Chapter 7 – The Rise of Europe 500 AD – 1500 AD

New Germanic Kingdoms The Roman Empire falls in 476 AD Following the fall of Rome, Germanic people started to move in and overrun lands once occupied by the Roman Empire. By 500 AD, the Western Roman Empire had been replaced by a number of German kingdoms. Constant fighting disrupts trade and government; people abandon cities. Marks the beginning of the Middle Ages — period from 500 to 1500

The Decline of Learning As cities are abandoned, level of learning declines Knowledge of Greek language and culture is almost completely lost Introduction of German language and mixing with Latin helps develop different dialects (Romance languages)

Upheaval in Europe Germanic people were constantly at war Wars continually change borders between kingdoms During this time of upheaval, the Church continues to grow and offers security

The Dark Ages The Middle Ages are often times referred to as “the Dark Ages”. Can you explain why this time period got this nickname?

Kingdom of the Franks Only one Germanic kingdom proved to be a lasting one – the kingdom of the Franks. The kingdom was established by Clovis, a strong military leader around 500AD. Clovis was able to unite the Franks as well as other Germanic tribes into one kingdom. Clovis was also the first Germanic ruler to convert to Christianity. His conversion gained him the support of a small, yet growing sect, the Roman Catholic Church, who was eager to have the friendship of a powerful ruler.

Clovis’ Conversion to Christianity What is so important about Clovis converting to Christianity? Discuss. Compare this to politicians nowadays. What did his conversion do for the Catholic church?

Kingdom of the Franks Clovis had established a kingdom that stretched from the Pyrenees Mountains in the southwest, to German lands in the east. (Modern day France and West Germany.)

Role of the Church By the end of the fourth century, Christianity had become supreme and as the Roman empire fell apart, the Church would play an increasing roll in the new emerging European civilization. Local Christian communities were called parishes. Each parish was led by priests and a group of parishes was headed by a bishop. Eventually, the bishop of Rome began to proclaim he was the leader of all the parishes and the Roman Catholic Church.

Role of the Church According to Catholics, Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of Heaven over to Peter, the first apostle and also considered the first bishop of Rome. Later, the bishops were seen as Peter’s successor. They came to be known as Popes. (from the Latin word Papa or “father”.)

Pope Gregory I Pope Gregory I strengthened the papacy in and the Roman Catholic Church around the beginning of the 5th century. Under Pope Gregory, the Church becomes a secular (holds political power and influence) He uses Church money to raise armies, care for poor, negotiate treaties Establishes a Christendom—churchly kingdom fanning out from Rome

Monastic Movement Also under Pope Gregory I, the church is able to convert many non-Christians through the monastic movement. Monks are men who separate themselves from ordinary human society to pursue a life of total dedication to God. The practice of living as a monk is known as monasticism. St. Benedict founded a community and wrote a set of rules. These rules are the basis for monasticism in the Roman Catholic Church.

Monks and their Missions Monks would become the new heroes of Christianity and important force in European civilization. Monasteries were seen as ideal Christian societies. They would provide a moral example to live by for which society could model themselves after.

Did you know? Monks are famously known for being brewers of beer. While beer was invented long before the monks, they were the first to truly brew it in mass and commercialize it. The Benedictine monastery of Weihenstephan Abbey in Germany is the oldest brewery in the world, founded in 1040 AD and still brewing today!

Monks and their Missions Monks were the social workers of their communities, provided schools for the young, hospitality for travelers and hospitals for the sick. They also taught carpentry and weaving to peasants and also made improvements in agriculture that would be passed on. Monasteries became centers of learning wherever they were located.

Monks and their Missions English and Irish monks were especially enthusiastic missionaries - people sent to carry out a religious message – who undertook the conversion of non-Christians. By 1050, most of Europe was Catholic.

Did you know? The knot shaped pretzels that we enjoy today were actually creations of Medieval Monks. The monks would give them as a reward to children for remembering their prayers. (the word pretiola in Latin means “small reward”.) The shape represents the folded arms of the children during prayer.

Charles Martel During the 600’s and 700’s, the Frankish kings started to lose power. Islam was growing and spreading throughout the Middle East and Africa and into Europe. The Church and Christian kingdoms became weary of these invaders. In 732, a man named Charles Martel rallied Christian warriors to defeat Muslim armies who were invading into Southern Spain from North Africa.

The Carolingians With his triumphant victory, Charles Martel took steps to assume the kingship for himself and his family. This lays the foundation for a new dynasty known as the Carolingians.

Europe in Turmoil When Charles Martel, king of the Frank’s dies, Europe is thrust into turmoil. At this time the Franks were falling back into barbarian ways, neglecting their education and religion. Many people were still pagans. The Church was also having its own struggles. In 771, Martel’s grandson, Charlemagne, assumes power.

Charlemagne Charlemagne was raised to be a devout Christian. Charlemagne was determined to strengthen his realm and to bring order to Europe. His devotion to the Church became the driving force in his life.

King of the Franks? Or King of the Burgers?

Charlemagne the Warrior In 772, he launched a military campaign that would last more than 30 years and included more than 50 military expeditions. At 6’4, Charlemagne was a tall and a powerful warrior and often accompanied and fight along side his troops during these campaigns. Charlemagne was an ambitious king, aggressive and ruthless.  He had the ability to persevere and  to carry through on a plan. He never lost a single battle!

Charlemagne Brings Order to Europe By 800 Charlemagne was the undisputed ruler of Western Europe. What had once been unified territory of the Roman Empire was once again under a new central authority, that of Charlemagne. His vast realm encompassed what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands and included half of present-day Italy and Germany, and parts of Austria and Spain. By establishing a central government over Western Europe, Charlemagne brought unity and paved the way for the development of modern Europe.

Looks like Chinese or something to me… Did you know? Despite his great military record and being the king of such as vast territory, Charlemagne was very uneducated in his younger years. In fact, he was illiterate and could not read or write. This did not stop him, he tried his best to learn himself and encouraged his people to do so as well. Here, can you read this? Looks like Chinese or something to me…

Charlemagne and the Church Devoutly Christian, Charlemagne would not only conquer his territories, he would convert the people as well. Sometimes, at the tip of a sword. The Church also relied on Charlemagne for protection and leadership. Charlemagne ruled and protected the Christian Kingdom, and since the Church was in Rome, it could be said that he had the utmost authority in Rome, surpassing that of the papacy.

Charlemagne’s Coronation On Christmas Day in 800, while Charlemagne knelt in prayer in Saint Peter's in Rome, Pope Leo III placed a golden crown on the bowed head of the king, crowning him the first Holy Roman Emperor, the divinely appointed leader of the earthly Christian world. His head was anointed with holy oil, and the Pope renamed Charlemagne as Emperor and Augustus. Germanic power, the Church, heritage of Roman Empire are now joined together as one.

How important is Charlemagne to Europe? Discuss. How did he help strengthen his realm? How did he help the spread of Christianity?

Charlemagne’s Legacy Charlemagne unites western Europe and spreads Christianity. He encourages learning and orders monasteries to open schools Germanic power, Church, heritage of Roman Empire now joined together as one Because of his actions as a ruler, Charlemagne is considered the “Father of Europe”

Following Charlemagne Charlemagne dies in 814; his son, Louis the Pious, rules poorly Charlemagne’s three grandsons fight for control of empire In 843 they divide empire into three kingdoms; sign Treaty of Verdun Europe once again, becomes unstable.