How did the Holy Roman Empire Form? | Animated History

[@TheArmchairHistorian]

This video is sponsored by Mindstone - helping you learn faster & remember more. Sign up to Mindstone for free, and join the conversation on the articles I used in this video here: bit.ly/3bbbyeA Sign up for Armchair History TV today! armchairhistory.tv/ Promo code: FIGHTBACK for 50% OFF Merchandise available at store.armchairhistory.tv/ Check out the new Armchair History TV Mobile App too! apps.apple.com/us/app/armchair-history-tv/id1514643375 play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.uscreen.armchairhistorytv Discord: discord.gg/zY5jzKp Twitter: twitter.com/ArmchairHist

[@C.A._Old]

1nd Reich ....

[@isaiahwolftail867]

Can you make more Napoleon videos. Especially like the Battle of Borodino.

[@C.A._Old]

68 80 likes ! 0 dislikes ! 18:02:2021 ! 21:25 ! 21:26 :O :D :O !

[@gpjedy7379]

Too bad Middle Ages don't have such traction on KZbin as WW2 and Modern history. Will be missing these kinds of videos.

[@timmcclymont3527]

Now THIS is an interesting topic!

[@mr.markofski4267]

I know the HRE is super memeable, but staying together for a thousand years while constantly being on the brink of collapse is very impressive

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

It wasn't "constantly on the brink of collapse". That's a straight-up meme.

[@timekeeper2738]

@@EndOfSmallSanctuary97 they werent on the edge but they werent exactly fully stable either

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

@@timekeeper2738 Lasting longer than almost any other political entity of the era makes it more stable than not. Emperors were almost never overthrown or removed, either, which can't be said for countries like England.

[@Normal_Boii]

They were similar with Rome on that part I guess

[@johnnottellingyou2402]

literally byzantine history gotta have respect for all three romes

[@TheJaviferrol]

Imagine ancient romans and germanic tribes learning that theyre gonna have a thing together in the future

[@TheJaviferrol]

@@cl4655 If we all go back further enough, most Europeans have a german ancestor

[@riograndedosulball248]

@@cl4655 oh, how creative of you to quote a phrase of someone from the XVIII century about an empire that lasted 800 years

[@doctorferdinand1003]

@@riograndedosulball248 You’re all over these comments with the same complaint. Voltaire’s comment is succinct, accurate and funny. Why shouldn’t it be quoted?

[@granville7]

@@doctorferdinand1003 quote it but it applies best around Voltaire's lifetime. it was certainly an empire at the time this clip depicts. we now know, thanks to this clip, why it was called 'holy' and that is has a different meaning to what we usually confer to. the 'roman' part needs a bit of imagination but one of the following emperors (Frederick II) spent almost all his life _south_ of Rome.

[@cowboymooman8776]

@@doctorferdinand1003 ive seen it so many times, sometimes multiple relpies on one comment

[@majan6267]

"Lawsuits having not yet been invented" ... Romans be like: WTF

[@lorenzooliveira1157]

Perhaps they were forgotten?

[@HakimFinger1953]

@@lorenzooliveira1157 I think it was.

[@ismedia5517]

@@lorenzooliveira1157 In western europe, you mean

[@Billswiftgti]

This channel is full of lies

[@kungolaf4499]

@@Billswiftgti It isn't a mischievous lie... More like a simplification for the sake of a quirky joke without delving too much into a sidetrack.

[@anthonyle2506]

The Holy Roman Empire in a nutshell Everything is good but it’s still on fire

[@acrispywaffleiron4014]

was that a History Matters reference?

[@anthonyle2506]

Wat

[@romeersharma6329]

Here to take some likes

[@anthonyle2506]

@@romeersharma6329 no

[@Bloodhound264]

Rome: *is on fire* "This is fine"

[@silesiaball9505]

Holy Roman Empire was very fascinating. I finished reading "Heart of Europe: A History of the Holy Roman Empire" lately and I was amazed how this state functioned and why we should not judge it by our modern perspective of centralized states.

[@hanz2904]

YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME WITHOUT A LINK

[@silesiaball9505]

@@hanz2904 link to what?

[@hanz2904]

@@silesiaball9505 oh nvm

[@all-lowcostthenile6799]

True enough, holy roman empire was basically modern germany, without internet

[@deleted3471]

Yeah

[@butlerian2238]

Leo never gave Irene the title of Empress. She was a regent until her son, Constantine VI, came of age, even then she didn't relinquish control. Her son was incapable and his father's relatives got support to take the throne, so he had them blinded or their tongues cut out. Irene's supporters captured Constantine VI and blinded him, and made Irene Queen regnant. Definitely worth mentioning rather than just "she's a woman!".

[@tam6753]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@michaelm-bs2er]

Very good point. Whether it's right or wrong by our standards, legally, a woman could not inherited the throne. I don't think Irene was ever recognised as legitimate Empress, at least not in the West.

[@deutschesvaterlandfankanal]

Irene's not even legally an empress in the east,and for her acts reminding me of the goddamned bolsheviks,may she burn in hell alongside marx,lenin,sison,stalin,trotsky,mao zedong and (ironically named)engels

[@jayasuryangoral-maanyan3901]

After accidentally killing her son, Irene became empress and began calling herself Bassilissa. The pope used the fact that Rome had never had a female ruler before as the justification for crowning Charlemagne.

