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500
Kingdom of the Franks
It was established under Clovis around 500 AD. By 510 it had spread from Pyrenees (France) to Western Germany. Once he died the kingdom split 3 ways by his kids. -
590
Role of the Church
As the Roman Empire fell apart, Christianity and the church takes over. The Bishop of Rome began to claim to be the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. They became known as the Pope. In the 6th Century, a strong pope, Gregory I- (pope from 590-604) strengthened the power of the papacy and the Church. He was leader of Rome and the surrounding areas, later called Papal States. -
Feb 14, 1050
Monks and Monasteries
Monasticism was practice of living the life of a monk which meant removing oneself from ordinary society and dedicating life to God. Saint Benedict came along and made up the "Benedictine Rule" for his community of monks. Benedictine Rule divided the day into work, prayer, and sleep. The monks set community standards, acted as welfare workers of their time. They provided schools, aid to travelers, and hospitals for the sick. Monasteries became centers for and spreading of XP. -
Carolingian Empire
By 600-700, Frankish rulers (Merovingian Dynasty) slowly lost their power to the major domo or mayor of the palace. Charlemagne created the Frankish kingdom named Carolingian Empire it was the largest empire until Napoleon 1000 years later. On Christmas, 800, Charlemagne was granted the title from the Pope of Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne wanted to promote learning for himself and to educate the Catholic clergy and gov’t. officials. Renewed interest in latin culture.
