Charlemagne

Charlemagne was a medieval ruler who unified most of Western Europe under his rule. He was the son of Pepin the Short, who was the first Carolingian king of the Franks. He inherited half of his father's kingdom in 768 and became sole ruler after his brother Carloman's death in 771. He expanded his domain by conquering the Lombards in Italy, the Saxons in Germany, the Avars in Hungary, and other peoples in Spain and Central Europe. He also defended his lands from the attacks of the Muslims, Slavs, Danes, and Magyars. He was a devout Christian who supported the church and promoted education and culture. He reformed the administration, law, coinage, and military of his empire. He also fostered a revival of art, architecture, literature, and learning known as the Carolingian Renaissance. In 800, he was crowned as the emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in Rome. This act restored the concept of a unified Christian empire in Western Europe and established Charlemagne as the successor of the ancient Roman emperors. He was also recognized as the protector of the papacy and the leader of Christendom. His empire became known as the Holy Roman Empire after his death. Charlemagne died in 814 after a reign of 46 years. He was buried in his palace chapel in Aachen. He was succeeded by his son Louis the Pious, who divided the empire among his three sons in 843. Charlemagne's legacy was immense and lasting. He is regarded as one of the greatest rulers in history and as the father of Europe. He was canonized by some medieval popes and is venerated as a saint by some Christian churches. He is also a national hero and a cultural icon in many European countries.