The Early Middle Ages, 284--1000

Lecture Details

The Early Middle Ages, 284--1000 (HIST 210)In this lecture, Professor Freedman discusses the Carolingian dynasty from its origins through its culmination in the figure of Charlemagne. The Carolingians sought to overthrow the much weakened Merovingian dynasty by establishing their political legitimacy on three bases war leadership, Christian rule, and the legacy of Rome. Charlemagnes grandfather Charles Martel won a major victory over the Muslims in 733 at the Battle of Poitiers. Charlemagnes father Pepin the Short allied the Carolingians with the papacy at a time when the latter was looking for a new protector. Charlemagne, crowned emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III in 800, made strides in reestablishing the Roman Empire; although, being centered in northern Europe, his was not an exact imitation of the Roman Empire. Professor Freedman concludes the lecture with the observation that Charlemagne can be considered the founder of Europe as a political and cultural expression.0000 - Chapter 1. Introduction 0743 - Chapter 2. The Last Years of the Merovingians1646 - Chapter 3. Establishing Carolingian Legitimacy2725 - Chapter 4. Charles Martel and Pepin the Short3454 - Chapter 5. CharlemagneComplete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website httpoyc.yale.eduThis course was recorded in Fall 2011.