The Early Middle Ages The End of Charlemagne s Life ABOUT THE READING Einhard lived and worked in Charlemagne s court beginning in 791 or 792. Einhard started writing his biography of the great king in 817, three years after Charlemagne s death. In this reading we hear about the last days of Charlemagne. As you read consider the ways in which people responded to Charlemagne s life and death. Toward the close of his life, when he was broken by ill-health and old age, he summoned Louis, King of Aquitania, his only surviving son by Hildegard, and gathered together all the chief men of the whole kingdom of the Franks in a solemn assembly. He appointed Louis, with their unanimous consent, to rule with himself over the whole kingdom, and constituted him heir to the imperial name; then, placing the diadem upon his son s head, he bade him be proclaimed Emperor and Augustus. This step was hailed by all present with great favor, for it really seemed as if God had prompted him to it for the kingdom s good; it increased the king s dignity, and struck no little terror into foreign nations. After sending his son back to Aquitania, although weak from age he set out to hunt, as usual, near his palace at Aix-la-Chapelle... While wintering there, he was seized, in the month of January, with a high fever, and took to his bed... He died January 27, the seventh day from the time that he took to his bed, at nine o clock in the morning, after partaking of the holy communion, in the seventy-second year of his age and the forty-seventh of his reign. VOCABULARY bade ordered interred buried lamentations expressions of grief portended predicted despised hated A diadem is a crown The title Augustus originated in the Roman Empire. Charlemagne was believed to have been born in 742. He died in 814. Source: The Life of Charlemagne, by Einhard 16 The Early Middle Ages
The End of Charlemagne s Life, continued His body was washed and cared for in the usual manner, and was then carried to the church, and interred amid the greatest lamentations of all the people. Very many omens had portended his approaching end, a fact that he had recognized as well as others. Eclipses both of the sun and moon were very frequent during the last three years of his life, and a black spot was visible on the sun for the space of seven days. The gallery between the basilica and the palace, which he had built at great pains and labor, fell in sudden ruin to the ground on the day of the Ascension of our Lord. The wooden bridge over the Rhine at Mayence, which he had caused to be constructed with admirable skill, at the cost of ten years hard work, so that it seemed as if it might last forever, was so completely consumed in three hours by an accidental fire that not a single splinter of it was left, except what was under water. Moreover, one day in his last campaign into Saxony against Godfred, king of the Danes, [Charlemagne] himself saw a ball of fire fall suddenly from the heavens with a great light, just as he was leaving camp before sunrise to set out on the march. It rushed across the clear sky from right to left, and everybody was wondering what was the meaning of the sign, when the horse which he was riding gave a sudden plunge, head foremost, and fell, and threw him to the ground so heavily that his cloak buckle was broken and his sword belt shattered; and after his servants had hastened to him and relieved him of his arms, he could not rise without their assistance. He happened to have a javelin in his hand when he was thrown, and this was struck from his grasp with such force that it was found lying at a distance of 20 feet or more from the spot... But [Charlemagne] despised, or affected to despise, all these omens, as having no reference whatever to him. This is the day on which Christians celebrate Jesus s return to heaven. Saxony is a region in Germany that at that time included northern Germany and part of Britain. By conquering Saxony, Charlemagne greatly expanded his empire. 17 The Early Middle Ages
The End of Charlemagne s Life, continued 1. What two belief systems are contrasted in this reading? Give details from the text to support your answer. 2. Who else besides historians would be interested in this account? Why? 3. Why do you think Einhard is careful to describe Charlemagne s attitude toward the omens? 18 The Early Middle Ages
The Early Middle Ages Feudal Capitularies ABOUT THE READING After the fall of the Roman Empire, it became common in Europe to form voluntary alliances to ensure security against invaders and other threats. The more powerful member of the alliance, or lord, agreed to protect the weaker member, or vassal, in return for the vassal s services. In addition to a military alliance, the lord and the vassal often shared a landlord-tenant relationship. In the Frankish Empire of northern Europe, kings, who served as the sovereign, or chief, lord over many landholders often issued regulations to govern the relationship between lords and vassals. Sets of these regulations are known as capitularies, from the Latin word for chapter. The following selection includes two such capitularies. The third passage is a commentary on the nature of feudal relationships written by a medieval scholar. As you read consider why rules concerning the relationship between lord and vassal developed. Capitulary Concerning Freemen and Vassals, 816 This capitulary from the Frankish Empire outlines when a vassal is entitled to leave a lord. If