[@moeenuddin6467]

@@jayasuryangoral-maanyan3901 " Accidentally "

[@cristianvandenbosse8989]

Napoleon Bonaparte:' Im about to end this man's whole career'.

[@lanzarotebello]

Funny thing is tho, Napoleon was largely inspired by Charlemagne and wanted to create an empire that would've made him proud

[@profesionalshitposter675]

@@lanzarotebello he did

[@nebsam7137]

@@profesionalshitposter675 and more

[@apotato6278]

A lot of people, if given the choice, would happily go back in time to kill Hitler. I'm more of a pragmatist. I'd defenestrate Napoleon instead. Preventing 3 world wars for the price of 1 dude is a real bargain! Although as a European in this alternate reality i'd do my best to avoid the HRE. Having to show some inbred duke my passport every other village would get really old really quickly.

[@Brams2777]

@Herr Spiegel Good, the HRE was a mess that shouldn't have be existed. The Confederation of the Rhine wasn't thaaat much better but it was a step in the right direction.

[@saidtoshimaru1832]

0:50 - While charging the enemy, that man came to the sudden realization that life has no ultimate meaning.

[@BruhMoment-cs6tj]

"Did... did I just charge directly into spears?" Someone's units in RTW:Charlemagne.

[@reidparker1848]

Woes of being a naturalist, huh?

[@justforrow]

I was wondering why he looked like that.

[@hrach1384]

Is no one going to mention how beautiful the animation is give the animator a promotion

[@Mlafleur1864]

Can we just take a second to appreciate how good Griffin's hair looks in every video

[@arthurrelke]

I think he just need to remove the hair in the sides

[@gergelytoth9315]

Wdym Albert?

[@romaniacountryball]

@@arthurrelke undercut

[@arthurrelke]

@@romaniacountryball yeah, in brazil we call degrade

[@jusu8961]

hes a lil cutie

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Ah... the era when “I swear to God” carried weight...

[@spiffygonzales5899]

To be fair... if you existed back then, you'd probably believe that if you lied while swearing to God you would burn in eternal fire and brimstone... So It's understandable.

[@wtechafk34]

little did they know that science is real (edit: alright i know my comment and replies are wrong, sorry for the mess that i caused)

[@marcelob.678]

@@wtechafk34 hmmm... i think they did very well know it... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_clergy_scientists

[@wtechafk34]

@@marcelob.678 yeah but they still don't believe in science as well as god

[@wtechafk34]

@Egg T it's very rare for people to believe in science since at that time everyone still believe in god. And the Pope still have alot of power.

[@4ndr3c3s4r1n0]

12:30 - When you play EU4 enough to recognize most of the Electors just looking at their coats of arms.

[@Le-eu4bf]

True am still an early player and u recognize Brandenburg, palatine, and bohemia

[@M0h4med05]

True

[@GTillet]

The pope election sound as well hahaha

[@MelcorScarr]

@@GTillet As well as the "New Emperor Elected" sound at 12:40. I am sure there are more that I missed.

[@DGWraithz]

These guys really did add in the new emperor eu4 sound

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

As a German, this makes me feel really proud just because of how cool the HRE is portrayed here

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

That’s because it’s not only portrayed cool, it was cool. Many people always make jokes about it, but that’s because the modern term „Empire“ is defined different than it was back then, the Emperor was essentially still the most powerful man of the western world. Look up the „Hohenstaufen“ Dynasty, Germany’s greatest royals to date.

[@derwolf3006]

The reason for its founding seems to be just people being so pissed at the church that they made a country out of that? Did I got that right?

[@dzman5354]

When did a little German pride ever go wrong?

[@Heinz_von_Westfalen]

​@@dzman5354 Man not all of germans history is just nazis. Every country has dark parts of history. Like britain with their colonial empire. They put the boars in concentration camps and murdered millions of people. Same with france and their empire. And dont even get me started on america

[@1haker]

You are nothing more than barbarian

[@Yora21]

Otto is the most important person in European history who nobody ever talks about.

[@lorddodge2867]

Sad but true

[@stevemc01]

Odo of Aquitaine?

[@lorddodge2867]

@@stevemc01 No. We mean the emperor

[@stevemc01]

@@lorddodge2867 Ah ok. Odo stays forgotten. :D

[@thunderbird1921]

Otto the Great truly is one of the most underrated leaders in European history.

[@jemert96]

I love how these videos could easily be cutscenes in a historical strategy game

[@dillonseals6574]

Umayyads - cavalry charge into a line of spears entrenched in a forest Umayyads right after - how did we lose?? D:

[@yotubeification]

To be fair to them. They had conquered a lot of the world. And much of those parts of the world they conquered were much more impressive than the half civilized plains and forests of Gaul. It wasn't broken so they didn't try to fix it.

[@adankmeme651]

Kinda reminds me of the charge of the light brigade during the crimean war

[@yonathanrakau1783]

@@yotubeification no, not really that time those places like in hispania wasnt that much better than gaul when they 1st conquer them so did morocco, there was a reason the assasins showed up and screw up everything in morocco centuries later then they just left it out

[@adenkunz4747]

@@yotubeification the dark forest has a knack for this

[@chibiromano5631]

Umayads actually conquered HRE-Spain for like 400 years. It wasn't until the Hapsburgs took control of the hispanics that they were able to repel the umayyads. theres a reason why all those hispanic flags from teh 16th century had the HRE- Carlist flags.

