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The Franks and the Age of Charlemagne

The Franks and the Age of Charlemange

The Franks and the Age of Charlemagne Interactivity

The most powerful of the Germanic kingdoms in Europe was the kingdom of the Franks. By the fifth century, several small Frankish kingdoms were unified under a series of ruling families who worked in partnership with the Church. In this interactivity, you will explore more about the Franks and the Age of Charlemagne. Click the player button to begin.

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Angles and Saxons

St. Peter's Chapel
Saxon chapel, St. Peter's Chapel in Essex, England;
built using stones from a Roman fort
In the previous interactivity, you learned how invasions by a variety of Germanic tribes disrupted the social, economic, and political order of Europe. Beginning in the fifth century, the Germanic tribes of the Angles and Saxons, led by chieftains, came from modern day Denmark, the Netherlands, and northern Germany to invade England and establish settlements. Eventually, they became one group known as the Anglo-Saxons. Even after the Norman Conquest in the eleventh century, the population of England remained largely Anglo-Saxon. Only gradually did it merge with Norman lineage to become the ancestors from which modern-day English people are descended. Because the tribes were illiterate until they converted to Christianity, much of their known history came from monks during this time.

The Franks and the Age of Charlemagne Review

The Franks and the Age of Charlemagne Review Interactivity

review iconNow that you have explored the Franks and the Age of Charlemagne, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.