Empire of Charlemagne: emergence, flourishing and collapse. Collapse of Charlemagne's Empire

Frankish state in the 8th–9th centuries. Empire of Charlemagne The weakening of central power and constant civil strife between representatives of the Merovingian house led to the fact that prestige royal power fell. The last Merovingians are called "lazy kings" because they did not

The emergence and collapse of Charlemagne's empire is a significant event in the history of medieval Europe. Essentially, after the collapse, this was the first attempt at unification various peoples into one big state. The Carolingians pursued an expansive policy aimed at capturing the territories remaining after Roman rule. The ruler of the Franks, Charles, expanded the borders of his country as far as possible, to which historians gave the name - the empire of Charlemagne.

Emergence

The rise and fall of such big country it is impossible to study without accurate information about its origins. The prerequisites for the emergence of the Frankish empire arose in the 4th-7th centuries. This period of time will go down in history as the “era lazy kings“- actual power belonged to the mayors - local rulers. The creation and collapse of Charlemagne's empire occurred between the 7th and 9th centuries. In 637, Major of Austrasia Pepin of Geristal, nicknamed Pepin the Short, became the ruler of the kingdom of the Franks, uniting several

Pepin's descendants continued the work of their ancestor. The most prominent of them was nicknamed Hammer. According to legend, in hot battles he used the military weapon of his ancestors - a mace, shaped like a huge hammer. The scope of victories and magnificent political talent brought Charles fame and power. It was under his leadership that the Frankish country became an empire.

Heyday

The creation and collapse of Charlemagne's empire occurred at the end of the first millennium. The years of the reign of Charles Martell were especially outstanding. Under him, the Carolingian state extended from Frisia on the North Sea to the lands of the Lombards in the southeastern Adriatic. In the west, the coast of the country was washed by the Atlantic, and in the southwest, Martell captured most Iberian Peninsula. The king also gave in to the influence of the church - in 800 he spent several months in Rome, sorting out skirmishes between the papal government and local authorities. For this, Pope Leo consecrated him emperor. For the imperial title, he made new enemies in the person of the Byzantine rulers, who, in the end, had to come to terms with the existence of Charles and his empire.

After Martell's death, all power in the country was given to his direct heir, Louis the Pious. But other rulers did not agree with the fate of their subjects, and discontent and riots were brewing in the country.

Collapse of Charlemagne's Empire

The country of this great man was not destined to exist for a long time. After the death of Charles, the gradual decline of the country began, the beginning of which was preceded by a single date. The collapse of Charlemagne's empire occurred in 843. It was then that the official division of the state took place. The division was preceded by a long feud between the descendants of Charles Martel. In 843, a treaty was concluded in the town of Verdun, according to which the Frankish empire was divided into three parts. The lands of Western Europe, most of which lie in the territory modern France, went to Charles, the eastern borders, on which modern Germany was located, went to Louis. The center, along with the lands of Italy and Lorraine, went to Lothair, and he also received the title of Emperor of the Franks.

