Aim: How was Western Europe organized politically after the Fall of Rome?

Do Now: Evaluate the “before” and “after” maps of Europe. Describe what is happening?

Warm-UpImagine all of the schools, colleges, libraries and computers were destroyed. Now imagine all the teachers and doctors quit because no one was paying them. What would the world be like? Take 5-10 minutes to write a paragraph about this.

Merchants faced invasions on land and sea. Businesses collapsed and money became scarce.

European cities declined as centers of trade.

People retreated to rural areas (countryside). Roman cities were left without strong leaders.

Literacy rates dropped dramatically. Few people except priests and other Church officials were able to read. Most Greco-Roman learning was forgotten.As German-speaking people mixed with the Roman population, Latin began to change into the languages we know today such as French, Spanish and Italian. Latin was no longer a unifying force within Europe.

Disruption of Trade Downfall of Cities

Population Shifts

Decline of Learning

Loss of a Common Language

The Effects of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Disruption of Trade Merchants faced invasions on land and sea. Businesses collapsed and money became scarce.

Downfall of Cities European cities declined as centers of trade.Population Shifts People retreated to rural areas (countryside).

Roman cities were left without strong leaders.Decline of Learning Literacy rates dropped dramatically. Few people

except priests and other Church officials were able to read. Most Greco-Roman learning was forgotten.

Loss of a Common Language

As German-speaking people mixed with the Roman population, Latin began to change into the languages we know today such as French, Spanish and Italian. Latin was no longer a unifying force within Europe.

The Effects of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Franks Come to PowerGermanic people lived in small communities bound by personal loyalty rather than to a leader of an Empire. Lead by Clovis, the Franks gain control of what is today France. Clovis converts to Christianity. The Frankish Kingdom and the Christian Church form a strategic alliance.

Germanic People Adopt ChristianityThe Germanic Kingdoms played a critical role in the spread of Christianity across Europe. The Merovingian and Carolingian Dynasties rule.

Charlemagne Takes the ThroneCharlemagne built an empire that was the strongest that Europe had experienced since Rome. He expanded his empire and united the people of Europe.

Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman EmperorAfter defending the Pope from an unruly mob in Rome, the Pope crowned Charlemagne “Roman Emperor”. This was significant because a Church official had claimed the right to grant a political title to a European King.

Charlemagne’s RuleCharlemagne limited the power of the Nobles and closely watched over his government. He encouraged learning and opened schools to train new priests and monks. His three sons could not keep his Empire together, and central rule broke down.

Clovis & the FranksGaul (present-day France & Switzerland)Franks held powerClovis was the leader; brought Christianity to the region496: Clovis prayed to the Christian God for help in battle; they won; they convertedChurch in Rome welcomed his conversion and supported his campaigns against other Germanic tribes511: Clovis united the Franks into one kingdom – The Merovingian DynastyWhy do we care?

Clovis + Roman Church = the beginning of a marriage of political and religious institutions

Carolingian DynastyCharles Martel (Charles the Hammer) 686-741 – Stopped the Muslim Moors at the Battle of Tours in 732

Ruled from 751-987

Started by Pepin the Short

Son, Charles, ruled the kingdom after him

Charles became known as Charlemagne (Charles the Great)

The Battle of Tours - 732

Frankish King – 771-814 CECreated administrative units

and approved military governors.

Used “Missi Domini” (messengers) to report on affairs.

Ruled with the sword.

Converted conquered peopleTo Christianity.

Pope Leo III crowned him asHoly Roman Emperor.Built Many Churches.

Most people were poor and illiterate -

Peasants, nobles, clergy.Encouraged trade and learning.

Studied Latin, Greek, rhetoric, logicastronomy, grammar, math, music -

Liberal Arts Curriculum.Monasteries had scriptoriums.

United all Germanic PeopleModern France, Belgium,

Holland, Switzerland.Most of Germany, Spain, Italy

Main City - Aachen

Blended Roman past, Germanic life and Christianity – foundation of European Society.

First Emperor of Holy Roman Empire.Standardized coins, writing style – Use of Latin.

Uniform religious practices and culture (primogeniture).

On Christmas Day in 800, while Charlemagne knelt in prayer in

Saint Peter’s in Rome, Pope Leo III placed a golden crown on the

bowed head of the king. Charlemagne is said to have

been surprised by the coronation, declaring that he would not have come into the

church had he known the pope’s plan. However, some

historians say the pope would not have dared to act without Charlemagne's knowledge.

The Coronation of Charlemagne

What was the impact of this event?

Charlemagne’s HeirsSon Louis the Pious succeeded him

Devoutly religious but politically ineffective

Charlemagne’s three grandsons fought each other for control and essentially divided it with the signing of the Treaty of Verdun in 843.Carolingian kings lost power, and central authority broke downLack of strong rulers led to new system of governing and landholding: feudalism

Charlemagne