Aim: Identify Charlemagne & Describe His Empire

An Empire Evolves After Roman Empire dissolved, small kingdoms sprang up all over Europe Ex: England splits into 7 kingdoms Franks controlled the largest and strongest of Europe’s kingdoms 2

Charles Martel Emerges 700- the major domo- Mayor of the place becomes most powerful person in Frankish Kingdom 719- Mayor was Charles Martel Martel extended Franks’ reign to the North, South, & East 732- Defeats Muslim raiders from Spain at Battle of Tours Victory made him Christian hero At his death, Martel passed power to son (Pepin the Short) This began the Carolingian Dynasty Family ruled Franks (751-987) 3

Charlemagne Becomes Emperor 768- Peppin’s sons rule Franks One son dies, brother rules (Charles) Charles known as Charlemagne Means Charles the Great Charlemagne conquered new lands Through conquests, Charlemagne spreads Christianity Reunited Western Europe 800- Travels to Rome Pope Leo III crowns him emperor To govern empire, sends out royal agents Greatest Accomplishment Encouragement of learning Surrounded self with English, German, Italian, and Spanish scholars 4

Charlemagne’s Heirs Charlemagne left son (Louis the Pious) in his rule Ineffective ruler Had three sons who fought for control of empire Lothair, Charles the Bald, and Louis the German Treaty of Verdun Three sons divide the Empire Result: Carolingian Kings lost power and central authority broke down Lack of strong central rulers led to new system of government: FEUDALISM 5