Muhammad Charlemagne Throughout History Times example essay topic

Influential figures in Medieval Europe: Muhammad & Charlemagne Throughout history times have changed and lands have changes hands due to influential individuals who shaped it. Whether use of charisma or belief in the supernatural characteristics of these individuals has determined the extent to which they have influence over their society in their time. Muhammad the prophet started a religion which now is practiced by one-seventh of the entire world's population. Charlemagne defeated everyone and became the ruler over a large portion of Western Europe.

Without influential qualities in the medieval period or now these conquests would not be possible. The present is controlled by influential figures of the past and the future will be determined by influential figures of the present. How these figures gain influence depends on the time and the society which they live in. Muhammad and Charlemagne were both very prosperous in gaining influence over their public.

Muhammad, the Prophet, was born in the year 570 to a widowed mother. They lived in Mecca, which is in Saudi Arabia, until Muhammad became an orphan at the age of six. From then to the time he was able to take care of himself, Muhammad was cared for by his uncle, Hazrat Abu Talib. Muhammad married a rich widow; lady Kadima, in 595, the woman who would help him spread the teachings of Islam. Arabia had been a very backward country filled with Bedouins, wandering camel herders. The area was so undesirable before the spread of Islam that the neighboring empires, the Roman and the Persian, did not care to take rule over it.

Muhammad lived in Arabia as a prosperous trader with financial stability until he was middle aged and experienced a religious phenomenon that would change the history of the world. In 610 Muhammad believed he heard the voice of Allah from heaven tell him that there is no god except Allah. Before this time most Arabians were polytheists who recognized many gods with Allah being the most important and all powerful of them. Muhammad received further messages which created a new religion where he was the voice from god to the people, he was the prophet.

As prophet, Muhammad found difficulty in gaining converts in his home of Mecca where people had developed beliefs which they were not persuaded against. Muhammad and his followers were invited to migrate to the town of Yathrib in 622 AD and this marked the beginning of the Muslim's dating system. Muhammad changed the name of the town to mean "the city of the prophet", Medina, and quickly became ruler of the town. Medina and Muhammad's followers fought with Mecca until 630 AD when he entered triumphant to the people accepting his teachings. Muhammad died in 632 AD but lived long enough to see his religion become a success. Muhammad saw an Arabia that was in desperate need of a change which would better the quality of life.

He used this as a way to teach the word of god to people which did not have concrete beliefs and were ready to listen. Muhammad was an influential figure in medieval life because he was able to convince people that he heard the word of god. With the fear of the wrath of god Muhammad created followers that were scared not to believe for the consequences of not listening to god's prophet. In the Koran it is written, "O you who believe, obey god and the prophet, and do not waste your deeds Those who do not believe and obstruct others from the way of God, and die disbelieving will not be pardoned by God". In this way Muhammad place fear of God into the people and became an influential figure because people were afraid of the consequences of not accepting God's prophet. In a time of hardships and turmoil in Arabia Muhammad developed a faith, enforced a fear in God, and gained a massive following with that fear.

One of the most influential rulers of the medieval period was Pepin's son, Charlemagne. His greatest accomplishment being the extension of the Frankish territory under his rule, Charlemagne captured the greater part of central Europe and most of Italy. He fought most and defeated most in his quest for a greater Frankish Empire. To oversee his large area in rule he used counts to control sections of his territory, which he watched over by means of representatives from the courts sent to observe.

Charlemagne's government was not perfect but it led to the greatest system since the Roman Empire. He became a folk hero after his reign because of his internal peace and external triumphs. To assist in his increase in Frankish lands Charlemagne revived learning in the lands which he dominated. Charlemagne needed people who could spread the word of God.

Rule was extended into Germany the conquest in the name of Christianity. The peak of Charlemagne's career was in 800 AD on Christmas Day in Rome where he was crowned emperor by the pope. After gaining power over Italy, Charlemagne and the Franks controlled the papacy. He did not gain any power by taking the imperial title but the significance of the event lies in its display of western independence and confidence. It gave westerners a sense of unity and purpose and was a major step in the advances to making a strong Western Europe. Charlemagne was a charismatic leader who's actions and behavior gained him the control of most of Europe.

He won the acceptance of most everyone he met and no one undermined his authority over the empire. He spoke distinctly, walked forcefully, and always appeared dignified. Charlemagne's speech was tactful and he could express himself with clarity on whatever matter he was discussing. Charlemagne's presentation of himself displayed to anyone who came into contact with him the power that he possessed. Charlemagne spread his belief in God to others and was willing to help any and all Christians in need. He sent alms to Syria, Egypt, Africa, and Carthage, because he took pity on all Christians living in poverty.

He converted the people whose land he conquered and they were willing because he would then unite them in his kingdom and not persecute them. Charlemagne sent abundant amounts of gifts to the pope and eventually had widespread control over the papacy. He was able to hold up his beliefs throughout his lands and control the people through their religion. While both figures contained many of the same qualities which made them successful in medieval Europe, Muhammad had to start from scratch. He was not given a throne by his father; he never even met his father.

Charlemagne was given a throne and therefore was given influence. Muhammad had to work harder to gain followers because he was not born with them. In order for Muhammad to gain supporters and Charlemagne to keep them, both figures had to have great presence and great articulating abilities. They were both very charismatic and spoke eloquently in front of large audiences; during this time the spoken word was the most influential media available.