anyone shall wish to leave his lord, and is able to prove against him one of these crimes, that is, in the first place, if the lord has wished to reduce him unjustly into servitude; in the second place, if he has taken counsel against his life; in the third place, if the lord has committed adultery with the wife of his vassal; in the fourth place, if he has willfully attacked him with a drawn sword; in the fifth place, if the lord has been able to bring defense to his vassal after he has commended his hands to him, VOCABULARY perpetrated carried out Vassals were not to be treated as servants. A lord was required to defend his vassal if he was able to. Source: Translations and Reprints from the Original Sources of European History E. P. Cheyney (trans.),vol. 4, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1898. 19 The Early Middle Ages
Feudal Capitularies, continued and has not done so; it is allowed to the vassal to leave him. If the lord has perpetrated anything against the vassal in these five points it is allowed the vassal to leave him. 1. Under what circumstances was it permissible for a vassal to leave his lord? List all the specific cases given in the selections. Capitulary of Mersen, 847 With this capitulary, the three grandsons of Charlemagne tried to force all freemen who had not already entered into a feudal relationship with a lord to do so. We will moreover that each free man in our kingdom shall choose a lord, from us or our faithful, such a one as he wishes. We command moreover that no man shall leave his lord without just cause, nor should any one receive him, except in such a way as was customary in the time of our predecessors. And we wish you to know that we want to grant right to our faithful subjects and we do not wish to do anything to them against reason. Similarly we admonish you and the rest of our faithful subjects that you grant right to your men and do not act against reason toward them. And we will that the man of each one of us in whosoever kingdom he is, shall go with his lord against the enemy, or in his other needs unless there shall have been (as may there not be) such an invasion of the kingdom as is called a landwar, so that the whole people of that kingdom shall go together to repel it. VOCABULARY will command, declare admonish gently warn These men were pledging to treat their vassals well. Source: Translations and Reprints from the Original Sources of European History Vol. 4, E. P. Cheyney (trans.), University of Pennsylvania Press, 1898. 20 The Early Middle Ages
Feudal Capitularies, continued 1. What was a vassal s main responsibility? 2. Why do you think the lords promised to treat the vassals fairly? Fulbert of Chartres, Mutual Duties of Vassals and Lords, 1020 Fulbert, the bishop of Chartres, France, founded a school there that drew scholars from across Europe. He was regarded as one of the leading intellectuals of his day. William V, Duke of Aquitaine, had requested Fulbert s thoughts on the nature of feudal obligations. Fulbert responded as follows. To William most glorious duke of the Aquitanians, bishop Fulbert [offers] the favor of his prayers. Asked to write something concerning the form of fealty, I have noted briefly for you on the authority of the books the things which follow. He who swears fealty to his lord ought always to have these six things in memory; what is harmless, safe, honorable, useful, easy, practicable. Harmless, that is to say that he should not be injurious to his lord in his body; safe, that he should not be injurious to him in his secrets or in the defenses through which he is able to be secure; honorable, that he should not be injurious to him in his justice or in other matters that pertain to his honor; useful, that he should not be injurious to him in his possessions; easy or practicable, that that good which his lord is able to do easily, he make not difficult, nor that which is practicable he make impossible to him. However, that the faithful vassal should avoid these injuries is proper, but not for this does he VOCABULARY fealty loyalty, faithfulness practicable capable of being done abstain hold back from reciprocally mutually perfidious treacherous, disloyal Source: Translations and Reprints from the Original Sources of European History Vol. 4, E. P. Cheyney (trans.), University of Pennsylvania Press, 1898. 21 The Early Middle Ages
Feudal Capitularies, continued deserve his holding; for it is not sufficient to abstain from evil, unless what is good is done also. It remains, therefore, that in the same six things mentioned above he should faithfully counsel and aid his lord, if he wishes to be looked upon as worthy of his benefice and to be safe concerning the fealty which he has sworn. The lord also ought to act toward his faithful vassal reciprocally in all these things. And if he does not do this he will be justly considered guilty of bad faith, just as the former, if he should be detected in the avoidance of or the doing of or the consenting to them, would be perfidious and perjured. I would have written to you at greater length, if I had not been occupied with many other things, including the rebuilding of our city and church which was lately entirely consumed in a great fire; from which loss though we could not for a while be diverted, yet by the hope of the comfort of God and of you we breathe again. A benefice is land held by a vassal in return for services to his lord. 1. Under what circumstances, according to Fulbert, would a lord be guilty of bad faith? Give specific examples from the selection. 2. What does Fulbert mean when he says, it is not sufficient to abstain from evil, unless what is good is done also? 22 The Early Middle Ages
