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NOT the Dark Ages The Middle Ages (300 – 1475) The Dark Ages (476 – 800) or, more generally, to the period between about 500 and 1000, which was marked by frequent warfare and a virtual disappearance of urban life. It is now rarely used by historians because of the value judgment it implies. Medieval Typically an adjective, can be a noun; of or relating to the Middle Ages : of or relating to the period of European history from about A.D. 500 to about 1500 medium aevum You can use this word instead of “The Middle Ages”. Edward Gibbon The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (18th Century – 1700’s) A gloomy story of degeneration and decay. Places a lot of blame on Christianity/Catholicism. Jacob Burckhardt The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (19th Century – 1800’s) The modern state only became possible when Renaissance men turned their backs on “faith, illusion, and childish pursuits” of the MA. Problems with these two views? WHEN WE ASSUME… MA was grossly inferior to ancient world or modern world Modern civilisation grew directly from Classical roots and that the MA was an aberration In the cool kid terms, they retconned history It’s not cool? 1. the act of departing from the right, normal, or usual course. 2. the act of deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type. 3. deviation from truth or moral rectitude. 4. mental irregularity or disorder, especially of a minor or temporary nature; lapse from a sound mental state. The Middle Ages arise as a synthesis of the Roman Empire, the Church, and the German barbarians. The MA impacts our culture today. Are you impacted by your parents? Were they impacted by your grandparents? Ecetera (and all the rest) When did the Roman Empire/Classical civilization end and the Middle Ages begin? When did the Western world begin its religious tradition? When did the West take the lead in technology? When and how did the Western world develop distinct “governments” separate from ancient world, Byzantium, and Islam? What pieces of the MA still exists in our world? Byzantium Constantinople Istanbul Politicians battling each other instead of paying attention to matters of state. First Triumvirate Julius Caesar, Pompey, Crassus Julius Caesar challenges the Senate crosses the Rubicon 47 BC virtual ruler, increased Senate to 900 44 BC assassinated, Second Triumvirate Octavius, Marc Antony, Lepidus Battle of Actium 31 BC End of an era Caesar Augustus- purpose “to restore the republic” 27 BC Augustus become “First Citizen” Princeps ended strife- beginning of Pax Romanae tried to impact life- morality, building sculpture- deified him, literature as well Consolidation- of power/ Senate limited SPQR Senatus Populusque Romanus- banner Ever expanding- see maps- spread Pax Romanae Politically - emperor/ dictatorship Extended Roman citizenship as they spread Golden Age- literature Horace, Virgil, Ovid and Livy Religion- state religion, Roman gods reflected Greek emperor became “divine” connection to gods tolerant of other religions Mithras, Persian god of light Gods for EVERYTHING People used the ‘’gods’’ to extract revenge. Curse tablets These texts were typically scratched on very thin sheets of lead in tiny letters, then often rolled, folded, or pierced with nails. These bound tablets were then usually placed beneath the ground: either buried in graves or tombs, thrown into wells or pools, sequestered in underground sanctuaries, or nailed to the walls of temples. Very superstitious. Important to building projects and way of life Conquests supplied slaves so came from all over Not related to ethnicity or skin color Greek slaves educated and highly prized Amazing accomplishments- Roads that still last Aqueducts- bringing water to every important city Temples for the gods- copied Greek style- massive Forum- public area of the city- center- oration etc. Theaters- for entertainment- drama Coliseums- more fun, fights, gladiators, animals Baths- public places- series of rooms dif temps Good- Marcus Aurelius-philosopher “citizen of the world” Calm and unified- Trajan, Hadrian, walls and rebels Bad- Caligula- named horse “consul”, Commodus, fought gladiators with blunted weapons, Nero, mass murder- including his mother, pregnant wife, brother, Christians Many later emperors were generals- most powerful could become emperor Helped Christianity spread- communication Appeal- unrest, questioning of polytheism explained spiritual aspects, Christ’s teachings emphasis of eternal life community exclusive (mystery religion) Persecution- under Nero, blamed for fire mostly tolerant, Christians refused to worship state