Charlemagne and the Franks

1
Charlemagne and the Franks

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify effects of the fall of Rome as well as
  the rise of Charlemagne and the Franks.
• Students will be able to identify and/or define
  the following terms
• Effects of the Fall of Rome
• Franks
• Charlemagne
• Feudalism

2
The fall of Rome brought many important changes
to Western Europe.
3
Effects of the Fall of Rome

• Germanic tribes took over Roman lands.
• Hundreds of little kingdoms took the place of the
  Western Roman Empire in Europe.
• Initially, there was no system for collecting
  taxes.
• Kingdoms were always at war with one another.
• People lost interest in learning.

4
Warfare increased. Trade decreased. The Dark
Ages began.
5
The Dark Ages

• Historians call the period following the fall of
  Rome the Dark Ages.
• Formerly, this period is known as the beginning
  of the Middle Ages.
• It was a time of increased warfare, decreased
  trade, and a decline in learning.

6
Clovis was an important king of the Franks.
The Franks were one of the largest Germanic tribes
.
7
Clovis and the Franks

• In A.D. 481, Clovis united the Franks and became
  their king.
• Clovis converted to the Roman Catholic faith.
• Essentially, the Franks blended Germanic and
  Roman cultural practices.

8
Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768
A.D. He conquered a vast empire and tried to
recreate the glory of the Roman Empire.
9
Charlemagne

• Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768 A.D.
  He tried to recreate the glory of the Roman
  Empire.
• He conquered a vast empire and was proclaimed
  Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III.
• He gave land to his nobles in exchange for their
  loyalty and military service.

10
Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman
Emperor.
11
During his reign, Charlemagne tried to recreate
the Roman Empire. However, after his death, the
empire declined.
12
The Rise of Feudalism

• While Charlemagnes descendants were not able to
  recreate the glory of the Roman Empire, the
  Franks did greatly affect life in the Middle
  Ages.
• Indeed, the Frankish practice of giving land to
  nobles in exchange for loyalty and military
  service spread throughout Western Europe.

13
Life during the Middle Ages was based on a series
of exchanges. Lesser Lords obeyed more powerful
Lords in exchange for land.
14
Questions for Reflection

• Why did historians call the early Middle Ages the
  Dark Ages?
• Who was Clovis and how did his conversion affect
  the Franks?
• Why did Pope Leo III crown Charlemagne Holy
  Roman Emperor?
• Define feudalism.
• How is feudalism different from other political
  systems?