Results of 843

The Treaty of Verdun became the threshold beyond which the collapse of Charlemagne's empire became a fait accompli. Further existence great country became impossible - I was too weak central government, the ambitions of local rulers are too great. Civil strife - the scourge of medieval powers - completed the job. Charlemagne's empire broke up into many small states that were friends or enemies with each other, but had a decisive influence on politics in Western Europe did not have. The popes skillfully took advantage of discord and skirmishes, who, under the guise of fighting heretics, subjugated more and more lands. The influence of the papacy, overshadowed by the cross and wealth, gradually increased - now it was no longer secular, but ecclesiastical power that began to dominate in Europe. It took hundreds of years for France to once again become a unitary state, and for Germany and Italy the process of unifying the lands was completed only in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Majordomo Pepin the Short, having received the approval of the Pope, removed the last king Franks from the family of Merovei and proclaimed himself king. In gratitude to the pope, Pepin made a trip to Italy, which back in the 6th century. was captured by the German tribe of Lombards. Having defeated their army, Pepin took away part of the possessions from the Lombards and handed them over to the pope. This is how the Church region was founded, headed by the Pope (8th century).
The new dynasty of Frankish kings was called the Carolingians (named after Pepin's father, Charles Martel). The most famous of the Carolingians was Charlemagne (768-814). During his reign, the Franks made 53 campaigns, of which 27 campaigns were led by Charles himself.
Three main hiking directions:
to Spain against the Muslim Arabs (as a result, the region south of the Pyrenees Mountains was captured and included in the Frankish state);
into the ground Germanic tribe the Saxons, Charles demanded from them to stop predatory raids and accept Christianity (as a result, the Saxons were baptized, and their country was annexed to Charles’s possessions);
to Italy (as a result, the Lombards were defeated, their kingdom was destroyed, and Italy became part of the Frankish state).
The time of Charlemagne is called the Carolingian Renaissance. Karl set himself two interrelated tasks:
1) revive the Roman Empire. During Charles's stay in Rome, the pope placed the crown of emperor on him (800). For the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire (476), the power of the emperor in the West was restored. Charles began to claim the role of the main defender of the Christian faith in Europe;
2) revive ancient culture, revive interest in that exemplary Latin language, in which poets from the time of Emperor Augustus wrote - Virgil, Ovid, etc. Charles loved books, although he himself was semi-literate; he opened schools, invited people from all over Europe educated people. Of these, a scientific circle was formed, called the Academy (named after the school once founded in Athens by the philosopher Plato). Members of the Academy called each other after Greek and Roman poets - Homer, Horace, etc.
Both tasks were impossible: ancient culture died along with the decline of Roman cities in Western Europe. The empire of Charlemagne was only perceived as a revival of the former, in fact it was a new state. Unlike the Western Roman Empire;
Charles’s empire did not include almost all of Spain, North Africa and other regions, but included Germany between the Rhine and Elbe;
most of the population were Germanic peoples(Franks, Saxons, Lombards, etc.), the smaller ones are the descendants of the Italo-Romans and Gallo-Romans;
the center of the state was not Rome, but Aachen;
there were few cities, people lived mainly in villages and estates;
There was no developed management with the subordination of all civil servants to the emperor; power gradually passed into the hands of large landowners.
Charlemagne's empire was short-lived. His grandchildren unleashed internecine war. It ended with an agreement according to which the empire was divided into three parts (843):
West Frankish Kingdom (including mainly the lands of the future France);
East Frankish Kingdom (mostly future Germany);
Kingdom of Lothair - named after one of Charles's grandsons (Italy and the long strip north of it separating the West and East Frankish kingdoms).
The title of emperor existed until 924, but after the division of the empire it became an empty title

If we talk about the reasons for the collapse of the empire of Charlemagne, then we must first give full description early feudal Frankish society. The Frankish state of that period finally formalized and consolidated political and economic inequality. The process of feudalization in general outline was completed, and this was one of the reasons for the collapse of Charlemagne's empire. However, it is necessary to cover this topic in more detail.

Charlemagne

It is necessary to briefly describe Charlemagne. This controversial historical figure It is no coincidence that it attracts the attention of researchers. Conqueror, creator, reformer and admirer of science and education. Fury on the battlefield gave way to thoughts of government affairs and the need for reform. And there was plenty of work: from draining swamps to building castles, fortresses, and churches.

The reforms affected all segments of the Frankish population: from its most powerful members to the bottom. Tracing the history - from the emergence to the collapse - of the empire of Charlemagne, the heterogeneity of the conquered tribes and peoples can be placed at the head of the reasons that led to the collapse. Their level of material and spiritual culture was different. All this mass had to be managed. And the power of the sword alone cannot do this.

By sword and word

The most fierce resistance was provided by the Saxon tribes. Battles and punitive raids, the taking of hostages and prisoners did not bring tangible results. In total, it took 33 years to pacify the Saxons. The confrontation either died down or flared up with new strength. Their pagan worldview and devotion to their gods were the foundation on which their “temple” of perseverance and resistance rested.

In 772, Eresburg fell - a Saxon fortress, near which there was a sacred grove, and in it the main shrine of the Germans - a pillar dedicated to the god of war Irmin. However, some researchers doubt the existence of this deity among the Germanic tribes.

Literally 4 years later the rebellious Saxons had to be pacified again. Rebuild Eresburg, maintain reinforced garrisons and even leave Christian preachers. The emperor did not disdain any methods to break resistance.

