The strongest and most significant of the barbarian groups, the Franks, were one of the first of these uncivilized peoples to actually convert to Christianity instead of Arianism, greatly aiding the spread of Christianity during the early Middle Ages. There were two influential families in the Kingdom of the Franks: the Merovinigians and Carolingians. 

A member of the Merovingians, Clovis, ruled the Franks from 481-511. Regarded as a tenacious warrior and an illustrious ruler, Clovis persuaded the Frankish people to follow him when he converted to Christianity in 496. First accepting Christ in secret, Clovis then explained the unfamiliar religion to his warriors leading thousands to convert on the spot. 

Wanting to expand, Clovis conquered the Visigoths and divided his kingdom among his sons. Continuing the conquest, Clovis’ sons subdued the Burgundians in eastern Gaul and Ostrogoths in the eastern Alps. The Merovingian family continued to rule the Franks in the 6th century but were not skilled administrators, as they often fought among themselves. Merovingian power began to fade with the rise of another prominent family: the Carolingians. 

Charles Martel, a Carolingian, famously defeated the Muslim invaders at the Battle of Tours in 732, and became a hero. Because of this and the Merovingians incompetence, the Carolingians became de facto rulers of the Franks. A prominent man named Pepin the Short wished for his Carolingians to become de jure rulers over the Franks but wanted to take power legitimately without a struggle. Consequently, he got a blessing from the Pope to change the dynasty. There were two reasons the Pope gave his blessing: the fact that the Carolingians were more genuine in their faith than the Merovingians and the estrangement of the Popes from their former Byzantine protectors. 

Charlemagne has been called the “Father of Europe” due to his extreme fame and influence as a ruler and warrior. He was certainly the greatest fighter of the early Middle Ages, and exerted power over all Frankish lands including modern day France, Belgium, Netherlands, Western Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy. Ruling alongside his brother in the early days of his reign, Charlemagne took full control when his brother died in 771 and ruled until 814. Unlike some of the past leaders, Charlemagne seemed to be a genuine Christain, helping distressed Christains and ensuring their safety in foreign lands. Charlemagne was pro-papal and fought all those who resisted, ultimately leading 53 campaigns in which he was always in the front of the battle. Charlemagne spread Christianity widely and converted the Saxons, although this was mostly done by forced conversion. In a historical moment, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III, bringing back the idea of an empire that had civilizing intentions, law, and brought about peace.

A poet from the 1st century BC, Horace wrote “Odes” and “Satires” which discussed the way one should live their life and Horace’s own view on the gods. A common theme in “Odes,” was life and death, and how making it a top priority to store up riches for yourself is not ideal. Horace said that death would take everyone and equalize them in the end. Working too hard for wealth was futile, explaining that one should enjoy whatever they possess and take it easy one day at a time so they won’t be disappointed in the long term. Seeking tranquility was vital according to Horace who told of the “golden mean:” do not expect too much and you won’t be let down. 

Horace accepted Stoicism and Epicureanism. These philosophies instructed us to enjoy the bountiful aspects of life, and refrain from overdoing things. “Do not be too courageous, or cowardly, and do not be too rich or poor,” stated Horace. Obsessed with death, Horace called it “the great leveler.” Fortune played games with men, good times and bad times alternated. The gods chose this but are unpredictable, so Horace commanded not to worry about death since it is inevitable. Pursuing wealth and power is bad: “big trees fall in the wind.” In turmoil, Rome will be saved by Augustus, asserted Horace. Not being governed by ethics, history had no pattern, so good doesn’t always win, and bad doesn’t always lose. Horace believed that sanctions were random and are not based on punishment for wrongdoing. 

In the poem “Satires,” the poet began by saying that people who are discontent with their wealth and position complain, but never take action. Horace did not understand the quest for wealth, wondering what the point was of building up wealth for untrustworthy heirs. “The ant knows better, she consumes what she gathers.” Money doesn’t define a person and their character, an individual should set a limit to their own greed. Warning against being overcritical, Horace remarked that we should regard other’s faults as lightly as our own. Thinking of justice as flawed, Horace thought a punishment should fit the crime, “If you deny this, you deny Justice.” Although one would not be rewarded by the gods or fate for being righteous (positive sanctions are completely random), Horace wanted virtue to be recognized and vice to be lessened.

A philosopher, writer, and theologian, St. Augustine was one of the most profound Christian figures of his time. He even had a large impact on later theologians, such as Thomas Acquinas. 

Also known as Augustine of Hippo, he was born in Roman Northern Africa and was raised by a Christain mother. As a young man, Augustine lived in sin and was not Christain, but instead practiced many different religions and philosophies. Continually, Augustine would be left dissatisfied by these religions, like when he converted from Manichaesm to Skepticism in 383. At this time, he went to Rome and Milan to teach rhetoric and became a Neo-Platinist. While in Milan, Augustine met St. Ambrose of Milan who was preaching Christianity in a church. Known to be an exceptional public speaker, St. Ambrose became friends with Augustine. However, Augustine was not immediately converted to Christianity. After thoroughly reading and studying the Bible, Augustine finally accepted the faith in 383. He later became bishop of Hippo, Algeria, but found it hard to convert the people in the city. 

Highly influenced by Plato, Augustine answered Plato’s question of “the forms” by concluding that the form of everything were the archetypes of how God created the world. Continuing, Augustine stated that the same way the sun makes things visible is how divine light makes eternal truths visible. Asserting that happiness is what every human should pursue, Augustine meant for people to find happiness in God’s grace, not worldly things. God’s eternal laws are written on every man’s heart, so following these laws is what God meant man to do. Since Man is corrupted by original sin, he needs divine grace to observe these laws.

Augustine’s two most famous books were “The Confessions” and “City of God.” In The first part of “The Confessions” Augustine talks about his sinful life as a young man, but in the latter half speaks on a controversy which asserted that Christianity led to the end of the Roman Empire. Augustine refuted this by explaining that Rome’s demise was caused internally because of sin and corruption. In “City of God,” Augustine stated how there were two groups of men: those who love God and those who love themselves. Hence the City of God and the City of Man have always run parallel to each other throughout human history.