[@johnc4122]

Here’s an idea: could you make a video about what life was like in the European African colonies? What was life like in, say, Portuguese Angola and was it different to life in Belgian Congo?

[@joshuataylor3550]

Great idea

[@nrempi8838]

It was bad Tadaaa

[@joshuataylor3550]

@@nrempi8838 yeah but how bad specifically. How did local princes benefit from the subjugation of their people etc.?

[@Norg1]

has they say it was all cozy in the port costal towns but once u trek inland well..... its a bit more uncomfortable lol

[@privatetrash2810]

@@joshuataylor3550 Belgians needed someone to lend them a *hand*

[@frederickoftheartic2209]

"Holy Roman Empire is kinda like king cobras, they're neither kings nor cobras" - Pickelhat's last words after being attacked by King cobras released by Holy Roman soldiers to silence Pickelhat

[@AC-hj9tv]

Kek

[@kaisersarmy3995]

Finally someone did a video on the holy Roman empire

[@adecadeofpoetry4831]

Long overdue....!

[@treeman12815]

@Stella Hohenheim yes

[@karlmuller4764]

you can try to watch Guy bloke if you didn't know him already. Did 2 nice videos so far on the HRE, it sadly takes him a bit for the third

[@noodled6145]

Voltaire's nightmare

[@WizavPRO]

Germans calling their empire "Roman" is beyond laughable and self-humiliating. Romans are from Anatolia even before they colonized Italy in 1000 B.C

[@banatul6367]

A video about medieval history seems like a nice touch

[@joesomebody3365]

I like the little segments of the "Medieval art" style; though I'm glad the full detail art is still being used for most scenes. The little battle animation at the start for the battle of Tours was great as well, looking forward to seeing more of those.

[@Steev7968]

"I changed everything!" - Barbarossa *dies in a river* "No, I don't think so.." - Luck

[@feurigessiegelstuck233]

I fondly remember how we learned about Barbarossa in history class and when our history teacher said that Barbarossa just drowned in a random river, the whole class just laughed. Great times! 😅

[@Siegbert85]

@@feurigessiegelstuck233 That wasn't uncommon actually. River crossings were dangerous undertakings. Many nobles just got Malaria or shat themselves to death... at least Barbarossa died on a crusade.

[@feurigessiegelstuck233]

@@Siegbert85 I know, but the way he said it was so funny. He was like "And yeah, he drowned in a random river".

[@morganbebell9003]

He's just sleeping

[@kenny187ful]

Charles "The Chad Hammer" Martel

[@chainmbl4257]

He has one of the badass nickname in European history

[@MrSafior]

@@deleted3471 He din't respect christianity and loot several curchs. Before the revisionisme of the XIX century, he was more well know for his crime against the church, then for his victory against a small band of Berberes raiders.

[@deleted3471]

@@MrSafior oh sorry about that.

[@MrSafior]

@@deleted3471 No need to apologies. I just debunk an revisionism scam that unfortunatly still spread.

[@Aggg299]

@@MrSafior nah you're just a lefty

[@johnwilliams9730]

Griff your progress has been absolutely incredible! Watching your content and skill is pretty inspiring and I can’t wait for more of your future content

[@niltomperimneto]

As a history student, I apreciate very much the sources in the latests videos of this channel. Great work!

[@Unertl28]

You should do a video about the life of a Roman citizen during the fall of the Roman empire. Also I really loved the Byzantine style art, nice touch

[@GlizzyGoblin757]

ave, true to Caesar

[@jankygrunt]

I’m loving this dive into medieval history! The art presentations are my fav on this channel

[@Jtdm-zg5lc]

The one dislike is from Pope Adrian

[@deleted3471]

Lol

[@WalkerKinsler]

These videos just keep getting better and better. I’m astounded by the art in this one, especially recreating art from that time period. It looks like a professional documentary, keep it up!

[@PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus]

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10‭-‬18‬ ‭Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. The bible is no old book. You have to really let Christ open your eyes; to see the world in shambles. Many people say it's a religion to lock up people in chains, and say it's a rule book.. why? Because people hate hearing the truth, it hurts their flesh, it's hurts their pride, it's exposes on what things have they done..people love this world so much, s*x, money, power, women, supercars.. things of this world. Still trying to find something that can fill that emptiness in your heart. You can't find that in this world.. only in Christ, the bible is no chains, it's a chainbreaker. Breaking your sins into pieces... Repent now, and turn back to the true Lord only.. God bless. 😊😊😊😊

[@justafurry8498]

14:36 I love that England is eating France in the background

[@gontrandjojo9747]

This map is wrong. All these territories in France shown as "England" were part of France, not England. They were under Plantagenet rule and still part of France, not English rule. The Plantagenet were French nobles that spent most of their life in France. It's not because they were also kings of England that their French territories were under English rule.

[@lt3746]

@@gontrandjojo9747 while this is true from a legal standpoint, it is also true that the Plantagenets did not regard themselves as de facto vassals to the French kings, and often snubbed them at every turn. It’s why there were so many wars between the Capets and Plantagenets prior to the Hundred Year’s war, starting in 1202 I believe.

