1. Aim: How was Western Europe organized politically after the Fall of Rome? Do Now: Evaluate the “before” and “after” maps of Europe. Describe what is happening?

3. Disruption of Trade Downfall of Cities Population Shifts Decline of Learning Loss of a Common Language The Effects of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Merchants faced invasions on land and sea. Businesses collapsed and money became scarce. European cities declined as centers of trade. People retreated to rural areas (countryside). Roman cities were left without strong leaders. Literacy rates dropped dramatically. Few people except priests and other Church officials were able to read. Most Greco-Roman learning was forgotten. As German-speaking people mixed with the Roman population, Latin began to change into the languages we know today such as French, Spanish and Italian. Latin was no longer a unifying force within Europe.

4. The Effects of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Disruption of Trade Merchants faced invasions on land and sea. Businesses collapsed and money became scarce. Downfall of Cities European cities declined as centers of trade. Population Shifts People retreated to rural areas (countryside). Roman cities were left without strong leaders. Decline of Learning Literacy rates dropped dramatically. Few people except priests and other Church officials were able to read. Most Greco-Roman learning was forgotten. Loss of a Common Language As German-speaking people mixed with the Roman population, Latin began to change into the languages we know today such as French, Spanish and Italian. Latin was no longer a unifying force within Europe.

5. Charlemagne’s Rule Charlemagne limited the power of the Nobles and closely watched over his government. He encouraged learning and opened schools to train new priests and monks. His three sons could not keep his Empire together, and central rule broke down. Franks Come to Power Germanic people lived in small communities bound by personal loyalty rather than to a leader of an Empire. Lead by Clovis, the Franks gain control of what is today France. Clovis converts to Christianity. The Frankish Kingdom and the Christian Church form a strategic alliance. Germanic People Adopt Christianity The Germanic Kingdoms played a critical role in the spread of Christianity across Europe. The Merovingian and Carolingian Dynasties rule. Charlemagne Takes the Throne Charlemagne built an empire that was the strongest that Europe had experienced since Rome. He expanded his empire and united the people of Europe. Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Emperor After defending the Pope from an unruly mob in Rome, the Pope crowned Charlemagne “Roman Emperor”. This was significant because a Church official had claimed the right to grant a political title to a European King.

8. Frankish King – 771-814 CE Created administrative units and approved military governors. Used “Missi Domini” (messengers) to report on affairs. Ruled with the sword. CHARLEMAGNE Converted conquered people To Christianity. Pope Leo III crowned him as Holy Roman Emperor. Built Many Churches. Most people were poor and illiterate - Peasants, nobles, clergy. Encouraged trade and learning. Studied Latin, Greek, rhetoric, logic astronomy, grammar, math, music - Liberal Arts Curriculum. Monasteries had scriptoriums. United all Germanic People Modern France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland. Most of Germany, Spain, Italy Main City - Aachen Blended Roman past, Germanic life and Christianity – foundation of European Society. First Emperor of Holy Roman Empire. Standardized coins, writing style – Use of Latin. Uniform religious practices and culture (primogeniture).

9. On Christmas Day in 800, while Charlemagne knelt in prayer in Saint Peter’s in Rome, Pope Leo III placed a golden crown on the bowed head of the king. Charlemagne is said to have been surprised by the coronation, declaring that he would not have come into the church had he known the pope’s plan. However, some historians say the pope would not have dared to act without Charlemagne's knowledge. The Coronation of Charlemagne What was the impact of this event?

12. Charlemagne