ABSTRACT
The Carolingian Empire was built on a fragile economic and political base, a fact that became evident in the 840s. Civil war among Charlemagne's heirs and invasions from the south, north and east destroyed political unity and impoverished society. For the next two centuries the west was battered by increased violence, political disintegration and economic decline. The church supported the ideal of strong, anointed rulers like Charlemagne who would protect it, but the reality was quite different. Local and regional strongmen seized political power, took church lands and filled church offices as they saw fit.