[@Itachi951000]

@@lt3746 But there is an actual denomination coined by historians for all the lands the House of Plantagenet held to avoid this exact same nonsense: it's called the "Angevin Empire". Why didn't they call it the "English Empire"? The Plantagenet being reluctant vassals of the French kings doesn't mean they magically were no longer from France or no longer saw themselves Angevins. They weren't the only lords in France having issues with feudalism and rebelling against the king's authority. Who here is willing to argue with a straight face that Henry II or Richard the Lionheart saw themselves as "English" or thought of their homeland Anjou or their other holdings (Normandy, Aquitaine, etc) as being English or part of England?! It was just not a matter of legality, nobody in the 11th century saw those territories as being part of a foreign kingdom even in practice. Calling the Angevin domains in France "England" is pure historical illiteracy. None of those lands were English in any way, whether in law, culture, language or population. They were ruled by a French noble family that just happened to also rule a foreign kingdom called England. The Angevin Empire is regarded by historians as a perfect example of a "composite monarchy".

[@YourBoyJohnny94]

@@gontrandjojo9747 Exactly, those rulers of England were Franks who didn’t even speak or saw themselves as Anglo Saxons, Norman England was basically a vassal of France, the titles of duke of Normandy/Aquitaine/Anjou were more powerful than “king of England”

[@tibsky1396]

It was rather the reverse. Since 1066, it is the Anglo-Saxon culture which had been eaten up by the Franco-Normans. Modern English is filled with words of French origin because of that.

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

The people that destroyed Rome: Boo Rome! The same people that destroyed Rome: Yay Rome!

[@asdewrt]

Germans: Look at me, I am the Rome now

[@liamjm9278]

"He was a hero, I just couldn't see it"

[@cirbam2747]

When The Armchair Historian and the History Matters channels both post videos almost at the same time: *I smell something... And it smells good*

[@CirBam24]

And they both are about Germanic tribes who toppled Rome

[@papadragon695]

Are you sorta quoting Admiral Trench?

[@WalkerKinsler]

@@papadragon695 Nice catch!

[@kaiseramadeus233]

The Armchair Historian makes better videos

[@coddpedo8946]

@@kaiseramadeus233 history matters makes less in depth but more brief videos

[@Siegbert85]

15:25 "From this point onwards no future emperor would ever seek to gain or consider the validity of their title based on papal endorsement" That's flat out untrue. The popes would crown the emperors for another 300 years. The last one to receive a papal coronation was Charles V in 1530. Plus the pope did gain the right of approbation of the German kings which was eventually abolished in the Golden Bull of 1356.

[@hevi0]

im pretty sure he was being sarcastic

[@HistoricalWeapons]

YES! MEDIEVAL HISTORY

[@Lucas_70]

I hate the whole thing where people say “look at how it was a jigsaw puzzle of lesser states that even fought each other” but that was what was happening in every feudal country in Europe. If you have played crusader kings you will definitely understand

[@Siegbert85]

Sure, but most other realms got unified under a central government at some time whereas in the HRE the fragmentation was kinda encouraged because it kept local powers in check.

[@liqiz1755]

There are so many reasons why Germany is famous, ranging from its famous festivals like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, to the automobile production of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to its sporting success with icons like Michael Schumacher being Germans. Then all the philosophers, Kant, Nietzsche or even Marx. Then classical musicians like Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and many more! Dont forget Holy Roman Empire! According to the British journal "Physics World", the greatest physicist of all time was also German, Albert Einstein. Ofc WW2 too, but the nation with the most self-repentance afterwards and worked it up, see memorial, reports at school. Holocaust denial is a punishable offense in Germany. I think Germany is one of the most remarkable and interesting countries in the world.

[@notBrandonNova]

HRE: After destroying Rome and becoming "Rome" We were bad but now we're good

[@Siegbert85]

When did they destroy Rome?

[@780418barsa]

@@Siegbert85 they were formerly the tribes that conqueared the western roman empire and then they called themselves roman lol

[@Siegbert85]

@@780418barsa Those were different people. The Western Roman Empire was conquered by the Ostrogoths and later the Lombards. What became the German people were the Franks, Saxons, Bavarians, Alamanni. Plus they didn't call "themselves" Roman. It was the empire that was Roman which they felt to be in charge of. Important difference.

[@joaomartins9800]

It worked well in China (Western Liao, Yuan and Qing Dynasties)

[@jimmysavile69]

@@Siegbert85 The Goths and Lombards were the ancestors of the various Germanic tribes

[@mbathroom1]

Last time I was this early, the Holy Roman Empire was an actual empire.

[@jusu8961]

so never?

[@Bernie2032]

The Holy Roman Empire was not Holy, Roman, or an Empire

[@mam0lechinookclan607]

@@Bernie2032 It included rome for a long time and many italian city states and the pope was more ore less head of state and for some time it was the strongest empire in europe. You can't just judge its name for it's last less glorious days.

[@mbathroom1]

@@Bernie2032 what an original quote not like that is under every single HRE video

[@zeitscar1486]

@@mbathroom1 it's getting really old, always hearing Voltaire's quote getting paraphrased in every related video. I get it though.

[@fishyplayz2865]

This guy has so much historical ornaments it’s like he’s living in a goddamn museum

[@cthomaspeasant3059]

The HRE is a sadly under examined bit of European/German/French history

[@oilslick7010]

No it isn't....underappreciated by pop culture and the public at large maybe...But the HRE is central to both Medieval and Early Modern history and is studied and regarded as such by historians.

