Rome had linked its far-flung European territories with miles of fine roads and had spread classical ideas, the Latin language, and Christianity to the tribal peoples of Western Europe. But Rome was a Mediterranean power. The Germanic peoples who ended Roman rule in the West shifted the focus to the north. There, the peoples of Europe began to create a new civilization.
Location. Europe is a relatively small area, although its impact on the modern world has been enormous. It lies on the western end of Eurasia, the giant landmass that stretches from present-day Portugal all the way to China.
Resources. At the dawn of the Middle Ages, Europe had great untapped potential. Dense forests covered much of the north, and the region’s rich black earth was better suited for raising crops than the dry soils around the Mediterranean. Beneath the surface of the soil, from Poland to Britain, lay untapped veins of rich minerals.
The seas that surround much of Europe were important to its growth. Coastal people not only fished for food but also used the seas as highways for trade and exploration. Europe’s large rivers were ideal for trade, and its many mountain streams seemed made for turning water wheels.
Location. Europe is a relatively small area, although its impact on the modern world has been enormous. It lies on the western end of Eurasia, the giant landmass that stretches from present-day Portugal all the way to China.
Resources. At the dawn of the Middle Ages, Europe had great untapped potential. Dense forests covered much of the north, and the region’s rich black earth was better suited for raising crops than the dry soils around the Mediterranean. Beneath the surface of the soil, from Poland to Britain, lay untapped veins of rich minerals.
The seas that surround much of Europe were important to its growth. Coastal people not only fished for food but also used the seas as highways for trade and exploration. Europe’s large rivers were ideal for trade, and its many mountain streams seemed made for turning water wheels.
For more informations please click on one of the links below
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe