Early Middle Ages The Franks In 732 AD Charles Martel would lead the Franks against the Muslims and defeat them at the Battle of Tours.

Early Middle Ages The Franks This would stop the advance of the Muslims into Europe and Christianity would remain the religion of Europe.

Early Middle Ages The Franks Pepin became mayor after Charles Martel and became the king of the Franks.

Early Middle Ages The Franks A Germanic group called the Lombards threatened the Pope. Pepin took his army and defeated them to protect the Pope.

Early Middle Ages The Franks Pepin then donated the conquered lands to the pope. Pope ruled these lands as if he were king They were called the Papal States

Early Middle Ages The Franks After Pepin died his son Charles became king.

Early Middle Ages The Franks Charles went to the aid of the Pope when the Lombards tried to regain the territory they lost.

Early Middle Ages The Franks In Eastern Germany Charles conquered the Saxons living there. Ordered them to convert to Christianity. P.3

Early Middle Ages The Franks He gained control of Northeastern France from the Muslims. By 800 Charles’ kingdom had become an empire.

Early Middle Ages Franks All of Charles’ conquest earned him the name Charlemagne or “Charles the Great.”

Early Middle Ages Franks In 800 Charlemagne was declared the new Roman Emperor by the Pope.

Early Middle Ages The Franks Charlemagne made Aachen the new capital of his empire. P.5

Early Middle Ages He set up courts throughout the empire. Nobles called Counts ran the courts.

Early Middle Ages “The Lords Messengers” or inspectors watched over the counts making sure they were doing their job fairly

Early Middle Ages Charlemagne was a firm believer in education and asked a scholar named Alcuin to start a school in one of the royal palaces. (Pg 516) PPX 15-1C