War and Empire of the Middle Ages By: Sarah MacDonald

Questions What kingdom did Charlemagne drive out of Italy? How many years did Charlemagne fight the Avars for? What was Charlemagne mission or goal? When was Charlemagne death?

Charlemagne War Charlemagne attacked the Slavs (another kingdom like the Franks) forcing some to join his army or some to pay him in annual tribute. In 768 Charlemagne became the king of Franks. He conquered France, then marched over the Alps to Italy, where he drove out the Lombard’s and then had control if Italy. Charlemagne and his armies fought the Avars for eight years before conquering them. Charlemagne thought he could force people to believe. So he fought with the Saxon Chieftain, Widukind for many years. But each time the Saxons surrendered they would be back the next day. They would surrender then Charlemagne would only have to turn his back once for the Saxon's to turn and fight Charlemagne’s army. Charlemagne’s mission Charlemagne’s mission was to restore the might and grandeur of the Old Roman Empire, except by ruling with Christian, German power.

Charlemagne Empire Half of the Country Germany belonged to the Franks. Charlemagne’s saw himself the leader of all Christians. Always kept himself informed about everything in the kingdom also made sure directions were well written down. Roman Pope proclaimed Charlemagne the New Roman Empire. Charlemagne’s death was in 814. Then the empire was shared among Charlemagne’s three grandsons in the form of Germany, France and Italy.

Questions What was the knights first duty? What did the winner of the tournament get as a prize? What does a knight have to know to behave?

Knights Knights first duty was to fight for God and for Christendom Knights demonstrate courage and skill in Chivalry or tournaments they gathered to test their strengths. The object of the game is to try to knock your opponent off of their horse with a blunted staff. The winner of the tournament gets a prize presented by the lady of the house usually a garland of flowers. Knights have to behave moderate which means to have good manners they also should know music and poetry and have good manners.

Questions When was Feudalism created? What did the kings divide their lands into? What was the oath that vassals swore to their king?

Feudalism Around 800 A.D. a system of government called Feudalism was created. To control their lands, kings divided them into fiefs, which are land a king or other powerful landowner would give to nobles. These nobles are also called vassals. Vassals swear an oath of fealty to their king. They promise to be loyal to the king, to fight for him in war, and to help keep the peace in the kingdom.

Questions What soldiers were protecting the town? What did the crusaders want to do when they got to Jerusalem?

The Crusades The Crusaders were under the leadership of the French knight Godfrey of Bouillion a great army set off along Danube in 1096, first they went to Constantinople and then to the Asia Minor towards Palestine all of the members of the army wore red badges which represented the crusades. After long years of battles and unimaginable hardships they reached the walls and were so happy that they started praying to god and kissing the dirt in Jerusalem. Then they fought the Arab soldiers who were defending the walls of the town.

Summary of the Crusades Therefore once the Crusades took over Jerusalem that was heavily guarded by the Arab soldiers. They tried to bring back the might of the Christian religion but did not achieve what they wanted to do, which was to liberate the land where Christ's cross once stood.