The Rise of the Franks: A Transformative Era

This chapter examines the historical impact of the Franks, a pivotal tribal group in shaping early European history, particularly through their adoption of Catholicism and military conquests. It chronicles the expansion of the Frankish Empire under prominent leaders like Charlemagne, exploring their complex relationship with the Church and the cultural dynamics of the time. Additionally, it discusses the socio-political fragmentation of the empire and the emergence of a unified European identity in response to invasions, setting the stage for cultural and economic growth in the High Middle Ages.

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In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive into the West European Dark Ages, discussing the period from the fall of Rome until the rise of medieval Europe around 1000 AD.

Were they really a decline or a period of critical transformation? Uncover the surprising truth behind this oft-misunderstood era.

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