Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
What is happening in France in 750CE
One of the German tribes established in Gaul by the end of the fifth century, the Franks, expanded their realm greatly under Clovis and his successors, to cover most of modern-day France and much of western Germany. Internally, however, the realm was increasingly divided amongst different princes, whose rivalries sapped their power. Eventually, Clovis’ descendants were reduced to being mere figureheads, dominated by powerful officials called the Mayors of the Palace.
One of these officials, Charles Martel (the Hammer), reunited the Frankish lands and repulsed a powerful Muslim raid from Spain in 732 at Tours. He died in 741, and his son, Pepin the Short, who has succeeded him as Mayor of the Palace, will depose the last of the old line of kings in 751 and have himself elected king by the Frankish nobles.
Since Clovis’ day, the Franks have been loyal champions of the Catholic Church. The Church enjoys enthusiastic royal patronage, and the Frankish lands are covered by a well-established church organization, firmly loyal to the popes in Rome. Because it largely monopolizes literacy and learning, the Church is invaluable in helping administer the realm, and also in bringing stability and organization to newly conquered territories.
For a great close-up on the Rise of Islam, check out our iPad app here
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 750CE
Medieval Europe is beginning to emerge from the wreckage of the Ancient World.
Spain and Portugal history 750CE
Muslim forces from North Africa have conquered most of present-day Spain and Portugal.
Britain history 750CE
A collection of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms now covers most of present-day England, and the rest of the British Isles is home to numerous Celtic tribes and kingdoms
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 200CE
The Roman Empire has given much of Europe two centuries of peace and prosperity
Spain and Portugal history 200CE
Spain and Portugal have become thoroughly Romanized after centuries of Roman rule
Britain history 200CE
A Roman province now covers the southern half of the British Isles
Central Europe history 200CE
Central Europe is dominated by German and Sarmatian tribes
Africa history 200CE
All of North Africa is now part of the Roman empire, while to the south the Bantu migration continues
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 500CE
The western Roman empire has fallen to German invaders, but the eastern Roman empire remains intact
Britain history 500CE
The Roman province is no more, as is the Roman civilization which it nourished
Central Europe history 500CE
The rise and fall of the Huns has had a huge impact on this region
Lost your way? See a list of all maps
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