Effect- spread slowly- letters formed NT officially tolerated 313 Edict of Milan Homer – Man had a soul and went to the Elysian Fields Plato – Life is indestructible Plutarch – immortality through Dionysian initiations And of course, all the many Roman gods: “For your cattle, for them to be healthy, make this sacrifice to Mars Silvanus… If you want, you make this vow each year” -Cato the Elder Late Roman Empire (LRE) – period of decline Trying hard to reinvigorate the pagan cults Mimicry of older texts; no new ideas Early Christianity – period of vitality To understand the religious life of the LRE, we have to appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus as a religious teacher and the ways in which Jesus’ teaching interacted with the pre-existing Hellenistic culture of the empire in the east. Rooted in Judaic teachings of one God (Yahweh or Jehovah; JEHOVA – ΙΕΗΩΟΥΑ Prophetic tradition of a coming Messiah to redeem Israel Not addressed to Jews alone: “make disciples of all nations.” First Apostles had to address communities of gentiles and Jews throught the Mediterranean who shared Greek as a common language The books of the New Testament were written in The books of the New Testament were written in koine Greek, or colloquial Greek, the everyday speech of the cities. ἡ κοινὴ διάλεκτος, "the common dialect" At first they seemed hostile to each other, “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” Intellectuals, well versed in Greek philosophy, came to realize the message of Jesus was compatible with the teachings of the greatest Greek philosophers. The religious culture of the LRE was shaped by this. I cannot stress this enough, it should be understood that there is a long history of "Hellenism" (Greek culture/influence) among the Jewish people, both in ancient Alexandria as well as in the Promised Land itself. Ossuaries dating from the Second Temple period indicate Greek artwork and Greek versions of Hebrew names. In Biblical Archaeological Review, Pieter W. Van Der Horst writes, "One of the most surprising facts about funerary inscriptions [extant from ancient Palestine dating from 300 B.C. to 500 A.D] is that most of them are in Greek - approximately 70 percent; about 12 percent are in Latin; and only 18 percent are in Hebrew or Aramaic." Furthermore, since the time of Alexander the Great (c. 330 B.C), many of the Jewish High Priests had become "Hellenists" which led to the rejection of the Temple by the Essene Community and eventually to the later Maccabean revolts. Even the Dead Sea Scrolls include Greek texts among the Hebrew and Aramaic. So it's clear that Hellenistic culture and Greek language were pervasive influences in Israel both before, during, and after the time when Jesus lived in ancient Israel. SO WHEN I SAY THAT GREEK IS AN IMPORTANT LANGUAGE NECESSARY TO HAVING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF CHRISTIANAITY AND THE MIDDLE AGES I MEAN IT. That is not to discredit Latin. The MA are meaningless without it, but the Greek gives a deeper and fuller understanding of the philosophical and cultural foundations for what will become Christianity, the Church, and therefore the Middle Ages. The ancient religion of Rome Little emotional content Services performed for gods so they would show favor Business bargain/contract quid quo pro – this for that Many gods were borrowed: Greek Egyptian Middle-East/”Orient” oriens – east in Latin Originally, the term referred to Egypt, the Levant, and adjoining areas. Greek Iupiter (Optimus Maximus) – Mars – Venus – ecetera – Latin for “and all the rest” Egyptian Isis married her brother, Horus, and helped raise her son, Osiris, back from the dead when he was killed by his brother, Set. Middle-East/”Orient” Cybele was known as Magna Mater ("Great Mother"). Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the official sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. Roman religion was NOT exclusive. The gods of Gauls & Brits were added and mixed with an existing god, or given their own place if new. always a problem with the Jews and their Yahweh They did not, nor intended to, inspire people to a high moral standard or teach them purpose. Remember, this was a business deal. Many people felt a yearning for truth and goodness This is based on the widespread appeal of alternative philosophies and religions Beginning at around 301 BC, Zeno taught philosophy at the Stoa Poikile (i.e., "the painted porch") ἡ ποικίλη στοά Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos). λόγος, the word; from λέγω lego "I say" A primary aspect of Stoicism involves improving the individual's ethical and moral well-being: "Virtue consists in a will that is in agreement with Nature.