Mindset #33 Read Sections “Merovingian Rulers” & “Charlemagne’s Realm” pgs and answer the following questions in complete sentences. Why was Clovis important? Who was “Charles the Hammer?” What did his victory ensure about Christianity? Who was Charlemagne? Describe three of his accomplishments.
The Church During the Middle Ages the Catholic Church dominated all of society. The pope became the strongest political leader in western Europe. To strengthen the Medieval Church, power was given to bishops, priests, monks and nuns.
Monks and Missionaries In 529, a Roman official named Benedict founded a monastery. Within Benedictine Rule, the life of monks was one of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Women lived as nuns and alternated prayer with activities like spinning, weaving, and sewing. Monasteries and convents provided schools, hospitals, shelter, agriculture and other job training.
Church Reform A church council declared political leaders could no longer choose the pope. Instead, the pope would be elected by a gathering of cardinals Pope Gregory VII: believed the pope should have complete control over all church officials Innocent III: laid strict rules for the clergy and took action to stop the spread of denial within the church Francis of Assisi: founded The Franciscans and was known for their devotion to God and their respect for nature.
The Inquisition Heresy: denial of church teachings To find and punish people who practiced heresy, the church set up the Inquisition. The Inquisition accused people and forced them to seek forgiveness; showed power of the church.
Rise of Monarchies After Charlemagne’s reign, European monarchs were the primary rulers. Their lands and power were gradually lost to nobles; however, monarchs still built strong states after 1100 AD. In order to learn about this change, you will read about these monarchs in a group of three 1.England – pg France – pg The Holy Roman Empire – pg. 122 Within your group, you will fill out the diagram writing in the similarities and differences.
CLOSURE Turn to your partner and tell them: Who was the pope? What power did he have? What were monasteries/convents used for? Who was Pope Gregory VII? Innocent III? What was the purpose of the Inquisition?