Chap 13.1 Slides Flashcards
Where did the Frankish Empire rule? When?
•By 800s Franks ruled much of western, central Europe
What was the family that lead the Frankish empire?
•Leaders most influential in expansion of Franks all belonged to one family—the Carolingians
Who was one of the first powerful Carolingian?
What did he accomplish?
- One of first powerful Carolingian was Charles Martel
- Political adviser, war leader for Frankish king
- Led Frankish army in many crushing defeats of opponents, notably Muslims
Who was the ruler after Charles Martel?
What did he become?
- Charles’s son, Pippin III, also skilled leader; won many battles, captured new lands for Franks
- Became first king of Carolingian dynasty, 751
Who ruled after Pippin?
•Upon death, 768, Pippin passed kingdom to son, ruler known today as Charlemagne
How did Charlemagne Rise to Power?
- Charlemagne, Old French for Charles the Great
- Great leader
- One of the most important leaders in European history
- Foundation of success, his military power
How did Charlemagne increase the Kingdom?
- Assembled army and fought on front line
- Formed alliances with local rulers
- In this way Charlemagne increased size and power of Carolingian kingdom
Who called on Charlemagne to protect the kingdom?
Pope Leo III
What did Pope Leo III ask Charlemagne to do?
•Recognized Charlemagne’s skill, called on him for help when Lombards attacked Papal States, 774
What did Charlemagne do?
•Franks defeated Lombards; Charlemagne became king of Lombards as well as Franks
How else did Charlemagne help Pope Leo III?
- 799, called on Charlemagne again when angry supporters of previous pope ran Leo out of Rome
- Charlemagne had Leo escorted back to Rome, restored to power
How did Pope Leo III reward Charlemagne?
•Pope Leo III thanked Charlemagne by naming him emperor of Holy Roman Empire
Why was title of emperor of Holy Roman Empire important?
- Title implied Charlemagne had restored glory of Roman Empire in Europe
- Pope’s action suggested that Charlemagne’s rule had backing of church, God
How did Charlemagne rule?
- Charlemagne had tremendous power as emperor
- Empire large, not easy to rule; changes made government efficient, effective
- Established permanent capital at Aachen, in what is now Germany
How did Charlemagne Delegate Authority?
- Built huge palace, cathedral to reflect own greatness
- Chose counts, rule parts of empire in his name (county)
- Counts bound to obey, granted land, given much authority