(Harnes 147). Overtime, the Pope and bishops had the most authority over all "secular rulers" in the feudal system of medieval age (Ellis et al. 193). Before Feudalism even began, the decline of Rome was in its process. The fall of Rome was caused by constant foreign invasions, along with corrupted politics, divided empire, and economic struggles for population decline and high taxes. After the fall of Rome, Western Europe was divided into many small kingdoms by the Germanic tribes. Western Europe was in danger again when the "invasions by Vikings, Muslims, and Magyars" (Ellis et al. 188) started and the kings and emperors could not maintain protection, laws, and order. Therefore, the kings and lords adapted to the new feudal system. During the beginning of feudalism, the economy was mostly dependent on agriculture of the land. The economy was in a difficult situation due to all the invasions and factors that led to fall of Rome. European economy started to recover in the High Middle Ages. The Economy increased as it became dependent on trading, agriculture, and businesses due to the new technologies. As the economy grew, Christianity also grew popular and became a powerful figure. Soon after, the Crusades began in 1095, which left a complex relationship with the Muslims (Ellis et al. 216). Briefly after that, a horrific epidemic called the Black Plague begun that left Europe in socially, economically and religiously disastrous (Courie 1). The new era of art called the Renaissance began after the Black Death left (Ades et al. 381). This new appreciation of art helped made the St. Peter's Basilica but people started seeing flaws in the teachings of the pope that started the Protestant Reformation (Harris 1).
(Harnes 147). Overtime, the Pope and bishops had the most authority over all "secular rulers" in the feudal system of medieval age (Ellis et al. 193). Before Feudalism even began, the decline of Rome was in its process. The fall of Rome was caused by constant foreign invasions, along with corrupted politics, divided empire, and economic struggles for population decline and high taxes. After the fall of Rome, Western Europe was divided into many small kingdoms by the Germanic tribes. Western Europe was in danger again when the "invasions by Vikings, Muslims, and Magyars" (Ellis et al. 188) started and the kings and emperors could not maintain protection, laws, and order. Therefore, the kings and lords adapted to the new feudal system. During the beginning of feudalism, the economy was mostly dependent on agriculture of the land. The economy was in a difficult situation due to all the invasions and factors that led to fall of Rome. European economy started to recover in the High Middle Ages. The Economy increased as it became dependent on trading, agriculture, and businesses due to the new technologies. As the economy grew, Christianity also grew popular and became a powerful figure. Soon after, the Crusades began in 1095, which left a complex relationship with the Muslims (Ellis et al. 216). Briefly after that, a horrific epidemic called the Black Plague begun that left Europe in socially, economically and religiously disastrous (Courie 1). The new era of art called the Renaissance began after the Black Death left (Ades et al. 381). This new appreciation of art helped made the St. Peter's Basilica but people started seeing flaws in the teachings of the pope that started the Protestant Reformation (Harris 1).