The Medieval Europe: The period from 600 AD
on wards till 1500 AD is known as the Medieval age, in European history. It did
not begin exactly at the same time in all the countries of Europe. Historians
divided the medieval period into two parts. From the beginning of the fall of
Roman empire till 1000 AD is called the Early Medieval Age and from 1000 AD to
1500 AD the Later Medieval Age. The beginning of the medieval age is marked by
the fall of the Roman empire. The early medieval period has been termed as the
“Dark Age”, because chaos and degeneration became prevalent everywhere. The
central authority of the government became weaker and exploitation of the
common people increased. The medieval age saw the emergence of a new religion
Islam, which became internationally important.
On the political front, Medieval Europe saw the rise
of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire with its capital at
Constantinople. This empire held sway over whole of East Europe till about
1400AD. The Romans proved to be great warriors and conquerors. It was because
of their ability and wisdom that strong rulers evinced. After the fall of the
Roman Empire in about 800A.D, Emperor Charlemagne established his power over a
vast area-comprising modern France, Germany and a part of Italy. This empire
lasted till his death and by about 1000 A.D another empire called the Holy
Roman Empire was established. Thus towards the end of 14th century,
Europe's political map had undergone many changes with many rulers holding
power in different parts of Europe at different times.
Rome was not built in a day. Similarly the decline of
the Roman empire was not the work of a sudden or abrupt event but a
long-drawn-out process spreading over nearly three centuries. The death of
Marcus Aurelius in AD 180 was a turning point in the history of the Roman
Empire. The safety, security and integrity of the empire was threatened from
within and without. In fact the steady decline of the empire started from the
latter half of the second century. Before their final decline in A.D.476 there
were many successful emperors like Diocletian (A. D . 2 84-3 0 5) Constantine I
the Great (A.D. 306-337) and Theodosius I the Great (A.D.378-395).
Causes for the down fall of the Roman Empire
The decline of the mighty Roman empire of the Caesars
was wrought by time and nature, Hurricanes and earthquakes. Fires and
inundations reduced the works of ages into dust.
The influx of wealth into the country brought in its
wake moral degradation. The Romans lost all their old virtues of discipline and
duty to the state.
The growth of the Christian church formed “a state
within a state”. In policy and action, the church stood against the empire.
The political mechanism of Rome with her constitution
was quite unsuitable to an empire. A corrupt and expensive bureaucracy further
worsened the situation. Rome became a big empire and territorially it became
vast and impossible to control it. The Romans did not treat their colonial
people well. The administration was weak and relaxed. Frequent wars also
contributed to her decline.
Decline of the Roman Empire
As Roman Empire expanded trade, industry too
increased. Colonial people were exploited and their wealth flowed into the
capital. Romans gave up hard work and wanted their slaves to work and fight.
The empire was a Republic in theory but in practice Rome began to be governed
by emperors. The people lost their freedom of speech which was so valuable.
Senate and general assembly included wise people. When dictators came to power
senate became subservient to them. In society, atmosphere became tense and
suffocating. The indifferent attitude of masses towards their rulers became a
cause for the downfall.
There was no regular law of succession under the Roman
legal system. The internal disputes, action of a Alison and groupism weakened
the empire. Thus vastness of Empire, frequent civil wars, luxurious life of
Romans, despotism of Roman emperors, confused social atmosphere, high taxes and
invasion of barbaric tribes led to the downfall of Roman Empire.
Barbarian Invasions:
When the star of the empire was falling into evil
days, the stunning blow to the tottering empire was given by the barbarian
invasions. These invasions shook up the Roman solidarity. Barbarians like the
Goths, Huns and Vandals poured into the country in large numbers and waited for
the most opportune moment to strike at the trunk of the withering empire. Their
aim was to loot the people of the conquered territories. The soldiers of the
barbarian tribes had no love for the country but often revolted against weak
rulers. Thus the barbarian invasions disturbed the internal peace. Under this
condition the kings failed to realize taxes from the people. They felt unsafe and
insecure. In this way the circumstances bound the kings, Lords and the common
people to accept the new system of feudalism.
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