New Kingdoms of Europe after the Fall of the Roman Empire

Chaos in Europe After the Fall of Rome Germanic tribes all over western Europe –Conquering large areas of land England separates into many small kingdoms Frankish kingdom (France) will also begin to form –Largest of the early kingdoms

The Start of the Frankish Kingdom Around 500, Frankish leaders begin settling in the area now known as France –One early leader was Clovis- later died Charles Martel was a noble under Clovis’ later heirs. –Held a high noble position – mayor –Also had a strong military behind him Martel’s army defeats Muslims at the Battle of Tours in 732 –Stops the spread of Islam into Europe –Made Martel a Christian hero –Gave Martel additional influence

The Carolingian Dynasty Charles Martel dies, leaves power to his son –Son is named king when he comes to protect Pope Starts the Carolingian dynasty of rulers –Carolingian is their family/last name Carolingian dynasty rules from –Martel’s son will die, leaves power to his 2 sons –Eldest son dies –Power then transferred to next son –That son was Charlemagne

The Rule of Charlemagne Known as Charles the Great – Charlemagne –Came to power in 771 –Builds greatest empire since the Roman Empire Unified western Europe for 1 st time since Rome –Conquered many surrounding lands Spread Christianity as his conquered –Empire was bigger than the Byzantine Empire –Became the most powerful king in all of western Europe

Map of Charlemagne’s Empire

The Coronation of Charlemagne Germanic tribes were threatening Rome –Pope asks Charlemagne for protection, he says yes Pope wants to thank Charlemagne for service –Calls him to Rome, doesn’t tell him why Pope coronates (crowns) Charlemagne in 800AD –Named Charlemagne “Roman Emperor” Significant for many reasons –Showed Pope had more power than kings –Showed the joining of Germanic power, the Church and past Roman heritage –Charlemagne did NOT want to be crowned Felt that he was more powerful than Pope

How Charlemagne Controlled the Empire Charlemagne kept power by limiting noble power –Kept them from abusing feudalism –Had Counts that would travel to inspect areas Encouraged people to start learning again –Tutored his children through monastaries –Encouraged monasteries to open schools/ libraries Eventually dies, leaves empire to 3 sons –None are good leaders –Leads to the fall of the Carolingian dynasty

Invasions of Western Europe Invasions were a daily part of life in W. Europe –Partly to blame for fall of Carolingian dynasty Many different invasion groups 3 important invading groups in Europe –Vikings –Magyars –Muslims

Invasions of the Vikings Vikings come from Scandinavia (Norway, etc.) –Made quick attacks from seas, then fled quickly Able to attack quickly due to Viking longboats –Long ships could hold 300 warriors; had 72 oars –Could sail in only 3 ft. of water Made it possible to trade/attack in shallow rivers Traveled all over Europe – Russia, Constantinople –Leif Ericson thought to have gone to America in 1000 Eventually Vikings accept Christianity –Helps them to calm their killer ways –Also makes them settle into communities –Warmer climate in north also helps farming

Magyar and Muslim Invaders Magyars came from SE Europe –Nomadic attackers on horseback, never settled –Attacked all the way to Italy and France Muslims invaded from Middle East and Africa –Tried conquering lands and converting followers –Lost the Battle of Tours and stop trying –Instead they start pillaging (robbing) cities Constant invasions from groups helped to strengthen the feudalistic society and practice