ABSTRACT
The major influence was a change in the social character of the Christian Kingdoms, beginning in the 11th century. The Frankish king Charlemagne had connected personal loyalty (vassalage) with public office and material reward (the fief). This brought about the rise of Feudalism as well as the concept of chivalry. An Asian tribe that adopted Islam and moved into the Islamic Empire proper, they began their reign by a process of expansion similar to the earlier stages of Islamic kingdoms, capturing most of Asia Minor. Despite the consolidation of power and major advancements, by 1300 Europe was on the edge of disaster. Changes brought on by wars, plagues, and religious controversy affected the structure and dynamics of families, the organization of work, and the culture in many parts of Europe. In Florence, despite all that human wisdom and forethought could devise to avert it, as the cleansing of the city from many impurities.
