Overview
This lecture covers the transformation of Western Europe after the Great Migration, focusing on the rise of the Frankish kingdoms, their rulers, and the formation and disintegration of the Carolingian Empire.
Emergence of Barbarian Kingdoms
- After the Great Migration, former Roman lands in Western Europe became new states called Barbarian kingdoms, ruled by Germanic tribes.
- The Franks, an alliance of Salian (maritime) and Ripuarian (Rhine riverbank) tribes, became prominent under Clovis.
Clovis and the Unification of the Franks
- Clovis united the two Frankish alliances in 485 and became king.
- He expanded Frankish territories by defeating the Gaul-Roman Kingdom, Alemanni, Burgundy, and Visigoths.
- Clovis adopted Catholic Christianity, strengthening ties with the Church and consolidating his dynasty’s power.
- Administrative reforms included moving the capital to Paris and creating a legal code.
The "Lazy Kings" and Rise of Mayors of the Palace
- Later Merovingian rulers were weak, leading to real power shifting to aristocrats called Mayors of the Palace.
- Pepin of Herstal united the Frankish kingdoms and was succeeded by his son, Charles Martel.
Charles Martel and Military Reforms
- Charles Martel repelled the Arab invasion at the Battle of Tours in 732.
- He introduced heavy cavalry by granting land to vassals who provided mounted troops, laying foundations for European feudal cavalry.
Rise of the Carolingians
- Pepin the Short, Martel’s son, had the Pope crown him king in 751, ending Merovingian rule.
- Pepin aided the Pope against Lombards and established the Papal States through the Donation of Pepin.
Charlemagne’s Conquests and Reforms
- Charlemagne became sole ruler, expanding the empire by conquering Lombardy, subduing Saxons, Bavarians, Avars, and campaigning in Spain.
- He brutally suppressed rebellions, forcibly baptized conquered peoples, and founded cities like Frankfurt.
- In 800, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor in Rome by the Pope, creating the Carolingian Empire.
Decline and Division of the Empire
- After Charlemagne's death, his son Louis the Pious faced internal and external rebellions.
- Following Louis's death in 840, his sons fought for control, leading to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, splitting the empire into future France, Germany, Italy, and Lotharingia.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Barbarian Kingdoms — States in Western Europe formed by Germanic tribes after the fall of Rome.
- Mayor of the Palace — Chief official who held real power in the Frankish kingdoms.
- Carolingians — Dynasty founded by Charles Martel, replacing the Merovingians.
- Donation of Pepin — Grant of land to the Pope, creating the Papal States.
- Treaty of Verdun — The 843 agreement dividing the Carolingian Empire among Louis the Pious’s sons.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the maps of Europe before and after the Great Migration.
- Study the reigns of Clovis, Charles Martel, Pepin the Short, and Charlemagne.
- Read about the Treaty of Verdun and its impact on European history.