9781422283912

By 30 BC, Rome took over Egypt and controlled the entire Mediterranean area for four centuries to follow. In the 3rd century AD, German tribes amassed along the borders of the Roman Empire. In the 4th and 5th centuries, many people began to migrate and populate more regions of Europe. The period was known as the Völkerwanderung , or “migration of the peoples.” During these centuries civilizations developed that were built around the Christian religion. The great city of Constantinople, known today as Istanbul, was founded in AD 330. In time Rome shifted to become a hub of Christianity as well. After the 5th century, Germanic peoples in the north prospered and came together to form stronger groups. In the 700s, Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, united most of Western Europe, and the foundations of modern France and Germany took shape. Around the same time, an Arab influence from the south spread north into Spain and beyond. In the 9th through 12th centuries, the Vikings of the north invaded France. Normandy, in fact, got its name from the Scandinavian for “Northman.” There were also Viking invasions in England. Over the centuries, countries in Europe developed around a series of monarchies. Still, Christianitywas thepervasivereligion throughout theregion, and it offered some teachings that promoted tolerance of one’s fellow human beings. Perhaps from this foundation of belief a system of courts eventually developed intended to defend the rights of man. In 1215 the Magna Carta (or “Great Charter”) was introduced in England. It contained 63 clauses promising all freemen access to the courts and a fair trial. It eliminated unfair fines and punishments and limited the power of the king. The Magna Carta established that the king needed consent of the royal council to levy or collect any taxes. This royal council gradually developed into a parliament and established the basis of modern democracy.

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S OCIAL P ROGRESS IN E UROPE