1. Germanic Kingdoms Chapter 13, Section 1 1. Who were the Franks? 2. Why was Charles Martel important? 3. How did Charlemagne change Europe?

2. After the Fall of Rome When Rome fell, western Europe was divided into many kingdoms (400-600 CE) The “Middle Ages” last from 500-1500: – Rooted in Roman heritage – Catholic beliefs – Customs of Germanic tribes Some kingdoms took on traditions of old Rome or used their Germanic roots. – Personal loyalty to a local leader replaces central government, economic system In Britain, the Angles and Saxons took over, defeating many groups in their way.

4. Effects of the Fall Disruption of Trade – Invasions by land and sea, business collapses – Cities no longer economic centers, less money Downfall of Cities – Cities abandoned as government centers Population Shifts – Nobles move to country to avoid city dwellers – Agriculture main way of life Decline of Learning – Invaders were illiterate; no formal schools left – Church leaders left as only literate people after a time Loss of Common Language – Latin in original form not understood – New languages evolved from Latin created: French, Spanish, English…

5. The Franks In the 400s CE, a Germanic group called the Franks settled the area that is now France King Clovis became a Catholic in 496 after a battle – won him support of Romans in his kingdom – most Franks became Catholic – Clovis supported by Catholic church United Franks into one kingdom by 511 – family fought over land – nobles, “mayors of the palace” eventually took over

7. Charles “The Hammer” Martel Charles Martel was the most powerful mayor and united the Franks through brutal warfare In 732, Charles Martel led the Franks against Muslim invaders in Spain at the Battle of Tours. – stopped their advance in Europe, allowing it to remain a Christian kingdom – Christianity becomes official religion of Europe Charles passes power to his son, Pepin the Short – Fights Lombards for the Pope, made a king – Begins Carolingian Dynasty (751-987)

8. Top L: Clovis Top R: Charles Martel Bottom L: Pepin Bottom R: Charlemagne Early Frankish Kings

9. Charlemagne Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was Charles Martel’s grandson; reigns 771-814 Helped Pope fight groups threatening Rome – By 800, his kingdom and conquests spread Christianity – Pope crowned him the new Christian, Roman emperor in 800 on Christmas Day—church connected to Germanic tribes and Roman Empire – Kingdom larger than Byzantine Empire

10. Charlemagne created a new capital at Aachen, Germany. – set up new laws, courts, and bureaucracy Started an education rebirth that helped noble and government officials and their children (Carolingian Renaissance) His grandsons split the empire into three parts in the Treaty of Verdun (843) – Loss of power – Leads to growth of feudalism