Charlemagne became emperor of the Frankish kingdoms after Pepin The short, his father, died in 768. Then his brother died in 771. He was especially tall for the time, standing at 6 feet 4 inches, very ironic when you consider his father's nickname.
Charlemagne built an Empire to rival that of Ancient Rome's. Each summer he led armies against his enemies to conquer new territory. Through the conquests, he further spread Christianity.
He reunited Central Europe for the first time since the days of the Roman Empire. By 800, his empire was bigger than the Byzantine Empire. He was the most powerful king in Europe.
When lil' charlie defende Pope Leo III against an angry mob, he was named crowned emperor. This was a first in history as the Pope had given himself the right to name someone the Roman Empire. This marked a beginning of the joining of Germanic power, the church, and the heritage of Rome's Empire.
One year before he died in 814, lil' Charlie named his son, Louis the Pious, as emperor. Louis was a very religious, man as well as an effective leader.
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