Charlemagne: The Rise And Fall Of The Carolingian Empire

The end of the eighth century gave birth to a new kingdom that was known as the Carolingian Empire. This empire came to dominate vast European territories much to the credit of its powerful ruler, Charlemagne. “He created an empire that stretched from the North Sea in the north to Italy in the south and from France in Europe to Vienna in central Europe” (Spielvogel 219). His reign led to the fusion of different entities including, the Germanic tribes, Christianity and the Classical traditions of European civilization. Charlemagne himself was of Germanic heredity, but was born and raised a devoted, practicing Christian. Historians believe that the eighth century in medieval Europe found its inhabitants and lands in a poor state. Plagues and

He expanded the Frankish, kingdom territory to more than double what his father had previously accomplished. He was feared but respected by his peers and even formed alliances with kings of other nations, such as the Byzantine Emperors. Although he was diligent in subduing other nations he was not known to be a merciless king, he had compassion for the poor. “When he caught wind of Christians living in poverty in Syria, Egypt, Africa, Alexandria and Carthage he would send them money overseas” (Spielvogel 218). The devoted Christian he was he built one of the most elaborate, basilicas known as Holy Mother of God at Aix-la-Chapelle. The Basilica was lavishly, adorned in silver, gold and brass were he not only attended mass but also faithfully visited every morning and night. His efforts did not go unmerited; he was crowned the Roman Emperor, Christian leader of the western world by the Roman Catholic papacy, Pope Leo III. Charlemagne was very involved with the monks and priests, making sure with their help to restore sacred buildings that were left in ruins after destruction of war’s prior. “He intended to not only defend his empire but beautify it” (Spielvogel 217). Charlemagne is the most famous ruler of the medieval ages and a key figure in all of European history. I believe that Charlemagne 's greatest impact on European history is the Carolingian Empire. That empire was greater than any known since ancient Rome. By 800, his empire included two-thirds of Italy, all of present-day France, a small part of Spain, and all of German Saxony. In 800, Charlemagne was crowned emperor, a historic coronation in which pope Leo III claimed the political right to give the title "Roman Emperor" to a European King. This essentially ended in the joining of Germanic power and the church as the heritage of the Roman Empire. I am sure that an illegitimate son never thought he would