CHARLEMAGNE AND THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES Week Eight
petros = rock PeterpetrifyPetra
geo/terra = earth/land terra cottaterriergeology
CHARLEMAGNE AND THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES Week Eight
I. Aachen Chapel
Charlemagne’s Aachen Cathedral reflects the succession of the ancient Roman emperors and the Christianizing of Europe.
Aachen cathedral
The Octagons of Aachen
II. Charlemagne Einhard’s hagiographical description Reality: a barbarian Christian conqueror
bio/viv = life revivevictualsbiology
dict = speak verdictdictatorbenediction
III. The Making of Barbarian Kingdoms A. Italian Ostrogoths Theodoric the Great: Roman civil government and Germanic kingship From chaos to Lombard rule after Theodoric’s death B. Spanish Visigoths Wealthy and desirable territory Muslims overthrow the Visigoths and establish caliphate in 711 Ostrogoths
III. The Making of Barbarian Kingdoms C. Anglo-Saxons Little kingdoms Conversion to Christianity, as chronicled by Bede Syncretism and Beowulf: story that chronicles the adventures of a hero who saves the Danes from the terrible monster Grendel Bede
Beowulf
In Search of Beowulf
Beowulf trailer
III. The Making of Barbarian Kingdoms D. Franks Client state of Rome Clovis and conquest (486 CE); conversion to Christianity; launches the Merovingian dynasty Baptism of Clovis
IV. Charlemagne and the Carolingians A. Charles Martel Rise of aristocracy over kingdom. Why? 1. Military: scorched earth and absolute fidelity 2. Religious: loyalty and religious posts; church- state collusion Pippin
The Kingdom of Charlemagne
IV. Charlemagne and the Carolingians B. Charlemagne Conquest: Pippin’s son defeats the Lombards, Saxons, Avars, Muslims Government: a crude Roman administration
Charlemagne’s Empire
Carolingian Renaissance 1. Spiritual renewal The protector of all Christians under the Pope’s obedience Rome crowns Charlemagne emperor in Intellectual renewal Education: establishes schools; recruits intellectuals Fusion of Germanic and Roman art
V. After Charlemagne A. Overextension: not enough infrastructure B. Division of the kingdom C. Threats from outside D. Return to aristocracies E. Christianity spreads
Scandinavia
Viking invasion
Epilogue Charlemagne’s death 814: buried under Palatine Chapel in imperial robes
Aachen Chapel today
Aachen’s hot springs