• In 500, western half of Roman Empire collapsed and Europe fragmented
  • Many kings were relatively weak, power often rested with nobles
• Large amounts of Western Europe fell into economic decline
  • Literacy largely became preserve of the Church
• Reasserted authority in mid-700s, stability largely returned by 1000
• In 11th and 12th century, created structure concentrated on pope
• Law of the church gave pope jurisdiction over church property
• Secular leaders demanded power to appoint bishops, pope disagreed
• Several social and economic events of 11th century contributed to crusades
  • Reformers seeking to soften warlike habits popularized Truce of God
  • Ambitious rulers were looking for new lands to conquer
  • Italian merchants wanted trading posts in Muslim territory