The Waning Influence of Christianity in Medieval Europe

Unlike the Roman Empire, which had dominated the continent, Medieval Europe was not a unified Mediterranean world. Germanic tribes invaded many areas and overrun Europe, creating separate kingdoms. The only element uniting these kingdoms was the gradual adoption of Christianity as the dominant religion. However, none of these early Germanic kingdoms enjoyed any longevity, as Viking invasions and the emergence of other empires would ensue. The emergence of Islam in 600 A.D. as an opposing faith to Christianity also threatened the unity of Europe under one religion. Eventually, as a result of a reduction in Viking invasions, Europe underwent a great expansion from 900-1200 A.D. This growth in population led to the creation of three dominant empires: England, Germany and France. Each was established from the initial invasions of certain tribes, like the Normans in England, or the democratic succession of powerful monarchs, such as Hugh Capet in France. …