If the Roman Empire had remained in control, how would Europe have been different?

(This post relates only for 7th period World History)

Medieval Europe Webquest

After Rome fell to barbarians in the 5th century, most of the barbarians destroyed much of the Roman culture. The cities through out the empire were being constantly sacked and their culture was buried with them. Europe fell into a period known as the dark ages.

Because there is no central power, people do not have any loyalty to central governments and therefore their loyalties and allegiances switch to local leaders. Europe becomes very fragmented! A new system of government, known as feudalism, develops.

In 500 AD, western civilization began to emerge from the period known as “The Dark Ages,” a time in which many invading forces ruled Europe and brought an end to the Roman Empire.

Medieval Europe was a dark, fascinating and dangerous place. There were many roadblocks to living a long happy life. The people were subject to harsh rulers, nasty diseases, poor health, long days, bad food, and other sources of life long misery.

For the next hundred years, the newly emerging Christian Church would soon govern Europe, administering justice, initiating the Crusades against the East, creating Universities, and for the most part dictating the destiny of music, art and literature

This webquest will give you a look into some of the major events and people of Medieval Europe.

RESOURCES

These resources will help you in your quest. Remember that not every source on the internet is reliable, or relevant to what you are studying today. Stay focused in your research!

• http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/worldhistory/gwh2003/tx/content.php4/737/1
• http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/feudal.html
• http://www.allabouthistory.org/the-dark-ages.htm
• http://www.britannia.com/history/magna2.html
• http://www.darkagessociety.co.uk/home.html
• http://www.benturner.com/robinhood/
• http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/W/worstjobs/medieval.html
• http://www.archaeolink.com/medieval_civilization_general_re.htm
• http://www.mapsofwar.com/ind/history-of-religion.html
• http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/feudalism.htm
• http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
• http://www.castles-of-britain.com/index.htm
• http://www.constitution.org/eng/magnacar.htm
• http://www.medievalcrusades.com
• http://www.chronique.com/Library/MedHistory/charlemagne.htm
• http://www.wideopendoors.net/middleages_original/LifeTimes/Plague.html
• http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/manorialism.htm
• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_law_and_order.htm

PROCESS

In order to successfully complete this assignment, you must answer the following questions. The final product must be typed, in a font no larger than font size 12. Please print a hard-copy of the document when completed and turn it into the box. If you choose, you may create a multimedia presentation rather than a written document. The multimedia document should be e-mailed to me.

Do NOT Copy and Paste!

1. What happened to Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire?
2. Why can historians call this period in history the “dark ages”?
3. Who was Charlemagne? Why is he significant?
4. What is feudalism? Create an image depicting the hierarchical nature of feudalism.
5. How did bubonic plague spread from city to city? How many people died from Black Death in Europe from 1347 to 1352?
6. Where and when was the Magna Carta signed? Who signed it?
7. Name three popes who ruled from 500CE through 1300CE. Include their real names, their dates of birth and death, and the years they served as pope.
8. Medieval law was very harsh. Give some examples of the punishment criminals could expect for their crimes. Why was jail usually not an option?
9. What is manorialism? How is it different than feudalism?
10. How did Europe change after the fall of the Roman Empire?

EVALUATION

The assignment will be graded as follows:

1. Accuracy
   • Each question will be worth 5 possible points for accuracy. If there are multiple questions within a question, accuracy will be split equally among all sub-questions.
2. Citing of sources
   • Each question will be worth up to 3 points for correct referencing of information. Each question will be answered by referencing the work of some one other than you. All questions must show the source of your answer.
3. Original summarizing
   • Do not copy and paste! Summarize in your own words! Each question will be worth up to 3 points for original writing.

TEKS

History. The student understands how, as a result of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, new political, economic, and social systems evolved, creating a new civilization in Western Europe.

(A) compare medieval Europe with previous civilizations;

(B) describe the major characteristics of the political system of feudalism, the economic system of manorialism, and the authority exerted by the Roman Catholic Church

CREDITS

This webquest was adopted from Morris Knolls High School: http://www.mhrd.k12.nj.us/mk/library/webquests.htm#kane