The word "medieval" came about when early scholars combined the two Latin words medium (middle) and aevum (age), which means the transition between ancient and modern times. The first 500 years of this period are the Early Middle Ages or the Dark Ages. They were called the Dark Ages because learning and culture were not as great as earlier, during Greek and Roman Times. After the year 1000, Western Europeans saw many social, economic, and political changes. The many small kingdoms of Western Europe began to develop political strength and size. This period was known as the Later Middle Ages. However, this period played a significant role in history because it laid the foundation for Europe's future development.
             The Early Middle Ages began with the fall of the Roman empire, which led to a decline in commerce and cities in Western Europe. This period is known more for its plunge than anything else. Bridges, roads, and sewage systems were not maintained. Many people left cities for the countryside because city life became almost unbearable.
             Many kingdoms were now developing, but they all remained small and weak. However, there was one exception to this, the Frankish Kingdom, which included most present-day France and the western half of present-day Germany. The Franks were a Germanic group of people who had adopted the Christian Religion. One of the Franks' most significant leaders was Charles Martel, who organized an army to fight the Moors (a Muslim Group that invaded Spain).
             At the Battle of Tours, these two powers met, but the Franks came out on top. This battle stopped the Moors from advancing anymore into the heart of Europe. The next dominant leader of the Franks was Martel's grandson, Charlemagne, who was the son of Pepin the Short. He ruled present-day France, Germany, Austria, Northern Italy, and most of Spain from AD 768 to 814. This new enlarged conquered area was now known as The Frankish Empire. The Pope (head of...