Germanic Kingdoms Unite Under Charlemagne

Chapter 13 Section 1

III Germanic People Adopt Christianity• Church alliance with Franks help convert many

Germanic ppl– Fear of coastal attacks in southern Europe caused

many to convert

A. Monasteries and Convents• Built by church to adapt

to rural conditions– Monks give up private

possessions• Benedict writes book of

strict & practical rules for monasteries

• Monasteries became best educated com.– Venerable Bede writes

history of England

Gregory I Expands Power• Gregory I= Gregory the

Greatpope– Papacy becomes secular (worldly)

power involved in pol.• Popes palace= center of roman

gov’t– Gregory the Great begins acting as

mayor of Rome• Idea of churchly kingdom ruled by

the pope becomes theme of Mid. Ages– Secular rulers set themselves up to

expand their own kingdom

IV European Empire Evolves• Under leadership of Clovis, the Franks control largest

European kingdom in former Roman province of Gaul– By time of Clovis’ death they take over much of what is now

France• Strengthened the Merovingian Dynasty

A. Clovis’ Decedents• Major Domo= mayor of the palace– Mayor of the palace ruled the kingdom

• Charles Martel expands Franks’ reign by defeating Muslim army of Spain– If Muslims won, western Europe would

have become part of muslim Empire• Pepin the Short= Charles Martel’s son– Fought Lumbards on behalf of church

• Pope nnoints him “king by grace of god” marking the beg. Of Carolingian Dynasty

B. Charlemagne Extends Frankish Rule

• Pepin Dies leaving power to his son Charles & Carloman– Charles the Great AKA Charlemagne seized control

of the entire kingdom• Nearly Doubles the size of Frankish kingdom