“ This principle also applies to the realm of interpersonal relationships; "to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy," and to accept even slaves as "equals of other men, because all men alike are products of nature." Stoa of Attalos in Athens Began with the philosopher Plotinus in the 3rd century AD and continued with his critics and commentators until the 529 AD closing of the Platonic Academy in Athens. By this time there was a shift in Roman culture against Hellenic pagan philosophy to Christian dogma. Everything had to start somewhere: the doctrine of "the One" beyond being. Plato says that the Good is beyond being (ἐπέκεινα τῆς οὐσίας) in power and dignity. The original Being initially emanates, or throws out, the nous, which is a perfect image of the One and the archetype (model/example) of all existing things. Along the same road by which it descended, the soul must retrace its steps back to the supreme Good. It must, first of all, return to itself. This is accomplished by the practice of virtue, which aims at likeness to God, and leads up to God. The appeal of Stoicism? The appeal of Neoplatonism? The appeal of Stoicism? A natural law common to all people was attractive to the rulers of a “universal” empire. Emperor Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher. See a trace of this in St. Paul (Romans 2:14): “Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires…” The appeal of Neoplatonism? A single eternal being known as “the One” or “the Good” Promotion of virtue Similarities of Stoicism, Neoplatonism, & Christianity? Similarities of Stoicism, Neoplatonism, & Christianity? All are concerned with the promotion of virtue and leading a “good life”. In the beginning was the Word (λόγος) and the Word (λόγος) was with God and the Word (λόγος) was God … and the Word (λόγος) became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1: 1, 14) Greek ἰχθύς - "fish“ Ίησοῦς Jesus Χριστός – Christ (Annointed One/the annointed) Θεοῦ - God’s (of God – genetive/possessive case) Υἱός son, Σωτήρ - savior An early circular ichthys symbol from Ephesus. One of the earliest Christian inscriptions (3rd century), this funerary stele preserves the traditional abbreviation D. M., Dis Manibus, "for the Manes gods", with the Christian motto in Greek Ichthys zōntōn ("fish of the living") and the identity of the deceased in Latin. Dis Manibus - deities sometimes thought to represent souls of deceased loved ones. Marriage between a Christian and pagan is forbidden. Although some argue that such marriages are indirectly supported the Pauline privilege in 1 Corinthians 7:12–14: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his (believing) wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband." I would argue that St. Paul said this to couples that were already married. Imagine the situation, married couple, one converts, do they now divorce their spouse if they refuse to convert? For some Pagans, they were okay with Christianity. Similarities to mystery religions? Death and rebirth Cybylene - Syria Mythra – Persia Osiris – Egypt Cleansing one from sin and leading a virtuous life. Some type of everlasting life promise. Some Romans entered almost ALL of the cults. They were like Pokemon! Differences? Differences? Jewish tradition of Monotheism Mono= 1 in Greek, Theo= God in Greek Immediate and concrete origin Jesus was a real person who lived fairly recently. Simple Love God. Love your neighbor. Complex God is love. The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. One Single God: Three Personae Three roles: Father, Son, & Holy Ghost NOT TRYING TO CONVERT ANYONE! One single God. Human nature flawed and corrupt with the first sin of disobediance. God promised a Messiah. The Redeemer appeared during the reign of Augustus Caesar. God the Son became incarnate in the man, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus proves his divinity through miracles. Compare and contrast with the standard Roman prayer: To the gods above and the gods below, and all the ones I do not know, whether you be god or goddess, in return for my sacrifice grant me… Remember! Roman pagan prayers were phrased like legal documents that could obligate gods for particular action and protection. Public religious ritual had to be enacted by specialists and professionals faultlessly; a mistake might require that the action, or even the entire festival, be repeated from the start. NOT TRYING TO CONVERT ANYONE! Eventually the Medieval Church (Catholic) will build a whole structure of sacramental theology on the basis of these scriptures, specifically: Matt. 16:18 & 18:18 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 18 Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven. NOT TRYING TO CONVERT ANYONE! Eventually the Medieval Church (Catholic) will build a whole structure of sacramental theology on the basis of these scriptures, specifically: Matt. 26:26-28 26 And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. 