The Early Middle Ages

Deterioration of Roman Empire

- Corruption, oppression, social chaos
- Move of capital from Rome to Byzantium (later known as Constantinople) about 324 A.D.
- Barter replaced money.
- Army became mercenary barbarians.
- Feudalism evolved for protection.
- Barbarian invasions from the East

Growth of Christianity

Western Europe became rural, feudal, violent, illiterate.

The Rise of Islam(Mohammed,570-632)

- Europe lost control of Mediterranean
- Supply of paper (papyrus) disappeared
- Arabic numbers fail to reach Europe

Norse Invasions from the North