The Carolingian Empire and Early Medieval Art

The Carolingian Empire

The Frankish Kingdom

The Franks settled in Gaul after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The region was initially governed by warlords until Clovis unified the Gallo-Roman peoples and the Franks. He famously defeated the Visigoths at the Battle of Vouillé.

Mayors of the Palace

The successors of Clovis largely left the government in the hands of the Mayors of the Palace. Notably, Charles Martel stopped the Muslim advance into Europe at the decisive Battle of Poitiers.

The Carolingian Dynasty

Pepin the Short founded the Carolingian dynasty. He allied with Pope Stephen in the fight against the Lombards, who had invaded Italy. In return for the Pope's support, Pepin the Short granted him the Papal Domains, laying the foundation for the Papal States.

Imperial Expansion Under Charlemagne

Charlemagne initiated a policy of significant territorial expansion, extending his influence across the Iberian Peninsula, central and southern Europe, and reaching the Danube. In 800 CE, Charlemagne was proclaimed Emperor in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

• He was succeeded by his son, Louis the Pious.

Carolingian Land Distribution

After the death of Louis the Pious, his sons reached an agreement known as the Treaty of Verdun (843 CE), which divided the Carolingian Empire:

• Charles the Bald inherited West Francia (modern-day France).
• Lothair I inherited Middle Francia, including the Italian Peninsula.
• Louis the German (Louis of Bavaria) inherited East Francia (modern-day Germania).

Imperial Administration

The imperial administration was organized around the court, directed by the Chamberlain. Key officials included the Marshal, the Chancellor, and the Count of the Palace.

Territorial Administration

The empire was divided into:

• Counties: Ruled by a Count.
• Marches: Defensive border zones, administered by a Duke or Marquis.

Trade in the Carolingian Era

Carolingian trade relations with the East declined significantly due to the expansion of Islam, which disrupted traditional trade routes.

Byzantine and Carolingian Art

Byzantine Art

Byzantine art is characterized by its distinctive architectural and artistic styles:

• Architecture: Featured arches, the Greek cross plan, and basilicas with domes. Main buildings included churches like the Hagia Sophia and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Mosaics and Icons: Walls and domes were extensively covered with intricate mosaics, with some of the most famous found in the Church of San Vitale. Icons, religious paintings representing saints and holy figures, were also prominent. These figures typically lacked volume and appeared rigid and straight.

Carolingian Art

Carolingian art saw a revival of classical forms and techniques:

• Architecture: Characterized by solid stone walls, brick arches, and basilica forms.
• Sculpture: Primarily consisted of intricate ivory pieces.
• Miniatures, Mosaics, and Goldsmithy: Highlights included illuminated manuscripts (miniatures) and mosaics. Goldsmithy was extensively used to decorate books, reliquaries, and altars.

General Vocabulary

• Mercenary: A soldier who fights in a war in exchange for money.
• Chlamys: A short, shallow cloak worn by the Greeks and later by the Romans.
• Settlers: Free peasants who paid rent for small plots of land.
• Solidus: A gold coin created by Constantine.
• Epic: A narrative poem recounting the deeds of heroes, often with fantastic elements.
• Cloister: A covered gallery encircling the courtyard of a church or monastery.
• Goldsmithy: The technique of working with gold and silver.
• Reliquary: A box or container used to store relics.