27 And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission (forgiveness) of sins. NOT TRYING TO CONVERT ANYONE! Final Commandment Matt. 28: 19-20 19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. The Church spreads quickly among the Greek speaking communities; from Rome to Asia Minor. It slowly spreads through the Latinized, western Empire. By the third century (200’s AD) there are enough Christians that they become politically important. When disputes arise they are settled by local councils of bishops. Given what we’ve covered on philosophy, pagan Roman religions & traditions, and early Christianity… … WHICH IS A LOT! …It’s obvious there would be no problems. <sarc/> As Christianity spreads, it encounters scornful hostility from pagan intellectuals. WATCH THE VIDEO(S) ON THE WEBSITE!!! Calligula (37-41 AD) In his defense, he was crazy. He kills some, not as much as.. Nero (54-68 AD) Fire in Rome? Umm, it was the Christians! Marcu Aurelius (121-180 AD) Yes, even the last of the “good Emperors”! Persecutions increase under him. Diocletian Great Persecution – Do you think it was bad? Ordered that the deacon Romanus of Caesarea have his tongue removed for defying the order of the courts Difficulties for Educated Pagans Miracles? That’s okay. Resurrection? No problem. Difficulties for Educated Pagans Miracles? That’s okay. Resurrection? No problem. Difficulties for Educated Pagans Miracles? That’s okay. Resurrection? No problem. Executed as a criminal, displacing all other gods, having simple teachings instead of using elegant myths or nuanced arguments. Difficulties for Educated Pagans Miracles? That’s okay. Resurrection? No problem. Executed as a criminal, displacing all other gods, having simple teachings instead of using elegant myths or nuanced arguments. To many pagan intellectuals it was a perverse and irrational cult. Celebration of the Eucharist? Cannablism. Christian love? Unrestrained licentiousness. In the words of one critic: They know one another by secret marks and signs and they love one another almost before they know one another… there is a religion of lust among them… their vain and sensless superstition glories in crime. The real problem with Christianity lies in the reality that pagans found it could not be assimilated the way other religions had been; thus it was a danger to the state – in their eyes. Under Diocletian, the political division of the Roman Empire began. In 285, he promoted Maximian to the rank of Augustus (Emperor) and gave him control of the Western regions of the Empire. In 293, Galerius and Constantius Chlorus were appointed as their subordinates (Caesars), creating the First Tetrarchy. This system effectively divided the Empire into four major regions and created separate capitals besides Rome as a way to avoid the civil unrest that had marked the 3rd century. The system of the Tetrarchy quickly ran aground when the Western Roman Empire's Constantius died unexpectedly in 306, and his son Constantine the Great was proclaimed Augustus of the West by the legions in Britain. A crisis followed as several claimants attempted to rule the Western half. In 308, the Augustus of the East, Galerius, arranged a conference at Carnuntum which revived the Tetrarchy by dividing the West between Constantine and a newcomer named Licinius. So what changes? Constantine – watch the video Battle of the Milvian Bridge Attacking Maxentius in Rome. Maximin is in the east. Constantine & Licinius will kick his butt later. 312 AD"(ἐν) τούτῳ νίκα“ (In hoc signo vinces) In this sign, conquer. 313 AD Edict of Milan issued by Emperors Constantine the Great and Licinius; Christianity was legalized. Greek letters: X (chi) P (rho) first two letters of Χριστός – Christ Constantine was far more interested in conquering the whole empire. Through a series of battles in the East and the West, Licinius and Constantine stabilized their respective parts of the Roman Empire by 314, and began to compete for sole control of a reunified state. Constantine emerged victorious in 324 after the surrender and murder of Licinius following the Battle of Chrysopolis. The Tetrarchy ended, but the idea of dividing the Roman Empire between two emperors had been validated. Very strong emperors would reunite it under their single rule, but with their death the Roman Empire