Fall of Rome – Germanic Perspective

1. Nunc Agenda: Discuss the three questions with your group of four. Make sure everyone contributes. Quaestio:How did the culture of Medieval Europe exhibit Germanic, Christian, and Roman influence?

2. Fall of Rome –Germanic Perspective • What happened to Western Europe after the decline of the Roman Empire? • Do you think the Germanic peoples would have viewed decline of the Roman Empire as a positive or a negative change? Why or why not? • Without an emperor in Western Europe, which individual do you think had the highest authority in the region? Explain your reasoning.

4. Middle Ages • Period from about 500-1500 CE, between the decline of Rome and the beginning of the Renaissance, or “Rebirth” of Europe (Medieval means “Middle Age”) • 500-1000 CE sometimes called the Dark Ages because, while the China, the Middle East, the Byzantine Empire, and India were advancing, Western Europe was in decline • Mostly rural, feudal lifestyle • Minimal long-distance trade • Lack of political unity

5. Middle Ages • Western Church (aka Catholic Church) = main power in Western Europe, unifying force • Blending of Roman, Christian, and Germanic culture

6. Germanic Lands • Germanic tribes that conquered Roman lands created their own kingdoms • Germanic tribes originally pagans (polytheistic), but began to adopt Christianity, although most were Arian Christians, considered heresy by the Catholic Church

7. Rise of the FRANKS! • 486- Clovis, King of the Franks, Conquered Gaul (which later became France) • Converted to Catholic Christianity, became allied with Pope, used religion as an excuse to kill and conquer pagan and heretical tribes • Put conquered people in army to make them loyal to him • Murdered all extended family so no one could challenge him for power

9. The Battle of Tours • 700s: Muslims expanded into North Africa, Spain, and then France • Charles “Martel” (“The Hammer”) was a Frankish military leader who had power over the King • Charles Martel united Franks and creates a trained and disciplined army, unlike typicalGermanic “barbarian hordes”which surprised the Muslims • 732- The Battle of Tours: Franksdefeated the invading Muslimsand drove them back to Spain

12. The Battle of Tours • Charles Martel seen as a hero to the Franks and a savior of Christianity in Europe • His heirs became the Carolingian Kings, and his grandson Charlemagne was the most famous

17. Perspectives on Charlemagne • Based on your homework reading on Charlemagne, you will work as a group to create an editorial article based on one of four perspectives: • Franks • Catholics • Saxons • Byzantines • Remember that you are writing FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE TIME as if these events are happening RIGHT NOW. You must write IN CHARACTER. • Write on any topic from the reading.

18. Different Perspectives Carolingian Chronicle • Frankish perspective. Fully supportive of Charlemagne in every way. Celebrates his greatness in military victory, political leadership, and educational reform. Heathen Herald • Pagan Saxon perspective. Supportive of traditional Germanic culture, especially pre-Christian Germanic paganism. Opposed to the Christianization of the Germanic peoples and extremely angered by Charlemagne's treatment of the Saxons. Keep in mind, however, that many Saxons have converted and joined Charlemagne. • Byzantine Bugle • Byzantine perspective. Supportive of the authority of the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople, seen as the true emperor of the Romans. If you Charlemagne as undeserving of the title of Emperor, and view the Pope as far exceeding the limits of his power by declaring him Emperor.  • Papal Press  • Roman Catholic perspective. Supportive of the pope as the supreme authority over all Christendom (Christian World) above all religious and secular (non-religious) leaders. Supportive of Charlemagne as defender of Catholic Church and of the Pope. Agrees with choice of Charlemagne as Emperor.

19. Different Perspectives Byzantine Bugle • Byzantine perspective. Supportive of the authority of the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople, seen as the true emperor of the Romans. You view Charlemagne as undeserving of the title of Emperor, and view the Pope as far exceeding the limits of his power by declaring him Emperor.  Papal Press  • Roman Catholic perspective. Supportive of the pope as the supreme authority over all Christendom (Christian World) above all religious and secular (non-religious) leaders. Supportive of Charlemagne as defender of Catholic Church and of the Pope. Agrees with choice of Charlemagne as Emperor.

20. Charlemagne Summary…

21. Charlemagne – Great? • Charlemagne = Charles the Great • Grandson of Charles Martel • Becomes King of Franks in 768 • Built empire across France GermanyItaly Poland Switzerland • 799- helped Pope Leo III defeat hisopponents in Rome • Christmas 800- Pope crowned him “Emperor of Rome” • So… Christian Pope declares Germanic King the Roman Emperor… and Christendom (Christian community) united • Who do you think was really mad about this?

22. Charlemagne – Great? • Spread Christianity as he conquered (Convert or Die) • Any secret pagans caught were executed • Let nobles rule local regions, but also sent officials to keep an eye on nobles, check on the people • Carolingian Renaissance • Tried to bring back Latin education and create schools • Learned to read himself • Seen as a light in a dark age • Had five wives, fiveconcubines, and 20 kids!