France 500 CE
Gaul is now divided amongst German-ruled kingdoms, but much of the old Roman civilization endures.
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What is happening in France in 500CE
Roman rule in Gaul has now completely collapsed, after a long decline. In the 5th century, German tribes invaded in force, and established kingdoms which, by the end of the century, covered almost the whole of Gaul. The one exception to this is the the north-west, where Britons, fleeing Anglo-Saxon invaders in their homeland, have settled.
The old Roman towns, aqueducts, villas and roads have experienced great damage, but much of Roman civilization remains. The new German rulers have taken over many government practices and laws from the Romans, and employ Gallo-Roman officials to help them rule.
By the time of the fall of the Roman empire, Christianity had become the official religion. The German invaders were also Christians, but followed a different form of Christianity, Arianism. The Gallo-Roman population, who are Catholic Christians acknowledging the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as their spiritual leader, view this with suspicion. This religious divide prevents conquerors and conquered from settling down easily together in these kingdoms. The Franks, however, have converted to Catholicism, and this will greatly assist them in expanding their realm during the years to come.
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What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 500CE
The western Roman empire has fallen to German invaders, but the eastern Roman empire remains intact
Britain history 500CE
The Roman province is no more, as is the Roman civilization which it nourished
Central Europe history 500CE
The rise and fall of the Huns has had a huge impact on this region
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 200CE
The Roman Empire has given much of Europe two centuries of peace and prosperity
Spain and Portugal history 200CE
Spain and Portugal have become thoroughly Romanized after centuries of Roman rule
Britain history 200CE
A Roman province now covers the southern half of the British Isles
Central Europe history 200CE
Central Europe is dominated by German and Sarmatian tribes
Africa history 200CE
All of North Africa is now part of the Roman empire, while to the south the Bantu migration continues
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 750CE
Medieval Europe is beginning to emerge from the wreckage of the Ancient World.
Spain and Portugal history 750CE
Muslim forces from North Africa have conquered most of present-day Spain and Portugal.
Britain history 750CE
A collection of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms now covers most of present-day England, and the rest of the British Isles is home to numerous Celtic tribes and kingdoms
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