Unit 3: The Rise of the Franks

Unit Objectives:

• Identify and locate the main Germanic Tribes that took control of the different parts of Western Europe: the Vikings (Norsemen-from the north: Scandinavian countries), the Lombards (northern Italy) and the Franks (Northern Gaul, France)
• Discuss the relationship between these tribes and the Roman Catholic Church.
• Construct a timeline that trace the Frankish ruler's involvement with the Roman Catholic Church.
• Identify and explain the historical significance of the following Frankish figures: Clovis, Pepin II, Charles Martel, and Charlemagne.
• Examine how the Church's political power was growing in Western Europe as a result of itties with the Frankish kings.
• Discuss the relationship that developed between the Pope and the Frankish kings.
• Explain how Charlemagne maintained control and expanded his empire.
• Locate the Spanish March and how it prevented the spread of Islam into Europe.
• Explain the role of Charlemagne in changing the political and cultural history of Europe.
• Explain the cultural achievements of Charlemagne and how did he manage to achieve them.
• Compare a medieval and a modern map of Western Europe to identify the extent of Charlemagne's empire and the land it occupied in the present day.
• Explain the main reasons that led to the decline of Charlemagne's empire and relate it to the decline of modern day countries.