Today in Western Civilization class we took our Rome test which wasn't that hard even though i didn't study and then we took notes on and read pages 350-357.
Germanic invasions in the fifth century eventually overran Rome and disrupted their way of life.
Disruption of trade, Downfall of Rome, and populations shifts.
The Germanic invaders could not read or write, among Romans themselves the level of learning sank when people left for rural areas.  When German speaking people mixed with Romans, Latin changed as a language.  The development of various languages helped in breaking up a once unified empire.
The concepts of government changed and germanic people had small communities that had unwritten rules and traditions.
After the Roman empire dissolved small kingdoms rose up all over Europe.  England split up into seven tiny kingdoms.  The Franks controlled the largest and strongest of Europe's kingdoms.  Charles Martel became the most powerful person in the Frankish kingdom.  He was the mayor of the palace in 719, he extended their kingdom to the north, south, and east.  After his death he passed his power on to his son, Pepin the Short.  He cooperated with the Pope and fought off the Lombards who were threatening Rome, and was named "king by the grace of God"
Pepin the Short died in 1768, and left the Frankish kingdom to his two sons Carloman and Charles.  When Carloman died a few years later, Charlemagne or Charles the Great became king.