In the middle of the eighth century, the aftermath of Pepin the Short’s ascendency to the Crown and appointment as king of the Franks launched the beginning of the Carolingian dynasty. The Carolingian family rose to power after the Battle of Tours in year 732. The battle was fought between the Frankish and neighboring Burgundian forces against the invading Muslims. The Franks were successful in fending off the Muslims and preventing them from advancing further into Europe. The victory at the Battle of Tours was one of the integral factors leading to the rise of the Carolingian dynasty and the creation of the Carolingian Empire. The Carolingians dominated the Frankish empire and expanded their power throughout Europe for the following century. The Carolingian Empire spanned from years 750 to 987, under the rule of Charlemagne and his family. Today, scholars mark the beginning of the Carolingian Empire with the crowning of Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, and his coronation by Pope Leo III (800). The decline of the Carolingians’ power and the Frankish Empire is usually associated with the death of Charles the Fat (839–888). This paper attempts to explain how the sequence of events leading up to the decline of the Carolingians’ power was actually their own fault.
The decline of the Carolingians’ power began in 814, after Charlemagne’s death and continued throughout the tenth century. The events from years 814 to 843, however, are essentially the lynch pin that decided the eventual fate of the Carolingian Dynasty. The reasons being Charlemagne’s instable works: ultimately left to Louis the Pious, the weakness of said Louis as a leader, the divisions of imperial lands, the revolt of Louis’ sons and their aforementioned battles, es...
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...ted Alemannia, Rhaetia, Alsace, and a piece of Burgundy, into a subservient government for his son Charles.
This division caused animosity with Louis's elder sons, whom were offended by it, as this realm had previously been divided on the basis of 817. The nobles joined with all the disgruntled elements in the hope of deposing the influence of Judith and of Bernard, who was trying to lessen their consideration in the State. The first revolt broke out during a conflict against the Bretons, who had regained their independence. Lothaire, Pippin of Aquitania, and Louis of Bavaria took up arms against their father, took him prisoner, and confined him in a monastery at Compiegne, possibly with the hope that the monks would influence him to embrace the monastic life on his own accord. At the same time, they sent the Empress Judith along with Charles to a convent (830).
The French revolted due to political, economic, and social injustices. Politically, the government was a mess. An absolute ruler can only be beneficial to the people if they cater to
Louise-Philippe to take the throne. This left Tocqueville in a crisis, with his father in a loss of position, as well as his own career in a precarious position, ...
The two lives of Charlemagne as told by Einhard and Notker are two medieval sources about the accounts of the life Charlemagne. Modern sources by Matthew Innes and Rosamond Mckitterick discuss how history was recorded during the medieval period and how it was suppose to be viewed in the early ages. Observing each of these sources helps get an understanding of how the writing of history is important in recorded history and how it affected how the history of Charlemagne was recorded.
Charlemagne’s father, Pepin, died of dropsy on 24 September, 768 and left his two sons, Charlemagne and Carloman, with William, the Duke of Aquitania. After Pepin died, the whole kingdom was divided evenly between the two sons. It was split in such a way that Charlemagne would govern the part that belonged ...
Einhard, in his account of Charlemagne, and Ibn Battuta, in his account of Mansa Sulaiman, give witness to the way these two kings ruled their lands and provide an insight on how culture has an effect on people’s views of their leaders. Although each one lived in different cultures, each ruler embodied similar characteristics, such as the influence of religion on their realms. However, there are several distinct differences as well, and each narrative contains cultural bias that cannot be ignored. Overall, each account thoroughly analyzes each ruler and infuses their observations with the culture of the time, which is integral in order to gain an accurate depiction of who these men were.
Emperor Justinian is identified as one of the greatest Caesars to ever rule in Europe during his reign from 527-565, during this he succeeded in reviving Roman Authority throughout his growing Byzantium Empire . As Emperor of the Byzantium Empire in the sixth and seventh century he conquered many parts of Europe restoring the control of the Roman Authority once again if only for a while . This essay will point out the extent in which Justinian succeeded Roman Authority. Although many depictions that can be argued, closer examination can be shown that through huge military successes, Architectural activities that changed the Empires value and enhanced Constantinople as the centre of the Christian World, and the legal work of the ‘Code of Justinian’ helped Justinian to revive Roman Authority. In the seventh century saw the collapse of the Byzantium Empire, which was defeated and taken over by the Ottoman-Turk Empire from the East of Constantinople. This Essay will access the reasons for decline of such a powerful empire, hit with the ‘Justinian Plague’ and eventually deteriorating after Justinian death . This saw the end to any last element of any Roman Authority in Europe.
