Germanic Kingdoms and the Carolingian Empire

The Fall of Rome and Germanic Integration

Some held posts in the Roman administration and the army. Therefore, there were Germanic tribes that were quite Romanised, such as the Visigoths and Ostrogoths. Other Germanic tribes were very hostile, such as the Huns and the Vandals.

Despite the Germanic invasions, the Western Roman Empire managed to stay in place, although in a very weakened form, until the German chieftain Odoacer deposed the last emperor of Rome, Romulus Augustus, in 476 AD.

Social and Political Structure of Germanic Kingdoms

They were monarchies. At first, kings were elected, but over time the position became hereditary. Kings were weak and had little power, as they were in the hands of an increasingly powerful warrior aristocracy.

Society was comprised of a majority Romanised population and a dominant minority Germanic population. Some features of Roman culture were imposed. This was the case with the Latin language, which remained but was adapted to different regional characteristics.

Economic Shifts and the Ostrogothic Kingdom

Economically, the tendency towards ruralisation that started in the 3rd century increased. The basis of the economy was very rudimentary trade, practised by peasants and slaves on large estates that belonged to an aristocratic minority.

The Ostrogothic Kingdom, which had its capital in Ravenna, imposed its domination over the Italian Peninsula and other territories of the former Roman Empire during the reign of Theodoric in the early 6th century.

The Frankish Kingdom and the Carolingian Dynasty

One of the most important Germanic kingdoms was the Frankish Kingdom. The ruling dynasty in the 7th century was the Merovingian dynasty, although its power was challenged by that of the great aristocratic families. One of these families, the Carolingians, took the French throne in 751.

The Reign of Charlemagne

The most important figure of the Carolingian dynasty was Charlemagne. Charlemagne was considered an heir to imperial Rome and defended Christianity. As a result of these relationships, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor by the Pope in 800.

The emperor and his court moved constantly throughout the Empire. However, the capital was established in Aachen, where Charlemagne built a palace. Extensive laws, known as capitularies, were passed throughout the Empire.

Imperial Administration and Governance

The Empire was organised into counties and, in the border areas, into marches led by a military commander, the marquis. Missi Dominici (palace inspectors) were appointed. They were aristocrats who ensured that the counts and marquises complied with the capitularies and did not govern independently.