1. The Franks!

2. The Franks

3. Clovis Ruled a small kingdom
Drove out Romans and Visigoths back into Spain
Converted to Christianity, so did his warriors
At his death in 511, his kingdom was split between his four sons
The “do-nothing” kings

4. Pepin Mayor under the do-nothings
Gained land and enhanced cooperation with the church
His son, Charles, inherited office of mayor

5. Charles Martel Stopped Muslim advances in 732
Basically saved Northern Europe for Christianity
Forever known as Charles Martel (the hammer)

6. Pepin the Short Son of Charles Martel
Went to the Pope to determine whether he, or do-nothings, should be legal ruler of the Franks
Pope approved of Pepin
First of the Carolingians
In exchange, Pepin defends the Pope in Italy
Forces the Lombards to surrender part of their land
“The Donation of Pepin” - this land becomes the Papal States
Gives Pepin legitimacy and full support of the Pope

8. Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
Son of Pepin the Short
Completely defeats Lombards in 774
Empire grows to be most of Western Europe
Christianity spreads with it
Revival in learning – schools flourish, education is seen as very important

9. Charlemagne’s Motivation
Many versions of Bible
-- How to know what God wants?
Poor Pronunciation (Latin  French)
-- How to tell God what you want?
(God speaks Latin) 9 9

10. Charlemagne’s Goals Accurate Latin Bible, prayer books and liturgy
Elevate literacy in Latin, especially amongst clergy
-- Side effect: Roman classics were recopied, studied, enjoyed. However: “roses on the thornbush.” 10 10

11. Charlemagne 800 – crowned by Pope during Christmas mass Roman emperor
Ideal that Rome still existed
Emperor given position by God
Also signified power of Pope
Popes and kings, both, claimed supreme authority

12. Decline Following his death, Louis the Pious takes over
Weak and incapable of ruling
At his death, empire splits among three sons
Louis the German
Lothair
Charles the Bald

13. Treaty of Verdun, 843

14. Decline
Fighting amongst brothers weakened and destabilized the ENTIRE REGION
Invasions from various groups