roles of different members of society such as; knights, vassals, lords, serfs, and merchants?

Feudal Life

Feudalism

The Feudal System

The Manorial System


Quest Number Five

Why was the Magna Carta a very significant document?

How did it advance individual liberties?

The Magna Carta

The Magna Carta Translated


Quest Number Six

What was the role of the Church and Papacy during the Early Middle Ages?

How has it changed over the years?

The Church during the Middle Ages

The Life of Monks

Quest Number Seven

Draw a map showing how Europe looked before Charlemagne, at the end of his reign, and at the time of William the Conqueror in 1066 AD.

Charlemagne's Europe

Maps of Europe

Barbarians on the Move

Quest Number Eight

What effect did the Viking raids have on Europe during the Middle Ages?

Viking Raids

Vikings in England