Early Middle Ages About 500 CE-1000

CE Also called: Dark Ages, Medieval

Times Decline from the

achievements of the Romans and Greeks

Early Rulers There was a lack of

leadership after the fall of the empire

In Western Europe the FRANKS become the dominant group

Frankish Leaders Merovingian Family are

the first rulers Clovis(481ce–511 ce) is

the greatest of the kings Great expansion of empire Founded France and Paris After his death the empire

began to weaken Empire divided by 3 sons

Decline of Merovingians Became known as the

“do-nothing kings” One family emerged: Charles Martel became

famous for defeating the Muslims at the Battle of Tours in 732

His son, Pepin the Short overthrew the last of the Merovingians and became King of the Franks

The “Greatest!!” Charles the Great or

CHARLEMAGNE became king after his father’s (Pepin) death

What makes a great leader?

Read pages 25-26 Based on our discussion

of leadership, was Charlemagne a “great leader” and why?