Socials 8 Medieval 3 - Charlemagne Flashcards
Who was most responsible for rebuilding Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire?
Charlemagne in 768CE
The Merovingian rulers had so little power by 700’s CE that they were known as the…
“Do nothing kings”
How were Charlemagne’s interests different from other rulers?
He wanted to improve people’s lives and society
What did Charlemagne believe about leadership?
That if you keep society’s best interests at heart civilization will develop
What qualities did Charlemagne have as a leader?
Intelligence and power
How did Charlemagne restore peace?
By military force
What interesting place did Charlemagne conquer?
Rome, and was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 CE
What was Charlemagne’s Empire called?
Carolingian Empire
What was the benefit of the Carolingian Empire?
It gave Europe some peace from the civil wars after the collapse of the Roman Empire
How did the Carolingian Empire differ from the Roman Empire?
smaller, people lived in small villages and fortified towns not cities, trade improved but nowhere near Roman levels, did not include Mediterranean shipping
What nowadays country was the center of the Carolingian Empire?
Germany. Charlemagne ruled from a place called Aachen
What is Christianity?
the Christian religion which in modern times includes Catholic and Protestant churches
What is a counterfeiter?
A person who makes illegal copies
What is a renaissance?
a rebirth or revival, especially in the arts
Who were Missi dominici and what did they do?
Charlemagne’s ‘lord’s messengers’ travelled around making sure people were being treated fairly
How did Charlemagne expect peasants to be treated?
Fairly
Who owned the land under Charlemagne’s rule?
The warrior lords who fought for him
How did the land owners treat peasants, despite Charlemagne’s wishes?
They exploited them and used them
Was Charlemagne a kind ruler?
Not always, when he beat the Saxon’s after a long battle, and they would not convert to Christianity, he had his soldiers kill 4000 in one day!!!
What did Charlemagne understand about money and currency?
That his success depended on a strong economy and stable trade
How did Charlemagne change currency?
new coins called denarius which he guaranteed, he had severe punishments for counterfeiters (people who made fake money)
How did Charlemagne protect trade?
Set standard weights and measures for markets, rebuilt roads and bridges for trade routes, protected Jewish traders who travelled a great deal, and supported markets
How did Charlemagne feel about education?
It was important. He had his sons and daughters educated, he built schools in monasteries
What is the Carolingian Renaissance?
A new rebirth of intellect, learning, and new ideas. The rebirth of learning and the arts.
How did Charlemagne affect buildings?
He had many new churches and palaces built in France and Germany
What happened after Charlemagne died?
He died at 72 after ruling for 47 years, and his empire fell apart because of fighting amongst his descendants who could not fight off the Vikings.
