Charlemagne

Charles the Great, The King of the Franks, The Holy

Roman Emperor
 Introduction
Charlemagne is arguably
one of the most important
figures of Early Medieval
Europe.

He sought to unite all

Germanic peoples,
converted those in his
empire to Christianity,
ruled the Franks, and
founded the Carolingian
Empire.
 How Charlemagne Came to Power

Charlemagne came to
power in 768 C.E.

His father was the King of

Franks after the last
Merovingian King was
removed by Pope Zachary

Charlemagne ruled from

770 - 814
Childeric the Third Pepin the Short Charlemagne
The Last Merovingian King (Father of Charlemagne) King of the Franks Merovingian Kings:
From 743 - 751 King of the Franks Holy Roman Emperor The do - nothing
From 751 - 768 from 770 - 814 rulers.
 Rebuilding Civilization - Land, Law, and Military
Unlike the Germanic leaders
before him he was interested in
building civilization

He ruled from his palace in

Aachen in what is now Germany

He created a single code of laws

for the entire empire

Charlemagne sent out agents

called missi dominici to make
sure people were treated properly
missi dominici- the lords
Tried to make things better for messengers
serfs and peasants
Leadership & Characteristics
Did much to define the shape and
character of medieval Europe:

Introduced administrative reforms

throughout the lands he controlled &
established key representatives in each
region

Standardised weights, measures and Christian king

customs dues, which helped improve
Interested in science & literature
trades
Energetic & thoughtful ruler
United much of Western Europe for the
Charlemagne saw education as another way
to unify the kingdom
Established new schools in monasteries
Brought in scholars to create textbooks &
establish basic foundations for medieval
education (geometry, astronomy, logic etc.)
Encouraged the learning of Latin classics
Insisted that his sons & daughters be
educated
Succeeded in bringing about
the rebirth of learning and the
arts - era referred to as
Carolingian Renaissance
The end of the Carolingian Renaissance...
Ruled for 47 years

Died at age 72

After passing, the peace & security Charlemagne had worked

for fell apart because of:
Feuds among his
descendants

Weakness in the face

of Viking invasions
Activity #1
Directions: Take a textbook & work through Part 1 individually.

Once complete, turn to a partner and discuss your answers.

Complete Part 2 together using the textbook, worksheet, and classroom maps.
Activity #2
Directions: In groups of 4, create your own empire using text and imagery.

Invent a coat of arms and a currency.

Address how leadership, education, military/defense, and resources play a role in

your empire.

Once finished, present your empire to the class.

 LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
Who rules your empire? What do What does education look like in your empire?
they value? What do your citizens study?
Charlemagne was the ruler of the empire Charlemagne was a wise and scholarly ruler who initiated a
from 770-814. He maintained unity in his cultural revival of learning. He wanted both boys and girls to
realm by introducing administrative receive an education. He promoted Latin literacy and had
reforms and expanding communication manuscripts copied and preserved for future students.
between central and local governments.
He valued law and order, family,
community, and Christian morality.
Group Members: Ms. Brooks, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Fletcher

Empire Name: The Carolingian Empire (770 to 814)

Crest/Coat of Arms Charlemagne did not have a coat of arms during his lifetime, but his German and French
predecessors created a coat for him that depicted both the eagle (German) and the fleur de
lis (French).

Currency Charlemagnes empire established a standard currency.

It contained one coin: the denier.
240 deniers were minted from one pound of silver.

RESOURCES MILITARY/DEFENSE
What are the main resources in your empire?
How do you protect your empire?
How do you obtain them?
Charlemagnes army was ruthless. They killed Saxons
Under Charlemagnes rule, coin minting and agricultural who refused to convert to Christianity. He defended
production (cultivation of vineyards, cereal crops,
his borders with subkingdoms.
livestock, dairy products) were organized and technical.
Most trade occurred via seas and rivers.
 LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
Who rules your empire? What do What does education look like in your empire?
they value? What do your citizens study?
Brooks, Smith, and Fletcher are the Education is extremely important in the empire. All
leaders of Edutopia. They have an students learn at least two languages at school, and every
equal say in all matters of the empire. citizen has access to free post-secondary education.
They value democracy and equality.

Group Members: Ms. Brooks, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Fletcher

Empire Name: Edutopia (2017-?)

Crest/Coat of Arms LEARN CREATE

DISCOVER GROW

Currency

EDUTOPIA

RESOURCES MILITARY/DEFENSE
What are the main resources in your empire?
How do you obtain them?
How do you protect your empire?
The empire always needs school supplies, so they Edutopia is surrounded by mountains, which provide a
trade their main natural resource (fresh glacial natural barricade around the empire.
water) with neighbouring empires for pencils, paper,
binders, and Chromebooks.