1. The last Latin speaking emperor lost power in Rome in 476 CE, causing a decline in centralized political authority, trade, urbanization, and literacy in Western Europe. Germanic tribes established small kingdoms and chiefdoms, with weak political authority. The Carolingian Dynasty of the Franks, from 751 to 814, brought some political unity and cultural revival. The pope crowned the first Carolingian King, Pepin, and Charlemagne was crowned "Roman Emperor" by the pope in 800. Charlemagne built an empire and fostered a modest intellectual revival. However, weak leadership by his heirs led to the decline of centralization and a shift to a feudal society after his death in 814. 1. What factors led to Charlemagne being crowned "Roman Emperor", and what contributions did he make to the Empire? 2. In what way have modern historians changed their view on feudalism?

1. The last Latin speaking emperor lost power in Rome in 476 CE, causing a decline in centralized political authority, trade, urbanization, and literacy in Western Europe. Germanic tribes established small kingdoms and chiefdoms, with weak political authority. The Carolingian Dynasty of the Franks, from 751 to 814, brought some political unity and cultural revival. The pope crowned the first Carolingian King, Pepin, and Charlemagne was crowned "Roman Emperor" by the pope in 800. Charlemagne built an empire and fostered a modest intellectual revival. However, weak leadership by his heirs led to the decline of centralization and a shift to a feudal society after his death in 814. 1. What factors led to Charlemagne being crowned "Roman Emperor", and what contributions did he make to the Empire? 2. In what way have modern historians changed their view on feudalism?