Ancient Rome: history, culture, and society

ANCIENT ROME--DEFINITIONS

CONSTANTINE: The emperor Constantine has rightly been called the most important emperor of Late Antiquity. His powerful personality laid the foundations of post-classical European civilization; his reign was eventful and highly dramatic. His victory at the Milvian Bridge counts among the most decisive moments in world history, while his legalization and support of Christianity and his foundation of a 'New Rome' at Byzantium rank among the most momentous decisions ever made by a European ruler. The fact that ten Byzantine emperors after him bore his name may be seen as a measure of his importance and of the esteem in which he was held.

CHARLEMAGNE: Also known as Charles the Great; born on April 2, 742 A.D. in Northern Europe. "By the sword and the cross," he became master of Western Europe. Through his enlightened leadership, the roots of learning and order were restored to Medieval Europe. In 768, when Charlemagne was 26, he and his brother Carloman inherited the kingdom of the Franks. In 771, Carloman died, and Charlemagne became sole ruler of the kingdom. At that time the Franks were falling back into barbarian ways, neglecting their education and religion. The Saxons of northern Europe were still pagans, and in the south, the Roman Catholic church was asserting its power to recover lands confiscated by the Lombard kingdom of Italy. Charlemagne was determined to strengthen his realm and to bring order to Europe. In 772, he launched a 30-year military campaign to accomplish this objective. By 800, Charlemagne was the undisputed ruler of Western Europe. His vast realm encompassed what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands. It included half of present-day Italy and Germany, and parts of Austria and Spain. By establishing a central government over Western Europe, Charlemagne restored much of the unity of the old Roman Empire and paved the way for the development of modern Europe.

CHARLES MARTEL: Charles the Hammer, Frankish ruler, illegitimate son of Pepin of Heristal and grandfather of Charlemagne. After the death of his father in 714 A.D., he seized power in Austrasia from Pepin's widow, who was ruling as regent for her grandsons, and became mayor of the palace. He subsequently subdued the Frankish kingdom of Neustria and began the re-conquest of Burgundy, Aquitaine, and Provence. Charles Martel defeated the Spanish Muslims at the battle of Tours (732-33) and began the military campaigns that reestablished the Franks as the rulers of Gaul. Although he never assumed the title of king, he divided the Frankish lands, like a king, between his sons Pepin the Short and Carloman.