1. Chapter 13: European Middle Ages

2. Chapter 13 Overview

3. Section 1: Charlemagne Unites Germanic Kingdoms
Middle Ages: 500 – 1500
Roots in
classical heritage of Rome (and thus, Greece)
beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church
customs of various Germanic tribes
5th Century: took over western Roman Emp.
Disrupted trade
Cities abandoned
Population shifts—now more rural

4. Effects on Language, Learning from Germanic Invasions
Levels of learning dropped
German speaking peoples + Latin
Very few could still read/write Latin/Greek
Changed Latin, as it mixed with local langs.
Priests and a few officials were literate
Thus French, Spanish, other Romantic langs.
Germanic tribes rich in oral tradition, though

5. Germanic Kingdoms Merge
German peoples had loyalty to family; lived in small communities – very different than Romans
Germanic chiefs led bands in wartime
During peace, lived together where chief provided for them
Loyalty to local leader only—not emperor/king
Clovis
Frankish leader (Franks are French, Swiss)
Converted to Christianity on the battlefield
Army also converted
United Franks into one kingdom
Made an alliance with Church (pope)

6. Germans Adopt Christianity
Monasteries (and convents) for monks and nuns
Live away from regular life
Study the world
Live in poverty
Study Word, serve God, copy Bible
Benedict (Benedictines) started a particular order w/specific rules, dress, etc.
Others include Franciscans, Augustinians, etc.
Pope Gregory I turned papacy into a secular power involved in politics
Spent money on armies, buildings, helped poor, negotiated treaties, more
Pope Gregory I leads a plague procession praying for respite from the plague: 15th Century.

7. An Empire Evolves Europe mostly divided into kingdoms
I really prefer the sword over the hammer…
Europe mostly divided into kingdoms
Major domo: “mayor of the palace”
Most powerful person in Frankish kingdom
Led armies, controlled money, ruled kingdom
Charles Martel
Defended Christian kingdoms (Christendom) from Muslim raiders (from Spain) in Battle of Tours in 732
Prevent western Euro from becoming Islamic
Son Pepin the Short fought Lombards
Called “king by the grace of God” 
Carolingian Dynasty ruled Franks from

8. Charlemagne Charles the Great Pepin’s son Tall!
Built largest empire since Rome
Spread Christianity when conquered
Reunited western Europe
By 800—empire larger than Byzantine
Was crowned “Roman Emperor” by Pope Leo III
Political power of a pope?!

9. Was he all that “Great”? Limited power of nobles
Send out royal agents, but also traveled himself
“Just rule is a must!”
Encouraged learning
Scholars from all over Europe
Created a palace school
Monastic schools opened
So the answer to the question………….. YES!
Right before he died, left crown to his son.
His sons divided empire into 3 kingdoms…uh oh…lost power and feudalism develops.