[@MrDanChandler]

... and maybe Italian

[@cthomaspeasant3059]

@@oilslick7010 Underappreciated, there it is, I forgot the word

[@oilslick7010]

@@cthomaspeasant3059 Ha, then we actually agree :)

[@dinofelis9343]

I would not go that far as at least in germany the "Old Empire" is quite well known

[@TheLocalLt]

This video is a reality check for all those who use Voltaire’s quote, as it was definitely Holy, Roman and an Empire at this point in time, 962 until the 30 years war, and even then it still remained a (now religiously divided) empire after that until Germany’s defeat by Napoleon. After Napoleon, the empire was effectively restored as the German Confederation, all of these were a single realm, despite the parallel sovereignty of their members (something continued even under Prussian leadership post-1866). This is also not unlike France pre-Louis XIV, the Nordic kingdoms, or Poland-Lithuania

[@al.5333]

The comparison with federal states such as America or modern Germany really doesnt match up. These two have actual federal governments, that leave everyday business to the individual governments of each state, but have a legal mandate to represent all states in foreign affairs and are also able to instruct the state's governments for special occasions. This doesnt apply to the Holy Roman Empire by any meaningful measure. Important states as Brandenburg (later Prussia), Saxony or Bavaria had their own envoys, ignored any resolution of the Reichstag they didnt like, and caused the failing of empire-wide taxing, for example the Reichspfennig. While you could technically call it an empire, you could also call it a union under nominal rule. The actual empire was restricted to Austria after the Habsburgs campe to power. After both the 30 and the 7 years wars, Prussia effectively nullified any beyond-nominal reign of the Austrian Habsburgs over the German states. The many different variations of German unions and federations that formed in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars definitely didnt restore the empire in Germany. The Austro-Hungarian empire was a member state in some unions, but while holding the presidency in the Deutscher Bund, it was neither the formal ruler nor part of a greater German empire. Austria and Prussia always either struggled over the control over the few federal institutions or simply ignored them. Another example of a nominal construct that hardly applied to reality. Tl;dr: Dont call it an empire unless you are content with applying the word to a nominal construct. There is a reason we differ three German empires instead of two.

[@Siegbert85]

It wasn't an "empire" because it functioned like an empire typically does. The name merely reflects the understanding of medieval theology. The "Roman Empire" was a universal constant, it couldn't have been called anything else. Bringing up Voltaire's quote is wrong for many reasons, but if you want to be technical: it wasn't an empire by common standards.

[@archivesoffantasy5560]

Voltaire was at least half right Wasn’t roman. Kind of an empire at the start for sure, but the further the timeline went on the weaker it got. And really not like a real empire. But it was definitely holy

[@Siegbert85]

@@archivesoffantasy5560 It was Roman in the way "Roman" was understood during the High Middle Ages, not as an ethnic term but a universal world empire of Christianity. Medieval people didn't regard the Roman Empire as extinct. They saw a Roman/Christian world held up by the church in Rome. All that was lacking was the figurehead of the emperor which they eventually got with Charlemagne. It wasn't until much later that the so-called "Holy Roman Empire" was understood to mean the feudal kingdom of Germany.

[@archivesoffantasy5560]

@@Siegbert85 I see, but as a modern history reader it’s hard to see them as roman or an empire but I get your point

[@armaholic5949]

German and French: We are Rome Meanwhile in Constantinople: Are we a joke to you?

[@doodlebug4360]

Considering what happened during the 4th crusade. Yes

[@GlizzyGoblin757]

@@doodlebug4360 literally happened hundreds of years later

[@doodlebug4360]

@@GlizzyGoblin757 I know, but I find it funny that groups that the Romans used to subjugate on mass would turn the tables on them to this extent

[@robertjarman3703]

@@doodlebug4360 Things were not always so clear cut with those Romans and Germans. The Roman emperors found that it was often much more politically expedient to use Germans as bodyguards because their Roman bodyguards, the Praetorian Guard, kept assassinating them and literally auctioning off their throne. As the Germans kept coming into Dalmatia, Cisalpine Gaul, Gaul, and even down to Hispania, and the Romans moved the capital to Mediolanum and Ravenna, the Romans adopted Christianity which is not native to Rome, Germanics made up the backbone of the army and were granted autonomy in the provinces, Rome became pretty Germanic. If the language had spread too without much resistance from what was left of Vulgar Latin, and in Spain if the Muslims did not conquer it, we would probably think of most of Rome´s holdings in the North side of Mare Nostrum as being largely as German as any part of modern Germany.

[@TarihTiryakisi]

Istanbul*

[@yomer355]

I love the animation on this channel, relatively easy to do and at the same time very pleasant to look at.

[@ChaoticPsychoXD]

I love the form you use to display battles, which you also used in the Crimean war. Can't wait to see more of your content.

[@Ory-Hara]

I love this medieval history, so much intrigue and it all happens over such a long time

[@wilsonelder5277]

Voltaire: The Holy Roman Empire was neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire Also Voltaire: A witty saying proves nothing Tells you all you need to know there.

[@Don-ds3dy]

Carlemon's death was probably one of those successful assassinations that were never revealed to be assassinations.

[@stevejohnson6593]

yeah, seemed prett odd

[@petrapetrakoliou8979]

I like the way you draw medieval masonry in the background, it does feel more genuine than the regular kind of masonry they show in video games.

