Early Medieval Characteristics
Western Europe
- Threat of Barbarian Invasions
- Decentralized feudal System
- Religious unity through Christianity & power of the church
- Decline in commerce, manufacturing, and trade
- Decline of cities
- Stagnation of art, architecture, and education
Byzantines (Eastern Mediterranean)
- Power and unity through Christianity
- Orthodox beliefs, but had not split with catholic Church (1054)
- Significant Military, Economic, and Cultural Power (Golden Age)
- Centralized Government Structure
Late Medieval Characteristics
Western Europe
- Increase in commerce and growth of cities
- Increase in population due to technological advancements
- Rise of Universities - increase in education
- Decline of Feudalism - Some centralization of monarchies
- Beginning of decline of church political power/influence
- Increase in cultural exchanges
- Advancements in art & architecture (still mostly religious)
Byzantines (Eastern Mediterranean)
- External threats leading to war, violence and decline - loss of territories
- Internal political and religious strife
- Orthodox break with the Catholic world
The crusats??