1. From King of the Franks to Holy Roman Emperor
Charlemagne
From King of the Franks to Holy Roman Emperor

2. A. Early Life
Charlemagne was the son of Pepin the Short (1st Carolingian King)
Charlemagne’s father then his older brother died, and he became king in 771.
Known as “Charles the Great”

3. B. Rise to Power
Every summer, Charlemagne led his army against neighboring enemies.
Muslims in Spain
German tribes
As his power grew, he surrounded himself with scholars, and encouraged learning at his Palace School

4. C. The Carolingian Empire
The Carolingian Empire became the largest empire in Western Europe since the fall of Rome.
Charlemagne’s empire spread Christianity as it grew.

5. D. “Holy Roman Emperor”
In 800, Charlemagne went to Rome to defeat a mob that had risen against the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo III responded by crowning Charlemagne as “Holy Roman Emperor”
Showed the connection between the Church and government during the Middle Ages.

6. The Coronation of Charlemagne