THE GERMANIC KINGDOMS. THE FRANKS AND THE CAROLINGIAN EMPIRE

In the year 481, after crossing the Rhine, the Franks settled in the northern part of the Roman province of Gaul, where Clovis founded the Merovingian dynasty.

4.1 Historical evolution. From kingdom to empire

In 751, Pepin the Short established the Carolingian dynasty, which experienced its heyday under his son Charlemagne (742-814). He proposed re-establishing the unity of the old Western Roman Empire. With this aim, he conquered the territories of a number of tribes, such as the Lombards in northern Italy, the Bavarians and the Avars in central Europe and the Saxons in northern Germany. After these conquests, Charlemagne was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas day in the year 800. However, the empire only lasted until the year 843, because when Charlemagne’s son and successor Louis the Pious died, the empire was divided between his children.

4.2 The Carolingian way of life

• The emperor governed the Carolingian empire. He defended Christianity and intervened in matters of the Church. The empire was divided administratively into counties, run by a count, and marches, or defensive borderland provinces, run by a marquis.

• The Carolingian economy was based on agrarian activities that were practised on extensive latifundia belonging to the aristocracy and to the Church. Grains were grown, complemented by limited livestock farming and by fruits and hunt obtained from the forests.

• Urban activities declined. Crafts were made on the latifundia, where all necessary items were made (fabrics, tools, etc.). Commerce was limited to luxury goods for the rich and powerful.

• Carolingian society was organised into three groups. The nobles and the high-ranking ecclesiastics occupied the highest social position. They held most of the land and performed the main positions in government and administration. They were followed by the rest of the free people (farmers, craftsmen and merchants). In the last group were serfs, the equivalent of the slaves of antiquity, who were bound to work the land and who could not leave without permission.

4.3 Culture and art

During the reign of Charlemagne, a type of cultural renaissance took place that it had its centre in Aachen, the imperial residence. In this city Charlemagne founded the Palace School, led by Alcuin of York and inspired by Roman models.

Architecture enjoyed some remarkable constructions, such as palaces, churches and monasteries commissioned by Charlemagne in

Charlemagne and his empire Coronation of Charlemagne

Some cultural contributions

The imperial palace of Charlemagne in Aachen (1) functioned as a permanent and administrative residence for the empire.

Among its more significant buildings was the Palatine Chapel (2), built between the years 790 and 805 by architect Odo or Eudes of Metz following the model of the Byzantine church of San Vitale in Ravenna. Interior of the Palatine Chapel (3)

Skill progress

Assessing historical developments

1 Explain the events of the years 481, 751, 800, 843.

2 Who were these figures: Clovis, Pepin the Short, Charlemagne, Leo III, Louis the Pious?

Working with maps

the main cities (Ingelheim, Aachen, Nijmegen) as a manifestation of his power. Particularly noteworthy among them are the palace of Aachen, the residence of the emperor that contains a chapel built between the 8th and 9th centuries that still exists today; the Fulda monastery, and the monastery of Saint Gall. Few sculptures have survived, but the sculpture of Charlemagne on horseback is one of the most popular examples. Smaller works made in ivory or metal (reliquaries, chests) are more abundant, as well as miniatures, or small paintings on parchment that illustrated books, such as the Gospels.

3 Look at the maps and write a text with the information that they provide. Answer these questions: What was the objective of the conquests of Charlemagne? Did he achieve his goals?

Assessing works of art

Provocative questions

4 Look at the pictures and write what materials, supports, arches and coverings were used in Carolingian architecture.