Thus, it is clear that the obvious antagonism Christian religion and the pagan worldview (the worldview must be emphasized, since paganism was, is and will remain precisely a worldview that has nothing to do with religion) is one of the answers to the question of what are the reasons for the collapse of the empire of Charlemagne.

An empire that knew no rest

Charlemagne's military performance was truly impressive. His state waged wars on three fronts at once. And in history, only Rome allowed itself to do this. Therefore, it is not surprising that Charles I himself found some analogies. In Italy, the Arian Lombards questioned the Pope's views on Christian teaching. In particular, they did not believe that Jesus Christ was equal in status to God the Father.

But their most important delusion was their reluctance to recognize not only religious, but also political power greedy popes and, therefore, fill their coffers. Burning with righteous anger at such blatant injustice, the main leader of the Franks attacked the cities and lands of the Franks with fire and sword. The “defender of the faith” Charles I had his own interests and secret desires, which were revealed in 800, when he received the title of emperor.

The second direction is Spain. True, the Arabs very quickly knocked out the presumptuous Franks. Well, the third direction was the east. This is the territory modern Germany. Here the war was already waged against related Germanic tribes - the Saxons, Bavarians and Avars.

The Empire is in constant fire of revolts and uprisings

The separatist sentiments of the conquered peoples threatened the existence of Charlemagne's empire, and its collapse was a foregone conclusion. Each region was not only loosely connected to the center, but also to each other. Therefore, the king, and then the emperor, had to spend all his time on campaigns. He did not stand on ceremony with the rebels.

Exemplary executions of several thousand people and other atrocities were not uncommon. But perhaps the most effective measure is to attract the local nobility to your side. Bribery and giving them fiefs. And so yesterday’s enemies came under his banner.

So, the reasons for the collapse of Charlemagne’s empire (3 reasons):

• weak connections of the conquered regions not only with the center, but also with each other;
• differences between the Christian religion and the pagan spiritual worldview (or rather, the Roman tradition with the pagan);
• separatism.

Reform of the administrative division of the Franks

It is impossible not to touch upon those forced reforms that were carried out in the area at that time. administrative management. King Clovis also divided the country into districts, appointing his people to govern locally. But under Charles I, leading endless wars, Was held important reform. In occupied territories bordering hostile peoples, margraviates, or marches, were created for efficient administration.

Local rulers were given greater power. After all, their main task was not only to keep the conquered territory in subjection, but also to repel, if necessary external threat aimed at the Frankish Empire. And this circumstance also played its ominous role in the destruction of unity. Very soon, the proteges began to regard the lands entrusted to them as their own. But the danger of an external threat still kept them from rebellion.

The emperor understood the situation and tried to fight it. With the aim of additional control Specially authorized people of the emperor traveled to the provinces. But the final feudalization of society was already taking place and gradually the local vassals thought more about independence.

Subsistence nature of the economy

Another reason for the collapse of the empire of Charlemagne must be named difficult situation peasantry. Subsistence farming predominated. Productive forces developed poorly. In those days there was still no social division of labor.

Craft and rural labor were combined. That is, the production of all necessary products was carried out by courtyard artisans. But their main consumer was the feudal lord's court. Sometimes the surplus could get inside the estate.

Trade and fairs existed, and even money was in use. But widespread they had no influence on the life of the village. Agricultural surpluses were sold and overseas goods and weapons were purchased.

And most importantly: the various regions of the Carolingian Empire did not have permanent economic ties. And this is objectively established historical condition was included in the list of the main reasons for the collapse of Charlemagne's empire.

Military reform

The Empire needed new warriors and resources. Endless wars could not but affect her economic life and the standard of living of the population. It was restless everywhere. Not only on the border, but also inside the Frankish state.

Constant revolts were suppressed ruthlessly, but time passed, and new conflict was already flaring up in another part of the empire. However, with all this carried out military reform. In this regard, only wealthy and free landowners were called up for service. Ordinary free peasants joint efforts equipped an armed warrior in their place.

The people's militia has lost its importance. This was now purely the occupation of the nobility and wealthy strata of the population.

