1. European Empire

2. Evolution of an Empire
Many small kingdoms began to show up all over Europe
Franks control largest kingdom
By 700 the mayor of the palace becomes most powerful person
719 Charles Martel becomes the mayor of the palace
Extended Frank’s kingdom to the north, south, and east
Upon his death he gave his title to Pepin the Short (his son)
Pepin didn’t get a long with the Pope too well
Did agree to fight the Lombards however
Threatening Italy and Rome
Pepin is named “king by the grace of God” = began the Carolingian Dynasty

3. Charlemagne
Pepin dies and leaves power to his 2 sons (Carloman and Charles)
Carloman dies and all power goes to Charles
Becomes known as Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
Built greatest empire since ancient Rome
Spread Christianity through conquering
Went to Rome to help Pope (being attacked)
Was named emperor by the Pope
First time this had ever happened

4. Government under Charlemagne
Limited authority to the nobles
Strengthened his power
Sent royal agents to govern the empire
Regularly visited every part of his kingdom
Judged, settled disputes, rewarded the faithful

5. Revival and the End Encouraged learning
Opened a palace school
Ordered monasteries to open schools
Expanded their libraries
Right before he died Charlemagne crowns his only surviving son (Louis the Pious)
Was a very ineffective ruler
Louis left the empire to his 3 sons
Constantly fought for control
Brought civil war
Ended by the brothers signing the Treaty of Verdun
divided the empire into 3 kingdoms

6. Feudalism

7. The Beginnings
After the Treaty of Verdun the 3 sons broke the empire up even further
Lands become battle ground for attacking groups
Led to feudalism
Military and political system based on land ownership and personal loyalty

8. New Invasions 800 – 1000 invasions begin to destroy the empire
Muslims seized Sicily and raided Italy
The Vikings set sail from Scandinavia
Worshiped warlike gods
Had names like Eric Bloodaxe and Thorfinn Skullsplitter
Hit and run tactics (very quick)
Used huge ships (could hold up to 300 warriors)
They would loot villages and monastaries

10. Magyars and Muslims Europe becomes the target
Magyars attack from the East
Did not settle conquered land -> captured people for slavery
Muslims attack from the South
Attacks caused disorder
Leaders who could defend themselves gained loyalty and attracted people

11. Feudalism Structure
Fight between Rollo (Viking leader) and Charles the Simple (King of France)
Charles grants Vikings land known as Northmen’s land
Rollo pledges allegiance in return
Feudal system based on loyalty in return for protection

12. **Serfs could not lawfully leave the place where they were born**
**Were not slaves (could not be bought or sold)

13. Manor System Manor = Lord’s estate
Manor system becomes basic economic arrangement
Rested on a set of rights and obligations between a lord and a serf
Lord provided serfs with housing, land, and protection in return for labor and maintenance