Charlemagne: A Comprehensive Guide to the Greatest Monarch of the Carolingian Empire and How His Reign over the Franks, Romans and Lombards by Hitori Nakamoto Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, is one of the most illustrious figures in European history. His reign marks a pivotal moment in the Middle Ages, characterized by the expansion of territory, flourishing of culture, and the strategic alliances that shaped the continent. As King of the Franks, Lombards, and later Emperor of the Romans, Charlemagne’s influence extended beyond the mere conquest of lands; his legacy contributed fundamentally to the cultural and political foundations of Europe. Born around 742 AD, Charlemagne was the eldest son of Pepin the Short, King of the Franks, and Bertrada of Laon. His ascension to the throne in 768 AD, following his father's death, marked the beginning of an era that would see the consolidation of various European territories under a central authority for the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire. His coronation as Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day of the year 800 AD is often cited as a symbolic birth of the medieval European identity. The Carolingian Empire, under Charlemagne, was distinguished by its vast expanse, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Danube in Central Europe and from the North Sea to Central Italy. This territorial expanse was not just a testament to his military prowess but also to his diplomatic acumen, managing to sustain a vast empire through a combination of strategic marriages, alliances, and the integration of different peoples under his rule. Charlemagne’s reign was also marked by what is now referred to as the Carolingian Renaissance—a revival of art, culture, and scholarship. This period was characterized by a resurgence in the study of Latin classics and the liberal arts, the standardization of Christian liturgy, and the script reform known as Carolingian minuscule, which significantly improved the readability of Latin texts. The establishment of the Palatine School at Aachen, a center of learning and scholarship, attracted intellectuals from across Europe and laid the foundations for the medieval intellectual renaissance. Moreover, Charlemagne’s administrative reforms were revolutionary. He instituted systematic changes that included the division of his empire into counties, each overseen by a count, and the regular convening of general assemblies known as the Plenary Courts. These reforms not only centralized power but also created a more organized and efficient system of governance.
