Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire • Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, became king of the Franks in 768 and ruled until 814. • Charlemagne greatly expanded the Frankish kingdom, creating the Carolingian Empire. o Counts helped administer the empire by acting as the king’s local representatives. o Missi dominici ensured that the king’s orders were followed. • Charlemagne was a fierce warrior, strong ruler, and pious Christian. He also worked to promote learning throughout his kingdom. o The Carolingian Renaissance revived interest in the works of the Greeks and the Romans. o Monasteries played a central role in the cultural renewal.

Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire • In 800, the pope crowned Charlemagne emperor of the Romans. o The coronation strengthened the idea of an enduring Roman Empire. o It also symbolized the joining of Roman, Christian, and Germanic cultures.

Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire • At its height, Charlemagne’s empire covered much of western and central Europe.