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Unlike the Roman Empire, which had dominated the continent, Medieval Europe was not a unified Mediterranean world. Germanic tribes invaded many areas and overrun Europe, creating separate kingdoms. The only element uniting these kingdoms was the gradual adoption of Christianity as the dominant religion. However, none of these early Germanic kingdoms enjoyed any longevity, as Viking invasions and the emergence of other empires would ensue. The emergence of Islam in 600 A.D. as an opposing …

…allowed zealous preachers and reform movements to acquire a large support base and challenge Church authority. Such challenges also arose from the monarchs, who did not want the clergy to interfere with state affairs. Similarly, the emerging religion of Islam also presented problems for the dominance of the Christian faith. Consequently, while the Christian Church's power remained intact, foundations were laid for the eventual division that would occur with the invention of the Protestant faith.