European Empire
Evolution of an Empire Many small kingdoms began to show up all over Europe Franks control largest kingdom By 700 the mayor of the palace becomes most powerful person 719 Charles Martel becomes the mayor of the palace Extended Frank’s kingdom to the north, south, and east Upon his death he gave his title to Pepin the Short (his son) Pepin didn’t get a long with the Pope too well Did agree to fight the Lombards however Threatening Italy and Rome Pepin is named “king by the grace of God” = began the Carolingian Dynasty
Charlemagne Pepin dies and leaves power to his 2 sons (Carloman and Charles) Carloman dies and all power goes to Charles Becomes known as Charlemagne (Charles the Great) Built greatest empire since ancient Rome Spread Christianity through conquering Went to Rome to help Pope (being attacked) Was named emperor by the Pope First time this had ever happened
Government under Charlemagne Limited authority to the nobles Strengthened his power Sent royal agents to govern the empire Regularly visited every part of his kingdom Judged, settled disputes, rewarded the faithful
Revival and the End Encouraged learning Opened a palace school Ordered monasteries to open schools Expanded their libraries Right before he died Charlemagne crowns his only surviving son (Louis the Pious) Was a very ineffective ruler Louis left the empire to his 3 sons Constantly fought for control Brought civil war Ended by the brothers signing the Treaty of Verdun divided the empire into 3 kingdoms
Feudalism
The Beginnings After the Treaty of Verdun the 3 sons broke the empire up even further Lands become battle ground for attacking groups Led to feudalism Military and political system based on land ownership and personal loyalty
New Invasions 800 – 1000 invasions begin to destroy the empire Muslims seized Sicily and raided Italy The Vikings set sail from Scandinavia Worshiped warlike gods Had names like Eric Bloodaxe and Thorfinn Skullsplitter Hit and run tactics (very quick) Used huge ships (could hold up to 300 warriors) They would loot villages and monastaries
Magyars and Muslims Europe becomes the target Magyars attack from the East Did not settle conquered land -> captured people for slavery Muslims attack from the South Attacks caused disorder Leaders who could defend themselves gained loyalty and attracted people
Feudalism Structure Fight between Rollo (Viking leader) and Charles the Simple (King of France) Charles grants Vikings land known as Northmen’s land Rollo pledges allegiance in return Feudal system based on loyalty in return for protection
**Serfs could not lawfully leave the place where they were born** **Were not slaves (could not be bought or sold)
Manor System Manor = Lord’s estate Manor system becomes basic economic arrangement Rested on a set of rights and obligations between a lord and a serf Lord provided serfs with housing, land, and protection in return for labor and maintenance