#3 Charlemagne played a vital role in the spread of Christianity across EuropeĬharlemagne was devoted to Christianity and took several steps to spread the religion across his vast empire. Depiction of the coronation of Charlemagne by Pope Leo III This is considered by historians as one of the most important moments in world history.

Charlemagne thus became the first Holy Roman Emperor and an empire rivalling the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire was created. This led to Pope Leo III crowning Charlemagne ‘Emperor of the Romans’ in Saint Peter’s Basilica on December 25, 800. Charlemagne assisted the Pope and restored his power. He flew to Charlemagne and asked for his aid. In 799, Pope Leo III was physically attacked by a faction of Romans. #2 Charlemagne was the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire A map showing expansion of the Frankish Kingdom till Charlemagne’s death in 814

The expanded Frankish state Charlemagne founded was called the Carolingian Empire. He then successfully led a series of campaigns throughout his reign to unite most of Western Europe under a sole emperor for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Charlemagne became the King of the Franks in 768. The fall of Western Roman Empire in late 5th century led to its vast territory being divided in numerous kingdoms without any central authority. #1 Charlemagne united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire

Age of charlemagne units