1. Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire
Rome rises again

2. After the fall of Rome
Europe dominated a multitude of “barbarian” societies
Constantly at war with each other.
Travel became unsafe.
Wealthy families moved to the countryside and built fortified homes.

3. Barbarian tribes in Europe

4. The Franks The largest Germanic kingdom belonged to the Franks
Modern day France
Charles Martel (leader of the Franks) stopped the Muslims from taking over Europe at Battle of Tours in 732
Charles grandson, Charlemagne, became king in 768

5. Charlemagne
Charlemagne enlarged his kingdom to include France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Northern Italy
Became known as the Carolingian Empire
Made education a major focus of society
In 800, Charlemagne traveled to Rome to save the Pope from a mob
the Pope crowned him the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
Separate from the Byzantine Empire
After his death, Charlemagne’s heirs would rule poorly, and the Empire would be divided once more.