Charlemagne

Charlemagne's Stats Son of Pepin Six Feet, four inches 771 King of Franks Expanded kingdom 800 Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor Sponsored revival of learning.

Papal Power ( Setting the Stage) Gregory I broadened the authority of the papacy. (590 A.D.) Papacy- office of the pope Secular- worldly, power involved in politics Gregory used church revenues to raise armies, repair roads, help poor, negotiated peace treaties.

Gregory Rules Region from Italy to England and from Spain to Germany. Pope had a vision of a spiritual kingdom as the central theme. Secular rulers expanded their political kingdoms.

The 700’s The kingdom of the Franks covered much of modern France. Mayors of a palace more powerful than King. He made laws and controlled the army.

Charles Martel – The Hammer 719 became mayor and expanded lands to the north, south, and east. 732 Defeated Muslim raiders from Spain at the Battle of Tours. Christian hero!

Pepin The Short Crowned King 751 Shrewdly cooperated with Pope Fought Lombards, who had invaded central Italy on behalf of Church. In exchange he was named “king by the grace of god”

Carloman (Charlemagne’s bro—Pepin’s kid) dies 771

771 Charlemagne Rules Alone Expands empire, by 800 he held most of modern Italy all of France and parts of modern Spain and Germany. Spread Christianity Reunited western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire Crowned Emperor by Leo III after crushing unruly mob in Rome.

Charlemagne cont. Strengthened royal power by limiting authority of nobles. Hands on ruling, traveled through his lands.

Charlemagne advances learning Visited the people Judged cases Brought well-read men to his court Sponsored a revival of learning

Charlemagne Dies 813 After his death the empire broke apart, eventually his three grandsons would sign the Treaty of Verdun, which divides the empire into three kingdoms. Carolingian kings lose power.

Landholding-Feudalism Takes Shape