What are we doing? —Looking at landmarks in European Literature from the fall of Rome until the emergence of the Renaissance, now often called "The Early Modern Age."
At its height, the Roman Empire was the greatest & most inspiring political entity ever known.
GREAT:

INSPIRING: Tsar, Kaiser,

Here are some key dates:
306 - 337 reign of Constantine I, who moved the captital of Rome to Byzantium

395 -- death of Theodosium I, the Roman Empire permanently divided in East and West parts

410 -- Alaric (Visigoth King) sacks Rome

476 -- The last Roman Emperor of the West, Romulus Augustulus, deposed by the Goths under Odoacer

521 -- Higlac's raid, mentioned in Beowulf, against a Frankish tribal kingdom

800 -- Charlemagne restores Leo III to the papacy and was crowned emperor by him on Christmas Day, laying the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire

1400—Death of Chaucer

1564—Birth of Shakespeare & Birth of Galileo Galilei

Beowulf -- probably composed ca. 9th cent. -- date of manuscript is about end of 10th cent.

Key Discussion Questions: What is their world view? Who are their heroes, who are their villains? How are women presented?