1. Aim: Identify Charlemagne & Describe His Empire

2. An Empire Evolves
After Roman Empire dissolved, small kingdoms sprang up all over Europe
Ex: England splits into 7 kingdoms
Franks controlled the largest and strongest of Europe’s kingdoms 2

3. Charles Martel Emerges
700- the major domo- Mayor of the place becomes most powerful person in Frankish Kingdom
719- Mayor was Charles Martel
Martel extended Franks’ reign to the North, South, & East
732- Defeats Muslim raiders from Spain at Battle of Tours
Victory made him Christian hero
At his death, Martel passed power to son (Pepin the Short)
This began the Carolingian Dynasty
Family ruled Franks ( ) 3

4. Charlemagne Becomes Emperor
768- Peppin’s sons rule Franks
One son dies, brother rules (Charles)
Charles known as Charlemagne
Means Charles the Great
Charlemagne conquered new lands
Through conquests, Charlemagne spreads Christianity
Reunited Western Europe
800- Travels to Rome
Pope Leo III crowns him emperor
To govern empire, sends out royal agents
Greatest Accomplishment
Encouragement of learning
Surrounded self with English, German, Italian, and Spanish scholars 4

5. Charlemagne’s Heirs Charlemagne left son (Louis the Pious) in his rule
Ineffective ruler
Had three sons who fought for control of empire
Lothair, Charles the Bald, and Louis the German
Treaty of Verdun
Three sons divide the Empire
Result: Carolingian Kings lost power and central authority broke down
Lack of strong central rulers led to new system of government:
FEUDALISM 5