Charlemagne

medieval history · powerful leaders · Europe

King of Many Lands. Charlemagne ruled the Franks starting in 768 and conquered the Lombards in Italy by 774. By 800, he controlled most of Western and Central Europe, making him one of the most powerful rulers of his time.

First Western Emperor. When the Pope crowned Charlemagne Emperor in 800, he became the first recognized emperor to rule Western Europe since the Roman Empire had fallen about 300 years earlier. This was a huge moment in history.

Changed Europe Forever. Charlemagne's reign brought major political and social changes that shaped how Europe developed throughout the entire Middle Ages. His rules and ideas influenced kingdoms and leaders for centuries after him.

United the Continent. Before Charlemagne, Western and Central Europe was split into many small kingdoms fighting each other. He brought most of this huge area under one rule for the first time in centuries.