would be divided again and again between the East and the West. Theodosius I was the last Emperor to rule both parts of the Roman Empire. Theodosius I was the last Emperor to rule both parts of the Roman Empire. By convention, the Western Roman Empire is deemed to have ended on September 4th, 476, when Odoacer, an east Germanic barbarian, deposed Romulus Augustulus. The end of the Roman empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, with its capital in Constantinople, continues for another 1000 years. Byzantine to us ‘’Rums’’ to the exapnding Arab/Muslim empires Constantine: Christianity transformed from a persecuted sect to the favored religion of the Empire. Modern historians are skeptical and look for reasons. But there is no good reason for him to convert. Christians not popular Not represented in the army Safe to say Constantine believed in the Christian God [I was] “brought to the faith by God to be the means of the faith’s triumph.” Rights under Constantine: Receive legacies (endowments/inheritance) Freedom from taxes Legal jurisdiction (cannon law) Sanctuary All of Constantine’s successors, save one – Julian (361- 363 AD) were Christian. Constantine becomes the sole Emperor in 324AD. In the east, a religious controversy has started. Arianism – Arius a priest in Alexandria The Son, the logos, had not existed from all eternity but was created by the one God who alone was eternal. Constantine decides to settle it once and for all by calling all the bishops together to discuss it. Previously, local groups of bishops would settle disputes. He makes all the traveling facilities of the imperial postal service at their service. Constantine creates a new institution of Church government, the general council. Produces a definition of doctrine and condemns Arianism. The Son is of “one substance with the Father”. Later becomes the Nicene Creed. This argument will continue on in the churches in the east for several decades. It is not finally settled until Theodosius I (379-95 AD). Theodosius I supports the Nicene Creed. He called for another council. The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) Reaffirms the doctrine of Nicea. It is important to know: This debate has bishops eventually arguing with the Emperor over interference in Church matters 2. This matter is not settled in the east until the Emperor steps in. 1. This will have lasting ramifications. Instability caused by no real plan of succession Trouble on the borders (barbarians) Morally bankrupt? Division of Empire: Diocletian Later Constantine: new capital, Constantinople Splits focus, and money, of the empire Pressure from Germanic tribes looking for safety Huns pressured the Visogoths-410- ran into the empire Vandals- 455- sacked Rome Series of invasions- physical damage, but also intellectual established German kingdoms in West- illiterate The East survives- becomes Byzantium- keeps the learning from the ancient world Were they “Barbarians”? Were they “Barbarians”? Of course they were! Barbarian in Greek = βάρβαρος Definition:“foreign, strange” onomatopoeic (mimicking foreign languages, 'blah blah') Barbarian in Latin = barbarus The borders of the Roman Empire did not keep foreigners out very well. FOURTH CENTURY (300-399 A.D.) And we should all know A.D. stands for: And it means: Were they “Barbarians”? Of course they were! Barbarian in Greek = βάρβαρος Definition:“foreign, strange” onomatopoeic (mimicking foreign languages, 'blah blah') Barbarian in Latin = barbarus The borders of the Roman Empire did not keep foreigners out very well. FOURTH CENTURY (300-399 A.D.) And we should all know A.D. stands for: Anno Domini And it means: In the year of our Lord. We do not really have a “pure Roman” world and a “pure Barbarian” world. Teuton/Teutonic: A tribe known in Latin as the Teutones. The term "Teutons" also may refer to the Germanic peoples collectively or the Germans in particular. ~500 B.C. Germanic people begin to migrate from their northern homelands. By ~100 B.C. they begin to occupy “Germany” Formerly the land of the … ANYONE CARE TO GUESS? Teuton/Teutonic: A tribe known in Latin as the Teutones. The term "Teutons" also may refer to the Germanic peoples collectively or the Germans in particular. ~500 B.C. Germanic people begin to migrate from their northern homelands. By ~100 B.C. they begin to occupy “Germany” Formerly the land of the Celts. Julius Caesar writes about them in 50 B.C. Other German peoples follow: The general trend is south and west though some go south and east, establishing themselves in southern Russia. my.fit.edu Sparse evidence. Some Roman writers – Tacitus Archaeology & Anthropology Clues left behind in