Feudal Capitularies, continued MAKE A COMPARISON 1. Do these selections seem to increase or decrease the rights of vassals? Cite examples from the passages to support your answer. 2. Why do you think these passages are so concerned with the duties of people? 23 The Early Middle Ages
Answer Key Biography Leif Ericsson 1. Ericsson named his landing site Vinland (Wineland). 2. There were grapes where Ericsson landed. His men made wine from the grapes so he named the place Vinland, which means Wineland. 3. Accept reasonable answers. Literature CALL-OUT BOXES 1. silvery metal, gleaming 2. My people have said, the wisest, most knowing and best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes 3. drove five giants into chains, hunted monsters out of the ocean ANALYZING LITERATURE 1. epic poem: subject brave warrior, Beowulf; length long and detailed; Japanese haiku: subject nature, animals; length very short, three lines. 2. It told exciting stories about heroes and their adventures. The End of Charlemagne s Life 1. The belief system of the Catholic Church is contrasted with a belief in omens from pagan times. The selection includes references to Holy Communion, Charlemagne s burial in a church, and God s approval of Charlemagne s choice of an heir. There are a variety of omens, including an eclipse, a ball of fire from the heavens, and a mysterious fire. 2. Astronomers would be interested in the account because it gives detailed information about astronomical phenomena that they could use in understanding the sky and the universe. Cultural anthropologists would be interested in it because of the details concerning the people s superstitions. Later biographers of Charlemagne would depend on this biography because it was written by someone who was present when the events occurred. 3. Students will answer in various ways, but they should recognize that while Charlemagne would have wanted to be seen as generous and appealing to the people, he may also have distrusted their superstitions and beliefs. Feudal Capitularies Capitulary Concerning Freemen and Vassals, 816 1. The vassal could leave if he proved the lord guilty of forcing the vassal to be a servant; threatening the vassal s life; committing adultery with the vassal s wife; attacking the vassal with a drawn sword; or failing to come to the vassal s aid when the lord is able to do so. Capitulary of Mersen, 847 1. They must defend their lord s kingdom against invaders. 2. Answers will vary but should reflect an understanding that fair treatment will inspire loyalty and ensure the vassals have no reason to be unfaithful to their lords. Fulbert of Chartres, Mutual Duties of Vassals and Lords, 1020 1. The lord must treat the vassal as well as the vassal treats the lord. Examples from the text may include refraining from causing injury, from frustrating his efforts, from threatening his honor or security, and from injustice. 2. He means that to be deserving of his property, the vassal must not merely refrain from committing misdeeds, but also actively help his lord. 36 The Early Middle Ages
Answer Key MAKE A COMPARISON 1. Answer will vary, but students might note the various aspects of the passages that seem to offer protection for vassals. 2. Answers will vary, but students might say that these rules helped bring order to society. History and Geography MAP ACTIVITY 1. Answers will vary, but should trace one or more of the routes from Scandinavia into Europe. 2. Lines should trace from Asia into Germany, France, and Italy. 3. Lines should trace from Africa and the Middle East into Europe. 4. The island of Crete, southeast of Greece, should be marked with an X. 5. Check to make sure legend colors match the colors students used on the map. ANALYZING MAPS 1. The Magyars traveled in a southwesterly direction as they invaded Europe. 2. The Vikings came from the north. The Muslims came from the south. 3. Answers will vary. Sample answer: I think the Magyars did not use ships to invade Europe. They came from a region that was not near any large bodies of water. Also, they traveled by land and not water. 4. Answers will vary. Sample answer: I think the Vikings would have been less successful in invading Europe if they did not have ships. They would have had to travel a greater distance by land than they did by sea. Trips would take longer and they couldn t get to as many places as they did by ship. Also, they probably would run into more people on land and have had more battles as they traveled. Social Studies Skills PRACTICE AND APPLY THE SKILL Students answers will vary, but should demonstrate that they recognize that the diagram is a floor plan for a small house or cottage. Their special features should reflect an understanding of the topic. Chapter Review REVIEWING VOCABULARY, TERMS, AND PEOPLE 1. serfs 2. chivalry 3. feudalism 4. manor 5. Eurasia 6. topography 7. medieval 8. Charlemagne COMPREHENSION AND CRITICAL THINKING 1. knights 2. William the Conqueror 3. haiku 4. Middle Ages REVIEWING THEMES 1. A monastery is a community of religious men who devote their lives to prayer, work, and meditation. 2. A missionary is a person who tries to convert others to his or her religion. 37 The Early Middle Ages