The Carolingian Empire Flashcards
When did it take place?
From 752 to 987
Who were they?
They were a Frankish empire in western and eastern europe. They took the throne of the Holy Roman Empire from 800 to 924.
Past reigns?
It was ruled by the Carolingian dynasty, which had reigned as Frankish monarchs since 751 and as Lombard kings in Italy since 774.
Who was Charlemagne?
He was the man that the Carolingian empire was named after, and he managed to unify what now is france, germany and italy. He came into power in 768.
When did they take northern italy? How was italy divided after this?
The north was under the Frankish rule, The center was ruled by the Pope, South was ruled by the Byzantines.
When was Charlemagne crowned as emperor of the Romans?
Christmas day in the year 800
What were the results of Charlemagne becoming emperor?
The birth of the Holy Roman Empire, in detail: Him ruling merged a bunch of territories and populations under one flag, the majority of the cultures merged include: Latin Culture, Christianity, and Germanic Culture.
How was the Empire run?
It was split into territories(counties) that were each ruled by friends, or counts, of Charlemagne. It was run like the United States, where each state has its own laws and policies, within reason. Counties were protected by the empire, and the counts would report to Charlemagne how it was going with their respective counties, and Charlemagne would check on them as well.
How was society organized?
There were 3 main social groups: The Clergy, The Aristocracy, and Peasants. Clergies were lords of cities, aristocrats were landowners and managed the army, the peasants ran the country, providing labor, cultivating plants.
What was culture like in the empire?
Charlemagne purposefully chose people who were cultured and educated to rule, together. they formed the Palatine School. In monasteries, he made schools in them that taught writing, reading, and counting. A new type of writing was made as well, called Carolina.
How was the military run?
Nobles made up the leaders and captains, from a young age, they are trained. Once they got strong enough, they went into the care of a lord as a squire, and when they have trained sufficiently, they are made knights. When there is a war, all counties provide soldiers.
In the 900 century, knights were set in place to protect the poor, and in general, protect the people against the rising wave of banditry.