Charlemagne’s Rise to Power
Background on Franks Germanic people Lived along Rhine River By authority of the Church, I crown thee Holy Roman Emperor. Germanic people Lived along Rhine River Loyal to kin Clovis converted to Christianity, 481 Charlemagne: large, heavy man, with moustache and bright eyes. God himself made me King.
Steps to Charlemagne’s Rise to Power Converted Germans to Christianity through war Step 1 Prevented Muslims from expanding into Europe Step 2 Brutally put down a Saxon revolt Step 3
Charlemagne’s Accomplishments Created large empire made of self-sufficient manors Counts kept order in his kingdom Made Aachen a new center for learning
Division of Frankish Empire Kingdom divided into three parts after Charlemagne’s death Division weakened Empire’s unity and caused the collapse of the Frankish Kingdom
Viking Raids
Who were the Vikings? Lifestyle: based on sea: viking=pirate: a –viking=to go on an overseas adventure; both sexes wore long hair; married women were respected Government: tribal units ruled by a jarl Values: culture of war; blood feuds common Education: not important, most illiterate, boys=warriors; girls=wives Religion: worshipped many gods, used crop and animal sacrifices
Where did they raid and why? Raided coastal villages throughout Europe, plundering, killing, burning, and taking prisoners Europe was weak after Charlemagne’s empire fell apart Viking longships and weaponry intimidated people of Europe Vikings were experienced sailors, traders, and explorers
What was their impact on Europe? Viking power of intimidation kept many Europeans in a state of terror Europeans looked to local lords to protect them Contributed to the development of feudalism Viking culture influenced some aspects of life in Europe
Medieval Castles
Life on a Manor
Monarchs Knights or Vassals Became weaker after Charlemagne Remained highest authority Knights or Vassals Trained warriors who studied warfare from age 7 Followed code of chivalry Exchanged military service for fief
Lords and Nobles Lived on manors in castles Included powerful clergy Hunted, defended manor, oversaw serf, and settled legal disputes
Peasants Freemen paid lord for use of land and could move around Serfs worked land for the lord Serfs were poor and were prisoners of the manor
William the Conqueror and the Norman Invasion
Death of Edward the Confessor Edward, King of England, dies without children to succeed him Edward promised throne to the cousin, Duke William of Normandy
Harold Godwinsson’s Claim to English Throne Anglo-Saxon assembly selects Edward’s brother-in-law, Harold, as king By assuming throne Harold breaks his promise
Harold Hardrada’s Claim to the English King of Norway, Hardrada, claims he should inherit the English crown Love of fighting (beserking)motivates
Battle of Stamford Bridge, September 1066 Harold Godwinsson’s army defeats Hardrada’s army William’s army sets sail for England two days later Godwinsson’s army must walk to meet them
The Battle of Hastings, October 1066 Harold’s army relies on two-handed battle-ax William’s army uses flurries of arrows Normans win by faking a retreat and them turning back
Importance of the Battle of Hastings Norman culture dramatically changed Saxon traditions French words blended with Anglo-Saxon language Established the feudal system of England
King John and the Magna Carta
King John, you have angered us by: Raising taxes and forcing us to buy goods at high prices Ordering us to build your palaces Demanding money for your war with France and losing land Engaging in a quarrel with the Pope
King John’s Thoughts “If I sign this document…I will be giving power to the lords and the English people.” King John’s Personality Assumed throne after death of brother, Richard Nicknamed “Lackland” because he inherited no land from his father Cruel, ignorant, and unpopular
Magna Carta “Great Charter” limited monarch’s power by mandating: No imprisonment without jury trial Consultation with lords before taxing No interference with Church’s authority