Charlemagne is a known for his success to try to maintain his empire. This new empire will embrace the unity of Christian faith. Under Charlemagne, new lands are conquered and a Renaissance is embraced. He even tries to revive the Christian faith. Charlemagne is a man that hopes to be an inspiration to the next generation. These deeds of Charlemagne is seen in the Two Lives of Charlemagne. In the Two lives of Charlemagne, both Notker’s and Einhard’s goal is to portray Charlemagne as a man of good character, a man that accomplishes many deeds and a man that hopes to provide an outlet for the next generation.
The Roman Empire, unlike that of Charlemagne’s, with its wealth and power lasted for centuries. Although the Carolingian Empire did not withstand its rule, it made many advances under the rule of Charlemagne. He and Augustus both had a similar outlook; they both wanted the same thing – everlasting reign of their empires. They had strong and forceful armies as well as men who were ever so loyal to their leaders. Throughout the years, they worked to expand their rule and territory. A vast empire that would last for eternity is what was to be accomplished. Sadly enough, neither of their empires lasted through eternity. Both of the governments had been overthrown and defeated leading to the end of the vast
In 768 A.D., Charlemagne at the age of 26, along with his brother Carloman inherited the kingdom of Franks. However, in 771 A.D. Carloman died, making Charlemagne the sole ruler of the kingdom. At this time the northern part of Europe was out of order and unruly. In the south, the Roman Catholic Church was asserting itself alongside the Lombard kingdom in Italy. While in Charlemagne’s own kingdom, the people were becoming and acting as barbarians and neglecting education and faith.
Ray, A. Rímpression De L'ancien Moniteur Depuis La Réunion Des Étatsgénéraus Jusqu'au Consulat (mai 1789-novembre 1799) Avec Des Notes Explicatives. Paris: Bureau Central, 1840. Print.
In The History of the Franks, Gregory of Tours portrayed Clovis as a leader who, although his conversion to Christianity appeared to be genuine, nonetheless, used his conversion to realize his political aspirations. By converting to Christianity, Clovis, according to Gregory of Tours’ narrative, was able to garner the support of Christian leaders such as Saint Remigius and, consequently, gain powerful political allies. Moreover, as a result of his conversion, Clovis became a king who was more attractive to orthodox Christians. Furthermore, Clovis’ conversion provided him with a reason for conquering territories that were not ruled by orthodox Christians. Thus, Clovis was able to bring additional territories under his command without resistance from local orthodox Christian leaders and with a degree of approval from the orthodox Christian masses as he, in essence, took on the Christ-like role of savior and liberator who relieved the orthodox Christian masses of flawed leadership from “false” Christians, pagans, or the morally inept. Interestingly, it seems that Clovis’ alleged behavior was not entirely unique as parallels and discrepancies exist between Gregory of Tour’s account of Clovis’ conversion to orthodox Christianity, his depiction of Gundobad’s conversion, and Eusebius’ description of Constantine’s conversion.
economy was beginning to weaken. By early in the fourteenth century and continuing well into
Of all the absolute rulers in Europe, by far the best example of one, and the most powerful, was Louis XIV of France. Although Louis had some failures, he also had many successes. He controlled France’s money and had many different ways to get, as well as keep his power, and he knew how to delegate jobs to smart, but loyal people.
The Relationship of Political and Religious Societies in the Age of Charlemagne, Based of Einhard's The life of Charlemagne sections 15-33
Charles Martel was born during the late 7th century in what is now modern day Belgium. His father Pippin the Middle served as Mayor to the Palace of the King of the Franks and had an affair with a mistress which produced one of his bastard children, Charles. Instead of the King having power in the court they were essentially a figurehead and at the same time the Mayor of the Palace was really the king or the commander in chief of the army so Charles’ father Pippin was very powerful. Charles started out life at a disadvantage because just before Pippin’s death he was forced to disown any of the bastard children he had created which included Charles. Therefore Charles was no longer in line to become the next Mayor of the Palace and he lost all political standing while one of Pippin’...