Charlemagne and Medieval Europe Flashcards
What does the term ‘medieval’ mean?
It comes from the Latin meaning ‘middle’.
What are the Middle Ages also known as?
The dark ages.
What were the Germanic kingdoms formed from?
Early barbarian tribes.
What characterized the communities of the Germanic tribes?
Small communities with unwritten customs.
Who led the Germanic tribes?
Kings and warrior nobles based on loyalty.
What was the most successful Germanic kingdom?
The Franks.
What were some results of the Germanic invasions?
- Trade declined
- Roads, bridges, and cities fell into disrepair
- Formal laws became rare
- Little formal learning except in monasteries
- Loss of common language due to many dialects.
Who united the Franks?
King Clovis I.
What major religious conversion did the Franks undergo?
They converted to Catholicism.
What dynasty did Clovis I found?
The Merovingian dynasty.
Who was known as ‘Charles the Hammer’?
Charles Martel.
What position did Charles Martel hold in 714 CE?
Mayor of the Palace (majordomo).
What significant battle did Charles Martel win, and when?
The battle of Tours in 732.
Who was Pepin the Short?
Charles Martel’s son and a strict Catholic.
What did the Church do for Pepin the Short?
Anointed him ‘King by the Grace of God’.
What dynasty did Pepin the Short found?
The Carolingian dynasty.
Who was Charlemagne?
The son of Pepin the Short.
What was Charlemagne’s reign period?
768-815.
What did Charlemagne extend and encourage?
- Frankish empire
- Spread Christianity
- Encouraged learning.
What significant event occurred on Christmas day in 800 CE?
Charlemagne was crowned by Pope Leo III.
What title did Charlemagne earn?
Holy Roman Emperor.
What happened to secular authority during Charlemagne’s time?
It declined while church authority grew.
What role did monasteries play in preserving culture?
They preserved Greco-Roman culture and achievements.
What did missionaries bring to the Germanic tribes?
Christianity and the Latin alphabet.
