Early Middle Ages (500 -1000 C.E.)

Fall of Rome (476 C.E.)

The Franks

How did the Franks influence the political, social and cultural development of Europe during the Middle Ages?

1. Developed an Agricultural society based in central Europe.
2. Developed feudal institutions.
3. Supported the Roman Christian Church.

Charlemagne (768-814 C.E.)

Built an Empire throughout Central Europe that extended to northeastern Spain, Bavaria, and Italy as far south as Rome at his death.

Charlemagne did not have the financial resources to maintain an elaborate bureaucracy that could effectively rule his empire.

Charlemagne's Empire was divided up between his three grandsons after his death.

External Pressures on Charlemagne's Empire.

1. Muslims from the South.
2. Vikings from the North
3. Magyars from the East.