After The Fall of Rome

Rome had fallen. Western Civilization commenced an arduous journey from the Early Middle Ages to the ascension of modern European states. The shifting sands of society were persistent in progressing onwards. Several key events occurred during these eras and affected the route of the modern world. Each of these eras contributed valuable ideas to modern society. Furthermore, several remarkable human beings shaped the course of Western history.

There were three heirs to the legacy of Rome that appeared after its fall. These heirs included Latin Christendom, Byzantium, and Islam. Latin Christendom lagged behind the other two, but eventually caught up. Modern Western societies trace their origin through Latin Christendom. During the Early Middle Ages, Christianity continued to spread throughout Europe. Furthermore, Merovingian King Clovis the First was the earliest Germanic ruler to convert to the Christian faith. Moreover, the Early Middle Ages saw the rise of Charlemagne as the ruler of the Franks. Charlemagne left a lasting legacy, and was instrumental in initiating the Carolingian Renaissance. The Carolingian Renaissance was an attempt to raise the standard of learning. Furthermore, the Franks had an alliance with the Papacy. During this era, there was a significant growth of Papal power. Consequently, as the Christian church increased in power it also increased its influence on society. Another religion emerged in the Middle East which affected Latin Christendom. The emergence of the new Islamic faith eventually caused tension with Latin Christendom that culminated in the Crusades. The Muslims invasion of France was repelled at the Battle of Tours by Charles Martel. The Muslims had even invaded sections of Byzantium. Issues s...

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...c economic system. Furthermore, there were political changes occurring during this era. The concept of the state coupled with the idea of sovereignty further enhanced the growth of modern states. These economic and political contributions brought about the rise of the modern European states.

After the Fall of Rome, a variety of people, ideas, and events influenced the history of Western Civilization. Whether it was Machiavellian political notions, the religious movements of the Protestant Reformation, or the Renaissance, each of these ideas provide particular foundational aspects of modern society. Charlemagne’s Carolingian Renaissance improved learning. The concept of the sovereignty of the state is another development that contributed to the modern West. Even though Western Civilization progressed as much as it did, the West had a formidable journey ahead.