21. The Early Middle Ages, 284--1000: Crisis of the Carolingians

The Early Middle Ages, 284--1000 (HIST 210)

In this lecture, Professor Freedman discusses the crisis and decline of Charlemagne's empire. Increasingly faced with external threats -- particularly the Viking invasions -- the Carolingian Empire ultimately collapsed from internal causes, because its rulers were unable effectively to manage such a large empire. In the absence of strong social infrastructure and an idea of loyalty to the ruler, government servants strove to make their positions hereditary and nobles sought to set up independent kingdoms. Although it only lasted for a short time, the Carolingian Empire helped shape the face of Europe, especially through the partitions of the Treaty of Verdun which created territories roughly equivalent to France and Germany.

00:00 - Chapter 1. End of Charlemagne's Rule
09:07 - Chapter 2. The Problems of Charlemagne's Empire
15:49 - Chapter 3. The reign of Louis the Pious
29:33 - Chapter 4. The Treaty of Verdun and its Consequences
40:10 - Chapter 5. Conclusion: The Dissolution of Carolingian Authority

Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu


This course was recorded in Fall 2011.