Mindset #33• Read Sections “Merovingian Rulers” &

“Charlemagne’s Realm” pgs. 113-114 and answer the following questions in complete sentences.

• Why was Clovis important?• Who was “Charles the Hammer?” What did

his victory ensure about Christianity? • Who was Charlemagne? Describe three of his

accomplishments.

The Church• During the Middle Ages

the Catholic Church dominated all of society.

• The pope became the strongest political leader in western Europe.

• To strengthen the Medieval Church, power was given to bishops, priests, monks and nuns.

Monks and Missionaries• In 529, a Roman official named Benedict

founded a monastery. • Within Benedictine Rule, the life of monks

was one of poverty, chastity, and obedience.• Women lived as nuns and alternated prayer

with activities like spinning, weaving, and sewing.

• Monasteries and convents provided schools, hospitals, shelter, agriculture and other job training.

Church Reform• A church council declared political leaders could no

longer choose the pope. Instead, the pope would be elected by a gathering of cardinals

• Pope Gregory VII: believed the pope should have complete control over all church officials

• Innocent III: laid strict rules for the clergy and took action to stop the spread of denial within the church

• Francis of Assisi: founded The Franciscans and was known for their devotion to God and their respect for nature.

The Inquisition• Heresy: denial of church

teachings• To find and punish people

who practiced heresy, the church set up the Inquisition.

• The Inquisition accused people and forced them to seek forgiveness; showed power of the church.

Rise of Monarchies • After Charlemagne’s reign, European monarchs

were the primary rulers. Their lands and power were gradually lost to nobles; however, monarchs still built strong states after 1100 AD.

• In order to learn about this change, you will read about these monarchs in a group of three

1. England – pg. 120-1212. France – pg. 1223. The Holy Roman Empire – pg. 122 • Within your group, you will fill out the diagram

writing in the similarities and differences.

CLOSURE• Turn to your partner and tell them:• Who was the pope? What power did he

have?• What were monasteries/convents used for?• Who was Pope Gregory VII? Innocent III?• What was the purpose of the Inquisition?