[@hmvollbanane1259]

There is one very important aspect missing that is in my opinion essential to understand why the Karolinger were so invested in protecting the pope and strengthening the papacy: The Karolinger were initially the Hausmeier of the Frankish monarchial dynasty of the Merowinger (e.g. Karl the Hammer/ Charles Martell) was still the Hausmeier (~Huskarl, some kind of prime minister responsible for the administrative work of the King's court). The usurpation of the house of the Merowinger was extremely problematic, as they had been Kings prior to the adoption of Christianity by the Frankish elite, as Frankish tribal law and custom demanded that the King possessed the King's Heil, a concept based in the pagan believes, so the Karolinger as Hausmeier were illegitimate to become Kings in name despite having held the true power for multiple generations at that point. The usurpation became possible by founding their new monarchy in Christianity and becoming kings by god's grace as opposed to by inherited Heil. Hence the position of pope that gave them this power staying in power and having stability was of outmost important to the Karolinger for maintaining their own right to rule (and hence their attempts at taking that role of being the foundation stone of the monarch's rule as the leader of the church away and into their own power after they had established and secured their rule). This is also imo one of the key motivations of the Karolinger's determination to wipe out the old Germanic paganism, as before them the Kings were accepted on cultural reasons by everyone regardless of faith (probably even more so by their pagan subjects for which an usurpation would have been sacrilegious) and only the upper class had widely adopted Christianity as it made dealing with their newly subjugated people easier, however with the usurpation this question changed and anyone that held on to the old religion was practically denying the new monarchial dynasty the right to rule, which is why they turned to enforcing conversion and exterminating the old belief among the entire population down to the farmers and conquering as well as forcefully missionizing their neighbouring Germanic tribes that still held strongly to the old gods (like the saxons)

[@zgoodt]

Just a minor detail, the Umayyads already lost battles before, but this time, they couldn't bother moving forward after the battle of tours, because they had to focus on stabilizing the large realms they now controlled. as with great extension comes internal challenges.

[@time_warriors]

"As a medieval history enthusiast, I have to say that this video was very engaging and informative. I especially enjoyed the part about Frederick Barbarossa and the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to your future videos!"

[@MrMichelangelo]

4:35 isn't that a sound effect from EU4 - Papacy/Curia Window?

[@VivaChandles]

Same with the eu4 new emperor sound effect at 12:38

[@jordengg3629]

These videos are just getting more and more beautiful

[@Lazarus_1.0]

As Austrian, I am proud of our history and our role in the HRE

[@erick2214]

I always play as Austria in EU4 to enjoy a truly game of thrones experience. Once Austria develops the Renovattio imperii, at that time everybody else know that they are fked up

[@SBF_983]

Of history, maybe. Of what your politicians are doing now, no.

[@CaribbeanHistory]

Today is a beautiful day: Armchair Historian, History Matters, Epic History TV and Kings and Generals all uploading content the same day!

[@njb1126]

That’s what happens when James bissonette is feeling generous enough to fund all four.

[@pbibbles]

Even Simon Whistler uploaded a video on Caesar's bridge over the Rhine on his "Side Projects" channel. Lol

[@chriskeller8262]

Judging from the thumbnail, I would say it’s because Charlemagne has the holy hand grenade of Antioch. To blow his enemy to tiny bits, in thy mercy.

[@thomasgoetz8178]

Thank you so much for highlighting the sponsor so early in the video. That gave me the opportunity to shut off the video early and ask KZbin to never recommend any videos of this channel again.

[@afnaansyed5975]

"Mom can we get the Roman Empire?" "We have the Roman Empire at home" The Roman Empire at home:

[@nonnayerbusiness7704]

In the case the Roman Empire we have at home was more stable and functional than the one you are yearning for. How many Roman Emperors died in their beds compared to Holy Roman Emperors?

[@afnaansyed5975]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 I was referring more to territorial size and military strength, but yeah you're right

[@keikei2942]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 I don't get why people fetishize the Roman Empire so much it was hilariously unstable

[@nonnayerbusiness7704]

@Martin Casinillo 43 of 69 Roman emperors died violently, and there were many revolts and attempted usurpations that never succeeded. There were civil wars in Rome almost as often as the US has federal elections.

[@destubae3271]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 I'm guessing most empires were horribly unstable in ancient times.

[@dylanwfilms]

Love the subtle EU4 references like the election sound 12:37

[@phobics9498]

There was also the catholic religion tab sound when the pope was elected

[@TimelessDiscoveries68]

History is not merely a record of events; it's a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and interconnectedness of human civilizations. Let's embrace the lessons and stories it has to offer.

[@conanthecipher]

Your production quality is really going up, the art and animation in this video is superb. Keep it up, Griff!

[@juant7110]

Your guy’s art is so good

[@AStoryteller-for-fun]

3:19, I'd also like to add that most of the power that Charles Martel had was not only gained Martel himself but his father Pepin II, who had been given the title of Duke and Prince of the Franks. Not only that Martel had divided the kingdom as was tradition between Pepin and Carloman, his other son.

[@ecksdee1637]

Last time i was this early, the Roman Empire was still a city

[@drizzypizzman5849]

Lose it. No lose the whole kid

[@ledoyedo5483]

@@baconbaron1776 YOU RUINED THE JOKE

[@firemangan2731]

@@ledoyedo5483 THIS JOKE IS OVERUSED ANYWAY

[@ledoyedo5483]

@@firemangan2731 REGARDS

[@rocknrollkid90]

Can you review, "The Yugoslav Wars," that began with the death of Josef Tito, Slobodan Milosevic's rise into power, the end of the Communist party of Yugoslavia, the split, and the International Criminal Tribunal that was lasted for 24 years?

