Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire Rome rises again
After the fall of Rome Europe dominated a multitude of “barbarian” societies Constantly at war with each other. Travel became unsafe. Wealthy families moved to the countryside and built fortified homes.
Barbarian tribes in Europe
The Franks The largest Germanic kingdom belonged to the Franks Modern day France Charles Martel (leader of the Franks) stopped the Muslims from taking over Europe at Battle of Tours in 732 Charles grandson, Charlemagne, became king in 768
Charlemagne Charlemagne enlarged his kingdom to include France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Northern Italy Became known as the Carolingian Empire Made education a major focus of society In 800, Charlemagne traveled to Rome to save the Pope from a mob the Pope crowned him the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Separate from the Byzantine Empire After his death, Charlemagne’s heirs would rule poorly, and the Empire would be divided once more.