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Period: Jan 1, 700 to
Carolingiaqn Renaissance
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Oct 1, 732
Battle of Tours
Charles "The Hammer" Martel defeats the Muslims in France. Martel's army was greatly outnumbered, but his military excellence proved too great for the undefeated Muslims. After their defeat, the Muslims returned to Spain. -
Jul 28, 754
Pepin the Short becomes King of the Franks
After the downfall of the Merovingian rule, Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, asked Pope St. Zachery in anoint him as king. He is appointed King by St. Boniface and later officially appointed by Pope St. Stephen. In return for his title as King, Pepin the Short would provide the Pope with military protection. -
Dec 4, 771
Charles Becomes King
After the death of Carloman in 771, Charles becomes the sole ruler of the Franks. Charles became known as "Charles the Great" or "Charlemagne". He spent the next 45 years of his rule expanding the empire, never suffering any losses. -
Death of Pepin the Short
King of the Franks, Pepin the Short dies, leaving his two sons, Charles and Carloman as rulers of the Franks. -
The Bloody Verdict of Verdun
After being defeated by Charlemagne, the Saxons were forced to take an oath of loyalty. After being caught worshiping their false gods, breaking their oaths, around 4500 Saxon rebels were arrested and beheaded. -
Charlemagne's Coronation
On Christmas Day in 800AD, Charlemagne is crowned "Emperor of Rome" by Pope Leo III. His title as Emperor of Rome cause more tension with the Emperor in the East, whose title was virtually nullified upon Charlemagne’s coronation.