1. 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.

2. 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.

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