Dispossession of the peasantry

Even under the Merovingians, the process of enslaving the peasantry began, and under the Carolingians it was completed. Initially this found its expression in the form of precarium (transfer upon request). In fact, the small owner in most cases “voluntarily” transferred his ownership of the land under pressure. Or, renouncing his right to land in favor of the church, he received it back, and along with it, as a reward, an additional plot (precarity with compensation).

But most often people did this in search of protection and patronage from more powerful neighbors. At the same time, personal enslavement was gaining momentum, taking three main forms:

• colons - in appearance, these peasants were personally free, but they could not leave their plots, and they had restrictions on the use of the land;
• slaves - were divided into 2 categories (yard servants and slaves with land), they could be sold or bought, and everything they owned belonged to the owner;
• Litas are an intermediate category between colon and slave.

Gradually all these edges were erased. The layers were transformed into one total weight people completely dependent on their landowner. Therefore, it is not surprising that spontaneous and unorganized riots arose, which, however, were very quickly suppressed. This circumstance did not add unity and served as an additional reason for the collapse of the empire of Charles I.

Imperial crown

The popes repeatedly asked for help in the fight against the Lombards and local nobility. Help was provided, and Charles I was crowned with the imperial crown. His empire began to bear the name Roman. Gradually, Constantinople had to recognize, albeit formally, the claims of the newly-crowned emperor.

He understood the importance of education and gathered the leading scientists of the then Europe at his court. Forces are gradually being mobilized to drain swamps and cut down wild forests. Roads and bridges, temples and palaces are being built. It would seem that life in the empire is improving, but...

Five reasons for the collapse of Charlemagne's Roman Empire

The emperor spent enormous energy and devoted himself entirely to his beloved brainchild - the empire. He had no luck with heirs. But eventually his son, known as Louis the Pious, continued his work.

The list-diagram “Causes of the collapse of Charlemagne’s empire” below lists 5 main factors that contributed to the split:

1. The completion of the feudalization of society and the final formalization of material and social inequality in the society of the Roman Empire of Charles I. The beneficiaries were so entrenched in the localities that they were least interested in how the empire lived. Their personal interests were closer and more pressing. And this was another nail in the coffin political system empires.
2. Separatism. There was no ethnic and spiritual unity. Not everyone was able to forget the laws of their ancestors and calmly accept Christianity and new customs implanted by force.
3. Subsistence dominance and the weak economic ties with other regions of the empire. The main characteristic subsistence farming is low level production culture and increase in income, lack of division of labor (into craft and Agriculture). Add to this weak influence trade, and it turns out that with such economic conditions the empire itself would have collapsed sooner or later.
4. Dispossession of small land owners. In those harsh and harsh historical realities, everyone sought protection and patronage from the one who was closest. There was little hope for the emperor. Due to this, the local “nobles” further strengthened their positions, and this inevitably influenced the growth of separatist sentiments.
5. The tradition of transferring the imperial throne had not yet developed.

This is to briefly describe the reasons for the collapse of Charlemagne's empire.

Instead of a conclusion

Charlemagne's empire was doomed due to objective historical reasons. The logical conclusion was the division of the empire between the grandchildren of Charles I, secured by the Treaty of Verdun. However, only at first glance. The idea of ​​one European space lived for a long time in the minds of the ancestors of Europeans and found its realization only in our days.

Raphael. Coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor, c. 1516-1517

In Constantinople they reacted to this with hostility, as a kind of usurpation of a title that belonged to some Byzantine kings, but at that time a woman reigned there (Irina), which to some extent seemed to weaken the claims of the Greeks. When she was deposed by her own minister Nikifor, and this latter himself became emperor; he never wanted to recognize Charlemagne’s new title, and only after the overthrow of Nicephorus himself new emperor (Michael) agreed to recognize Charlemagne in his dignity as a Western emperor. However, later in Byzantium they looked unfriendly at the appropriation of the imperial title by Western sovereigns, and in the West, it happened, they tried to belittle the title of the eastern emperor, calling him the emperor of either the “new Rome” or the “Romeans” (romaei - the Greek name for the Romans). Thus, the empire of Charlemagne not only united the West, but also contributed to its isolation from the East. As for Charlemagne’s relations with the Baghdad Caliphate, they were completely peaceful and even friendly.

At that time, Harun al-Rashid reigned in Baghdad, famous for his justice.