Main Idea
Many Germanic kingdoms that succeeded the Roman Empire were reunited under Charlemagne's empire.
Why it matters
Charlemagne spread Christian civilization through Northern Europe, where it had a permanent impact.
The gradual decline of the Roman Empire ushered in an era of European history called the
Middle Ages or medieval period
What were the three roots of medieval culture in western europe?
1. the classical heritage of Rome
2. the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church
3. the customs of various German tribes
What are three ways that civilization in western europe declined after the Roman Empire fell?
1. Invasions
2. decline of learning
3. Loss of a common language
In the Roman province of Gaul, a Germanic people called the _________ held power.
Franks
Who was Clovis and what did he do?
the leader of the Franks who would bring Christianity to the region.
What was the most important event in the unification of the Germanic kingdoms? Why?
Adopting Christianity. But why?
monasteries
religious communities built by the church. Christian men called monks gave up their private possessions and devoted their lives to serving god. Women who followed this way of life were called nuns.
secular
power involved in politics,
What was the most important achievement of Pope Gregory I?
He broadened the role of the pope beyond his spiritual role, under Gregory I the papacy also became secular. The pope now has power beyond religious, he or has worldly power, power in politics
Carolingian Dynasty
Pepin cooperated with the Pope and the church named him, "king by the grace of god" Thus began his family dynasty that would rule the Franks from 751-987
Charlemagne or Charles the Great
Pepin's son who built an empire greater than any known since ancient Rome. At his coronation he was given the title "Roman Emperor" which signaled the joining of Germanic Power, the Church and heritage of the Roman Empire.
How was the relationship between a Frankish king and the pope beneficial to both?
On behalf of the pope, Pepin agreed to fight the Lombards, who had invaded italy and threatened Rome, inexchange, the pope appointed Pepin "king by the grace of god" Thus begun the Carolingian Dynasty, the family that would rule the Franks from 751-987
Why was Charles Martel's victory at the Battle of Tours so important for Christianity?
If the Muslims had won, western Europe might have become part of the Muslim Empire.
What was Charlemagne's greatest achievement?
One of his greatest achievements was the encouragement of learning. He surrounded himself with scholars, built a palace school and ordered monasteries to open schools.
Treaty of Verdun
Charlemagne's heirs signed this treaty which divides the Empire into three kingdoms thus ending the Carolingian Dynasty and leading to feudalism