[@dirckthedork-knight1201]

I support this

[@loyalpiper]

I also support this

[@imperiumCirca41]

I also also support this even tho im your political Opponent who totally Will not assassinate You in 1978 for power causing my country to fall apart 👀

[@juan_vater]

Yes, please!

[@markusorth5450]

That Deutsch Adler at the end was on point.

[@americansmark]

More of this! The holy Roman empire was an fascinating time in European history.

[@ItsLunaRegina]

Please do a Byzantium video. It can be about any event, I just love Byzantium. ^_^

[@jimmysavile69]

Fall of Constantinople?

[@Arkantos1900]

The issue is that the eastern empire has a long fucking history, from 395 to 1453.

[@OperatorMax1993]

dude i love the Eastern Roman Empire too :D

[@ItsLunaRegina]

@@OperatorMax1993 OMG and you called it by it's proper name, the Eastern Romans. Marry me!

[@OperatorMax1993]

@@ItsLunaRegina the one thing that annoys me the most is they always call them "Byzantines" (they prenounce it as Boaizenteens or Baizanteens for some whatever reasons instead of Eastern Romans or just Romans)

[@jabezcreed]

I'm also genuinely curious how many similarities end up being coincidental like the idea of convergent evolution in biology. Such elements as marrying a slain enemy's wife or daughter, murdering a father to seize power, etc. are universal human story elements, so it's certainly interesting to see when they become so closely associated with myths in a region.

[@RoyalDog214]

Woah, you went from showing the stream to finishing this project. Nice work!

[@jango1970]

Truly excellent in every way: research, explanation, graphics, pace. Wondering if you will do a sequel to show history of HRE from Frederick to the end in 1806. Would like to see that. Thanks

[@YujiKuribara]

The point is that the Austrian Emperor had Law books in both Czech and German but did you know that actually Trentino-Alto-Adige or South-Tirol is happier under Italy simply because things like salt and nowadays crude oil from the nearby port of Venice are much cheaper than all the way from Hamburg or Rotterdam ( and even that is outside the borders); the same way, Lorraine or Lothringen gets cheaper salt and gasoline from the Seine. And that is the current politics in the Czech Republic and Hungary: making friends with the West allows them to sell there ( Pilsener Beer, Tokaj Wine ) while the Socialists can get cheap oil from Russia.

[@dargon1084]

Damn these animations are next level, on top of the already stellar writing and research

[@theemperororsomethingidont6897]

Armchair Historian: uploads a video about the HRE* Me a German: Ich bin Geschwindigkeit

[@maud3444]

Wait what? Having watched multiple Armchair Historian videos over the years I just noticed that I wasn't even subscibed yet! The horror! Fixed this immediately!

[@jacobh.667]

I’ve always wanted to know more about the HRE! You should do more content on this time period!

[@Blastoice]

Griffin, Please will you do evolution of warships from 1600-1918 please? There isn't a great deal of videos on this. Thank you :)

[@vanwilhelm613]

Watch drachinifel

[@ronaldgrove3283]

The drawing of Empress Irene with the wall of gold coins behind her was awesome !

[@hedera3640]

That golden bust in the background actually contains some of charlemanges bones :D It's on Display in Aachen

[@Incaned]

:D

[@granville7]

are you sure the bones in it are from Charlemagne? how likely is that?

[@hedera3640]

@@granville7 As someone who only visited the exhibition, I Have no way of being 100% shure. However, He spend a good portion of his life in Aachen. Especially his late life. He also Died in Aachen. He started buildinf a churche there (Aachener Dom), where the statue is kept in the treasury. The also have the sarcophagus containing the rest of his skeleton (except the bones of one of his lower arms and hand, which are said to be in an other statue). So since no matter what, the churche that keeps this statue does in fact keep his entire skelleton, I think it is not unlikely to be true. Thing is, they probably cant test it for without damaging the statue. they did however give one of his leg bones to scientists once, who said he was likely to have been about 184 cm tall. Sorry for the long answer and the spelling mistakes. English is not my fist language.

[@granville7]

@@hedera3640 no doubt there are bones in the sarcophagus and the other containers. even from a tall man and we know Charlemagne was quite tall compared to his contemporaries. however, he died 1,200yrs ago and that place saw a lot of warfare over the years. surely, there has been some looting and violent upheavels around the church but we still maintain the notion his bones were never subjected to any of this? no abbot tried to raise money by selling his bones as artifacts or somesuch? never anything of the sort?

[@hedera3640]

@@granville7 I know the history of Aachen. I grew up there, and i totally get your point. Especially the bone in the statue can't be properly testet without damaging the statue. However, the bones where testet in as far as I know 2014, and the scientists came to the conclusionon, that they where almost certainly real. Almost, because at some point in the 50s the bones where sprayed with formaldehyd to conserve them, which destroyed the DNA at the surface, which led them to not beeing abe to do DNA tests without destroying parts of the bones. Also it ist missing the bones which are enclosed in statues and bones which where send away as relics. sadly my scources are all in german and partially not digital.

[@GoguMacaroana]

I have a question, if I may -- at 4:28, it is said that the Frankish Kingdom became the most powerful nation in Europe. Would this be true strictly for Europe or for the world and if not, who, internationally, was stronger?

[@TheLocalLt]

Probably the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, and whichever empire was in control of China at the time.

[@madavkisna6360]

@@TheLocalLt I think it was the Tang Dynasty who ruled china

[@sovereign831]

Great video been learning this lately!

