During the years 500-800CE, Christianity was merging into Germanic Europe. During the Middle Ages, a common European civilization evolved that integrated Christian, Roman, and Germanic elements. Christianity was at the center of medieval civilization, Rome was the spiritual capital and Latin the language of life, and Germanic customs pervaded social and legal relationships. Leaders such as Augustine of Hippo, Clovis and Charlemagne fought with different methods for what they thought religion should be, whether it be forceful or communitive. Reformations of Catholic churches led to a rise in education for many common folks. These leaders had a key role in meshing these cultures together, and because of them one- religion empires decreased, creating …show more content…
New forces impinging on society proved a challenge for Charlemagne; although, his personal qualities helped him confront this ultimatum. Charlemagne was the idyllic warrior chief, he had a striking physical appearance and an outstanding amount of energy. He also had an iron will and was full of courage, he loved the active aspects of life. His central purpose, in which all of his services and policies were directed, was to maintain Christianity as it was personified in the Western Church. Charlemagne aided the Church and fulfilled his own purposes through the military suppression, fighting the barbarians of this time for his people. Having the mindset of “conquer or be conquered,” Charlemagne gained powers, he used equal ability and dedication to purpose in as foremost secular ruler in the world. In 785 Charlemagne attacked the Saxons, who were mostly pagan, the Saxons surrendered and accepted Christianity. Using the church, Charlemagne turned the Saxons into obedient subjects after 30 years. He was an important player in the spread of Christianity into Northern Europe, yet his methods did not include turning the other cheek. In 785 if a Saxon refused to be baptized, he would receive the death penalty. (Source #27, Text #14) He began to force this religion on his peoples, almost as if he would rather have no kingdom, than a kingdom without Christianity. Charlemagne also believed in education, he wanted this for boys and girls of his country. St. Augustine was a role model for Charlemagne, he liked to have St. Augustine’s books read to him. Expanding education made for a closer society, closing gaps between the poor and rich by having an education system fit for all. Although he was not the first person to use popes and the church to his advantage, he used the church to expand his education along with monastic