Feudal System under King William

Emperor Romulus Augustus is dethroned by barbarians. This is the fall of Rome.

15 yr. old Clovis led the Franks in battle for 30 yrs. that expanded the boundaries of the Frankish kingdom into most of present day France and Germany. He also led the Franks into Christianity.

Martel's victory meant that northern Europe remained firmly Christian

Pepin was the first king to rule with the blessings of the church. His son Charles or Charlemagne would also rule with the church's support

Charlemagne ruled for 48 yrs. fighting the Lombards, Saxons, and the Avars and Slavs. He made his defeated opponents accept the Roman church and swear loyalty to him as their new ruler.

As emperor, Charlemagne, dedicated himself to strengthening the church and bringing education to his empire.

Died at the age of 72

Lothair, Charles, and Louis fought over control of the empire even before their father, Louis the Pious's death. For a while the empire was divided between them. Their empires came apart as landowners became more independent.

King Alfred the Great of England constructs a system of government and education which allows for the unification of smaller Anglo-Saxon states in the ninth and tenth centuries.