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Period: Jan 1, 700 to
Carolingian Timeline
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Oct 8, 732
Battle of Tours
The Muslims who had recently conquered Spain looked to continue to expand their empire. Charles "the hammer" Martel was trying to prevent them from conquering the city of Tours, and he camped out on a wooded hill. AFter waiting six days the Moors attacked, but Martel's army stood firm and eventually the Moors retreated. The retreat left the Franks victorious. -
Feb 6, 754
Creation of the Papal States
Pepin the Short had travelled to Italy with his army to protect the Pope and Rome against attacks from the Lombards. After he had defeated them, he gave the Pope a gift in the form of the Papal States. These states included the cities of Rome, Ravenna, and Perugia. These states, however, result in benefits and detriments. The major benefit was Papal independence, but the major detriment was Papal corruption. -
Feb 6, 771
Charlemagne becomes ruler over the Franks
After the death of his brother Carloman dies, Charlemagne takes over as ruler over the Franks. Before this the empire had been between both of Pepin the Shorts' sons. For the next 45 years he tries to expand his empire to surrounding areas. -
Bloody Verdict of Verdun
Charlemagne arrested 4,500 Saxon rebels who had been worshiping false gods. The Saxons had also been attacking his forces. Charlemagne had all of the men beheaded, and according to reports the rives ran with the blood of the killed Saxons for days. -
Crowning of Charlemagne
Charlemagne had travelled to Rome to investigate accusations against Pope Leo III regarding corruption. At mass on Christmas day, Charlemagne had reportedly gone up to the altar to pray, and when he knelt to pray, Pope Leo III placed a crown on his head. There were claims that he wasn't aware of the crowning beforehand, but many historians claim that this statement is not true. This coronation didn't sit well with the emperor in the eastern empire and caused much conflict between the two areas.
