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The Fall of the Roman Empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire. & the Dawn of the Dark Ages (Middle Ages). An Empire Divided. Between 400 and 500 A.D. the Roman Empire Collapsed The empire was divided in two the Western Empire (Capital - Rome)

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The Fall of the Roman Empire

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  1. The Fall of the Roman Empire & the Dawn of the Dark Ages (Middle Ages)

  2. An Empire Divided • Between 400 and 500 A.D. the Roman Empire Collapsed • The empire was divided in two • the Western Empire (Capital - Rome) • the Eastern Empire (Capital – Constantinople) Also known as the Byzantine Empire

  3. An Empire Divided

  4. Rise of the “Dark Ages” • Why is this part of the Middle Ages called the Dark Ages? • Roman civilization was lost and all the benefits thereof. • All government administration • Roads • Postal system • Sea transportation • Safe Trade Routes • Coinage • Rule of law • Artistic skill • Science & Scholarship and much more. • Europe regresses into an age of barbarianism – lack of unification.

  5. Rise of the “Dark Ages” • The Military system of the Roman Empire had been in decline due to : • Western Roman armies consisting of barbarian war bands serving under barbarian leaders. • The Eastern Empire relying heavily on mercenaries • One unifying force was the Catholic Church established by Constantine. • This was later divided into Roman Catholicism in the west and the Eastern Orthodox church in the east.

  6. Barbarian Military Organization • The War Bands or Retinues ( a group of attendants) of kings, Princes and aristocrats, (adolescents and young men of noble birth) • Retinues lived in permanent attendance upon their lords • In return Retinues received sustenance, gifts and possibly land

  7. Mobility & Raiding • Raiding parties created local Lords/Strongmen • Most of these raiders are highly mobile • Arab/Muslims Armies – cavalry • Vikings – ships/ Longboats • Mongols – horse archers

  8. Mobility & Raiding • Keys to Raiding Successes • Mobility • Surprise • Choice of Time and Place • Little opposition • No standing state armies to protect the populace. • Local solutions to the problem of raids are fortifications and local strongmen. • This leads the rise and success of the feudal system, Castles and Knights in Western Europe

  9. Warfare for Profit • Focus of War changes in the Middle Ages • Focuses mainly on plunder, raids for bounty, and quick wealth. • Focus no longer on long term exploitation or building strong empires • Conquest based on profit does not create strong Empires or states (nations). • Once the plunder is gone there is nothing to keep the government together. • Loyalty to the king or lord is based on land grants

  10. Norse or Viking • Viking is a borrowed word from the native Scandinavian term for the Norsewarriors. • More properly referred to as Norse.

  11. Norse Raiders 8th – 11th century • Raided the coasts of Scandinavia, the British Isles, and other parts of Europe. • Goal is loot. • No organized military force to stop these raids. • Speed and surprise advantage in raiding. • Video ->>>>

  12. Create armed camps for future raids. • These camps later blend with local populations. • Some see raids as migration. • Examples of settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (Canada). • Ireland and British Isles are main areas of settlement.

  13. Long ship • Shallow draft galley. • Prefect raiding vessel. • Enter rivers and easily beached. • No need for docks or harbors.

  14. Viking Raider • Warriros Viking - Terror 1/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 2/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 3/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 4/5 • Warriros Viking - Terror 5/5

  15. FEUDALISM FEUDALISM

  16. Feudal System • The Nucleus of a royal army was the king’s household • This was supplemented by nobles’ retinues • In some places in Europe another source of soldiers was levies from towns and cities • In theory, all free men, could be called into service • In reality only those who possessed sufficient property to equip themselves were subject to military service

  17. Weapons and Military Equipment • Iron weapons and body armor • very expensive – only the wealthy (Kings, lords and aristocrats) could afford. • Defensive Weapons • Helmet (conical with nose guards) • Shield – oblong of kite-shaped • Shirt/ coat of mail

  18. Weapons and Military Equipment • Offensive Weapons • Long Sword • Short Sword • Throwing Axe • Spears • Lance • The Viking Battle Axe • Bows and Arrows • Tactics for victory center around mass charge of heavy horse

  19. Weapons and Military Equipment • Mounted Troops • Different types of cavalry become main striking arm. • Carolingian Calvary – Armored Knights Conquest: Knights and Armor-part 1-3

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