Fall of Rome and its Impacts Once Rome collapsed in 476 C.E, to a large extent, life in Europe became decentralized and had a huge impact on the government, the economy, the church, and society. This began the Middle Ages, or otherwise known as the Dark Ages. Methods for living such as Feudalism and Manorialism emerged as well. Wealthy Romans who possessed land lost their estates and Roman societies quickly collapsed. Authority in the Western Roman Empire crumbled and was recognized as something to be obeyed in very few areas. The rulers of the new territories were not Roman, but actually descendants of the original invaders who sacked Rome. Although the Western Roman Empire collapsed, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to prosper for many …show more content…
The Church saved Rome from being completely taken over by Barbarians. Intellectual life vanished from Europe. Though the invaders had a rich oral tradition of songs and legends, they could not read or write. The Romans became less literate as they moved to more rural areas. Few people such as priests and other church officials could read and write. Knowledge of Greek was almost lost. Advanced education was reserved for the clergy. If it wasn’t for the Church, most if not all the documents and records from Rome would be lost. During the time of political chaos, the Church provided order and security. The conversion of military leaders and the work of missionaries and other leaders helped expand Christianity. People turned to God as their only hope in a life of fear and difficulty. The promise of rewards in the afterlife became the major focus for many people. Bishops took leadership roles in communities and cathedrals became the center of cities and towns. Christianity basically took over and became the new form of “government” in the Western Roman Empire. The church attempted to control and influence kings, nobles, and peasants. Although the lives of peasants were harsh and brutal, they were held together by the common thread of Christianity. Their life events such as marriages, births, deaths, and holidays were centered in the Christian