1. Early Middle Ages About 500 CE-1000 CE Also called:
Dark Ages, Medieval Times
Decline from the achievements of the Romans and Greeks

2. Early Rulers
There was a lack of leadership after the fall of the empire
In Western Europe the FRANKS become the dominant group

3. Frankish Leaders Merovingian Family are the first rulers
Clovis(481ce–511 ce) is the greatest of the kings
Great expansion of empire
Founded France and Paris
After his death the empire began to weaken
Empire divided by 3 sons

4. Decline of Merovingians
Became known as the “do-nothing kings”
One family emerged:
Charles Martel became famous for defeating the Muslims at the Battle of Tours in 732
His son, Pepin the Short overthrew the last of the Merovingians and became King of the Franks

5. The “Greatest!!”
Charles the Great or CHARLEMAGNE became king after his father’s (Pepin) death
What makes a great leader?
Read pages 25-26
Based on our discussion of leadership, was Charlemagne a “great leader” and why?