[@РимскийОрел]

By the way, about the Holy Roman Empire, modern historians in Europe believe that it is a direct continuation of the Western Roman Empire. As proof, they cite the following example that the Franks were associated not only with the western but also the eastern empire. For example, the wife of Emperor Arcadius was Elia Eudoxia, daughter of the Frankish commander of the Roman army Bavton and mother of Emperor Theodosius II and Empress Pulcheria. In the west, in 358, the emperor Julian the Apostate made the Salic Franks citizens of the empire, their legal status was called (dediticii). Later, the King of the Franks Childeric I, for his loyalty, subsequently received from one of the last Roman emperors the office of dux [en] (governor) of the province of Belgica II, which is mentioned in a letter from Bishop Remigius of Reims to King Clovis I, written in the late 490s. In 508, the Byzantine embassy arrived at Chlodwig in Tours, informing him that Emperor Anastasius I had elevated him to the dignity of patrician and recognized him as the Roman governor in the province of Gaul. Anastasius also sent him, as a sign of formal recognition, royal insignias - a chlamydah, a purple tunic and a diadem. By this act, Byzantium expressed its approval of the anti-Gothic policy of Clovis and his acceptance of the Christian faith. For the Christian population of Gaul, this meant an additional confirmation of the legitimacy of the power of Clovis as the governor of the Byzantine Empire!

[@estebanod]

Link one historian who actually believes that

[@y_skytaro2271]

And then Justinian removed the western government

[@digiorno1142]

@@estebanodAny with a functioning brain. Charlemagne and his successors were literally crowned “Emperor of the Romans” using the vacant crown of the Western Roman Empire.

[@OnyeNacho]

15:30 - Reminds me of a certain human faction in a certain, famous tabletop game series created in 1987...

[@HadamacikTheProphet]

and its leader is both prince and emperor who can summon the elector counts? :D

[@EdwardJr2000]

One thing I hate about most historian channels (and I am urging you to fix this) is names of countries. There never existed a Ummayud Caliphate. It was simply the Caliphate or the Islamic Caliphate and the Caliph was of the Ummayud dynasty. This is like calling Russia the Romanov Empire instead of the Russian Empire. The HRE to was originally the Christian Empire or the Roman Empire but was later, much later renamed to the Holy Roman Empire and even later the Holy Roman Empire of the Germanic Nation. Actually for much of its existence it was called the German Empire (after losing Italy).

[@Ciech_mate]

Destroying rome and then calling yourself the roman empire is like leatherface butchering a person and then wearing their face afterwards

[@randomaccount5736]

HRE be like: THIS IS FINE!

[@briancline7349]

You know what this channel needs? What every good show needs, a catchy theme song and intro for each video (like what History Buffs has… see their Braveheart video). It’s Very Important lol.

[@olbradley]

16:31 There it is! He kept it!

[@Irsih1]

To be honest, ive been watching alot of your videos lately, theyre very informative and the art style is very cool and cute. Im suprised you aren't more popular.

[@guibin]

because youtube shenanigans

[@augustuscaesar8287]

11:11 That face... It's like Otto knew he was trolling the papacy. What a Chad.

[@hyperthulean8649]

You failed to mention the Byzantine's... interesting politics. Constantine VI, Irene's son, was technically the Emperor, but Irene ruled as regent from 780-790. In 788 Irene actually broke Constantine's engagement to Rotrude, one of Charlemagne's daughters. In 790 Irene tried to be officially recognized as the Empress, but that didn't go so well and Constantine VI took over. Bluntly, he sucked, and he kept gouging people's eyes out and cutting off tongues. He made Irene co-ruler in 792, and was Emperor until 797 at which point he is uh, kidnapped, by supporters of his mother. They then blinded him, and imprisoned him. He died "shortly" after apparently, meaning the actual Roman Emperor who was entirely legitimate was dead. I say this is relevant because I don't think the fact that she was a woman was the only reason they made Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor. The Byzantines were also struggling with Iconoclasm earlier, interestingly enough Irene was an iconophile.

[@cornpop1363]

*The HRE lasts 1,000 years* Napoleon- "that's enough existing, HRE. Time to knock that sh*t off."

[@everssonnascimento4601]

The art looks amazing!!

[@sunburstshredder]

"Lawsuits not having been invented yet", that is some comedy gold right there

[@SS5Ghaleon]

12:36 That's the "New Emperor of HRE" sound from EU4!!!

[@wolkrieth2394]

The HRE was, at least in my opinion, pretty badass. They're one of those Empires that are iconic, from their flag to their borders they're very recognizable.

[@NeoMicy]

Charlemagne wears the wrong crown at 7:30 until he is back to the future. xD In my opinion an important detail about Otto the great is missing. His victory over the magyars at lechfield.

[@hmvollbanane1259]

Little addition to why the Karolinger were engaging so deeply with the church and pope: the Pope might have been a "commoner" but so were the Karolinger who as Hausmeier (mayor of the house/palace) lacked the essential Königsheil (King's Hail) required by Germanic religion and custom. So them embracing and founding their rule on the new religion, as well as their strong persecution of the old, was essential to them establishing their right to rule. So a by the old system seen as illegitimate due to his origin Pope coming together with the by the old system seen as illegitimate due to their origin dynasty was a match made in heaven for both sides as they desperately needed eachother to survive

[@sturmtruppler6909]

These animations just keep getting better with every video.