John S. Ott
Portland State University
HST 101 - History of Western Civilizations
O-11
Emperor of a Renewed Rome:I. Introduction: the Later Roman Empire and the rise of Germania
Charlemagne and the Frankish Empire, ca. 750-843
In-migration and assimiliation of the Germanic and Gothic peoples
People and terms: ***Emperor Constantine I (d. 307); Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305 C.E.); Persia; Rhine and Danube rivers; Alaric sacks Rome in 410; Theodorich, king of the Ostrogoths and ruler of Italy (r. 493-526 C.E.); Clovis, king of the Franks (d. 511)
II. Origins of the Carolingian dynasty: a new family stakes its claim to power
Pippin the Short (King of the Franks, r. 751-768) and ***Charlemagne (King of the Franks, 768-814; emperor, 800-814): giants of the Carolingian dynasty
Charlemagne and 'Roman' renovatio | Bronze statue of Charlemagne from 10thc. | Gold coin of Charlemagne |
Military prowess tames Europe
Renewal of classical culture at Charlemagne's court
Judicial and administrative systems in the Carolingian empire
Architecture as propaganda: ***Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle), the New Rome and God's Anointed | Photo of Aachen Chapel from exterior | Gallery of Lorsch Abbey, 774 C.E. |
People and terms: Pope Stephen II (r. 752-757); Pope Leo III (r. 795-816); ***anointing; ***Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) and San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy); Carolingian minuscule (script)
III. Sowing the seeds of future controversy: papal vs. imperial authority
The Gelasian Doctrine and the Donation of Constantine
IV. A Short-Lived Dream: End of Empire, beginning of a Mythology
People and terms: Pope Gelasius I (r. 492-496); the Donation of Constantine (ca. 750-800); Treaty of Verdun (843); The Song of Roland