the German language Pastoral Does this word make you think of anything??? Sparse evidence. Some Roman writers – Tacitus Archaeology & Anthropology Clues left behind in the German language Pastoral They lived on the produce of their flocks and herds. butter, cheese, meat Knew how to work iron, but small supplies of the metal. Typically used bronze, wood, leather How is bronze made? Sparse evidence. Some Roman writers – Tacitus Archaeology & Anthropology Clues left behind in the German language Pastoral They lived on the produce of their flocks and herds. butter, cheese, meat Knew how to work iron, but small supplies of the metal. Typically used bronze, wood, leather How is bronze made? Alloy of copper and tin. 9:1 ratio Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc; 7:3 ratio Agriculture Ox drawn plough if they had to. Primarily they hunted. Favorite pursuits: Hunting Fighting Plundering Political system What do you think? Oligarchy Monarchy Aristocracy Republic Democracy Political system Chieftain with kin groups (Warlords) Remember, this will be on the exam. There were aproximately 16 Germanic Tribes: Alans, Angul(Angels), Aurvandil (Vandals), Burgundus (Burgundians), Cibidus(Cibidi), Dan (Danes), Franks, Gepids, Gothus(Goths), Ingve (Ynglings), Irmin (Irminones), Longobardus (Lombards), Nór (Norwegians), Normans (partial Germanic peoples), Ostrogoths, Rugians, Saxneat (Saxons), Sciri, Teutoni, Valagothus (Valogoths), and Visigoths. Remember, this will be on the exam. There were aproximately 16 Germanic Tribes: Alans, Angul(Angels), Aurvandil (Vandals), Burgundus (Burgundians), Cibidus(Cibidi), Dan (Danes), Franks, Gepids, Gothus(Goths), Ingve (Ynglings), Irmin (Irminones), Longobardus (Lombards), Nór (Norwegians), Normans (partial Germanic peoples), Ostrogoths, Rugians, Saxneat (Saxons), Sciri, Teutoni, Valagothus (Valogoths), and Visigoths. Kidding. BUT you should know the main ones. Ever since the last century before Christ the Roman world and the barbarian world have influenced each other. EXAMPLES? German Slaves & coloni (colonist, settler OR farmer) German fighters Joined as individuals or formed German units a.k.a. foederatti (allies) Fought under their own Chieftain Amount of assimilation depended on proximity and receptivity ALSO depended on other factors: Two Roman provinces had been from the beginning a blend of: WHAT TWO CULTURES: ??? LOCATED WHERE: ??? Goths were Christianized by Empire in the East ALSO depended on other factors: Two Roman provinces had been from the beginning a blend of: WHAT TWO CULTURES: Roman & Celtic LOCATED WHERE: Gaul & Britain So was it that ‘weird’ to have these German Barbarians? Goths were Christianized by Empire in the East Trade between the R.E. & βάρβαρος Βάρβαρος give cattle and slaves (Where do you think the slaves come from? Hmmm?) R.E. gives glass & bronze vessels, ornaments, weapons, textiles GRADUALLY Western provinces were “Germanized” Germanic people were “Romanized” This would have went faster BUT… The frontier went through periods of war and peaceful trading Regardless, the Germans were always pushing on the border Angles & Saxons travel to Britain, Franks occupy the borderlands my.fit.edu FASTER! Instead of the occasional raid, we begin to see mass migrations of whole people. Why is this a problem? FASTER! Instead of the occasional raid, we begin to see mass migrations of whole people. Why is this a problem? Since they occupied whole provinces of the Empire, the centralized imperial government ceased to exist in the West. Whole tribes moving in. Living under their own chieftains. Living under their own laws. How did this happen? Europe is basically a peninsula. Always open to pressure from the east. Yes, there were internal problems: How did this happen? Europe is basically a peninsula. Always open to pressure from the east. Yes, there were internal problems: Deep rooted Economic & Political weakness Yes, there were German Barbarians. BIG change? The BIG IDEA? The GAME CHANGER? BUT what was the http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/asia/huns/map.GIF EAST MEETS WEST The Huns: “a race savage beyond all parallel…” Mongolian in appearance Speaking a language in the same family as Turkish This is actually a very effective way to trace people EAST MEETS WEST The Huns: “a race savage beyond all parallel…” Mongolian in appearance Speaking a language in the same family as Turkish This is actually a very effective way to trace people Expert horsemen Fought as lightly armed mounted archers Defeated on the borders of China, they turned west Does this sound familiar? Began to terrorize the frontier Germans, who fled inward See website document.