1. Charlemagne’s Rise to Power

2. Background on Franks Germanic people Lived along Rhine River
By authority of the Church, I crown thee Holy Roman Emperor.
Germanic people
Lived along Rhine River
Loyal to kin
Clovis converted to Christianity, 481
Charlemagne:
large, heavy man, with moustache and bright eyes.
God himself made me King.

3. Steps to Charlemagne’s Rise to Power
Converted Germans to Christianity through war
Step 1
Prevented Muslims from expanding into Europe
Step 2
Brutally put down a Saxon revolt
Step 3

4. Charlemagne’s Accomplishments
Created large empire made of self-sufficient manors
Counts kept order in his kingdom
Made Aachen a new center for learning

5. Division of Frankish Empire
Kingdom divided into three parts after Charlemagne’s death
Division weakened Empire’s unity and caused the collapse of the Frankish Kingdom

6. Viking Raids

7. Who were the Vikings?
Lifestyle: based on sea: viking=pirate: a –viking=to go on an overseas adventure; both sexes wore long hair; married women were respected
Government: tribal units ruled by a jarl
Values: culture of war; blood feuds common
Education: not important, most illiterate, boys=warriors; girls=wives
Religion: worshipped many gods, used crop and animal sacrifices

8. Where did they raid and why?
Raided coastal villages throughout Europe, plundering, killing, burning, and taking prisoners
Europe was weak after Charlemagne’s empire fell apart
Viking longships and weaponry intimidated people of Europe
Vikings were experienced sailors, traders, and explorers

9. What was their impact on Europe?
Viking power of intimidation kept many Europeans in a state of terror
Europeans looked to local lords to protect them
Contributed to the development of feudalism
Viking culture influenced some aspects of life in Europe

10. Medieval Castles

11. Life on a Manor

12. Monarchs Knights or Vassals Became weaker after Charlemagne
Remained highest authority
Knights or Vassals
Trained warriors who studied warfare from age 7
Followed code of chivalry
Exchanged military service for fief

13. Lords and Nobles Lived on manors in castles Included powerful clergy
Hunted, defended manor, oversaw serf, and settled legal disputes

14. Peasants Freemen paid lord for use of land and could move around
Serfs worked land for the lord
Serfs were poor and were prisoners of the manor

15. William the Conqueror and the Norman Invasion

16. Death of Edward the Confessor
Edward, King of England, dies without children to succeed him
Edward promised throne to the cousin, Duke William of Normandy

17. Harold Godwinsson’s Claim to English Throne
Anglo-Saxon assembly selects Edward’s brother-in-law, Harold, as king
By assuming throne Harold breaks his promise

18. Harold Hardrada’s Claim to the English
King of Norway, Hardrada, claims he should inherit the English crown
Love of fighting (beserking)motivates

19. Battle of Stamford Bridge, September 1066
Harold Godwinsson’s army defeats Hardrada’s army
William’s army sets sail for England two days later
Godwinsson’s army must walk to meet them

20. The Battle of Hastings, October 1066
Harold’s army relies on two-handed battle-ax
William’s army uses flurries of arrows
Normans win by faking a retreat and them turning back

21. Importance of the Battle of Hastings
Norman culture dramatically changed Saxon traditions
French words blended with Anglo-Saxon language
Established the feudal system of England

22. King John and the Magna Carta

23. King John, you have angered us by:
Raising taxes and forcing us to buy goods at high prices
Ordering us to build your palaces
Demanding money for your war with France and losing land
Engaging in a quarrel with the Pope

24. King John’s Thoughts
“If I sign this document…I will be giving power to the lords and the English people.”
King John’s Personality
Assumed throne after death of brother, Richard
Nicknamed “Lackland” because he inherited no land from his father
Cruel, ignorant, and unpopular

25. Magna Carta “Great Charter” limited monarch’s power by mandating:
No imprisonment without jury trial
Consultation with lords before taxing
No interference with Church’s authority