history 9-25ish.docx

Mixing of Roman and German Traditions (continued) A Transformed Economic Landscape Migrations harmed already weakened economy Power shirts to the countryside Effects of transformation crumbled trade infrastructure No one around to repair roads, public elites to maintain order Did all Roman learning and culture disappear? Romans knew Rome was deteriorating Cassiodorus ? set up his own monastery ? gave monks the tasks of preserving Roman culture ? purchased manuscripts, copied then, recopied them, and passed them onto future generations Clovis and the Rise of the Frankish Monarchy Clovis (c. 460-511) The Sources Gregory of Tours? History of the Franks Various Letters Remiguis of Reims Avitus of Vienne Clovis?s own letter Clovis?s Family History Childeric (d. 481) ? father Clovia?a Military and Administrative Powers Started immediately (arund 481) 486 Soissons 491 The Thuringians 496 Alamans Ruthless reputation Instilling order through violence ? killed challengers as they appeared ? held grudges Continuity with Roman administration ? loose emulation of Rome Clovis?s Conversion to Christianity Marries Clotilda of Burgundy in 493 ? courted her in secret because of her hostage situation with Uncle Gundobad ? Clovis gave her gifts, sealed deal (German gift exchange culture) 496 Conversion comes through warfare ? loss to the Alamans ? Battle of Tolbiac turns out as a victory for Clovis, converts to Christianity