8th-13th Centuries (700s-1200s) Flashcards
Charles Martel, Charlemagne and the foundation of France
Who was Charles Martel and why is he significant? (c. 688-741)
Charles Martel “The Hammer” was de facto ruler of the Frankish Kingdom. He is noted for his victory at the Battle of Tours (732), which halted the Umayyad Muslim advance into Western Europe.
What is the Battle of Tours and why is it significant? (732)
The Frankish victory at the battle is credited with stopping the northward expansion of Islam into Christian Western Europe and is considered one of the most important battles in world history.
What was the Carolingian Renaissance and why is it significant? (c.8-9th century)
The Carolingian Renaissance, signified by Charlemagne in the late 8th century, revived learning, standardized Latin, and promoted the copying of classical texts, laying the foundation for medieval European education.
Who was Charlemagne and why is he significant? (r.768-814)
Charlemagne’s rule from 768 marked the expansion and consolidation of the Frankish kingdom, eventually leading to his coronation as Emperor in 800
What is the familial relation between Charles Martel and Charlemagne?
Charles Martel was the grandfather of Charlemagne. Charles Martel was the father of Pepin the Short, who was Charlemagne’s father.
What was Charlemagne crowned as in 800 by Pope Leo III and why is that significant?
“Karolus Imperator Augustus”, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III marking the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire and symbolizing the revival of the Western Roman Empire under Carolingian rule.
His title in full: Karolus serenissimus augustus a deo coronatus magnus pacificus imperator Romanum gubernans imperium, qui et per misercordiam dei rex francorum atque langobardorum
In English: Charles, most serene Augustus, crowned by God, great peaceful emperor governing the Roman empire, and who is by the mercy of God king of the Franks and the Lombard
What was the Treaty of Verdun and why was it significant? (843)
The Treaty of Verdun divided the Carolingian Empire among Charlemagne’s grandsons into three parts, laying the groundwork for the formation of modern France, Germany, and Italy.
Who was King Louis V and what is his significance? (r.979-987)
King Louis V, the Do-Nothing King, was the last Carolingian king of France. His impotent reign marked the end of the Carolingian dynasty. His death led to the election of Hugh Capet as king, establishing the Capetian dynasty.
Who is Hugh Capet and why is he significant? (r.987-996)
Hugh Capet was crowned King of the Franks from 987 to 996, founding the House of Capet which would rule France for over 800 years. His election to this role laid the foundation for the French nation-state.
Who was William the Conqueror and why is he significant? (r.1066-1087)
William the Conqueror, originally the Duke of Normandy, became the first Norman King of England after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. His conquest intertwined England with the fortunes of Normandy and France.
Q: What was the Council of Clermont and what is its significance? (1095)
The Council of Clermont, convened by Pope Urban II in 1095, marked the beginning of the First Crusade, calling for Christian knights to reclaim the Holy Land.
Clermont is a city in the Duchy of Aquitaine.
How did feudalism solidify in France during the 11th century?
By the 11th century, feudalism became entrenched in French society, with local lords exercising significant power over their territories and vassals, contributing to the decentralized political structure.
How did William the Conqueror have a claim on the English throne?
William the Bastard was the grandson of Edward’s maternal uncle, Richard II of Normandy. He was a first cousin, once removed, so distantly related.
Which crusade did King Phillip II Augustus partake in and what is his significance? (r.1180-1223)
Philip II Augustus participated in the Third Crusade (1189-1192). He initially joined forces with Richard the Lionheart of England but returned to France before the crusade’s conclusion.
Who was Louis IX and what is his significance? (r.1226-1270)
Saint Louis (Louis IX), King of France led both the Seventh Crusade (1248-1254) and the Eighth Crusade (1270). He was known for his piety and efforts to capture Jerusalem, but both crusades ended in failure.
