Carolingian Empire

Summary

The Carolingian Empire, which existed from 800 to 888, was a dominant force in western and central Europe during the early Middle Ages. Founded by the Carolingian dynasty, this empire emerged from the Frankish kingdom, which had been ruled by this lineage since 751 and included control over the Lombards in Italy starting in 774. The empire's significance was amplified when Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, the Frankish king, as emperor in Rome on Christmas Day in 800, marking a pivotal moment in the attempt to reestablish a western counterpart to the Roman Empire. This event not only solidified Charlemagne's power but also laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Holy Roman Empire.

At its zenith, the Carolingian Empire stretched across a vast expanse, covering approximately 1,112,000 square kilometers (429,000 square miles) and supporting a population estimated between 10 to 20 million people. Charlemagne's reign was characterized by military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural revival, known as the Carolingian Renaissance, which fostered the preservation and promotion of learning and the arts.

However, the empire faced challenges after the death of Emperor Louis the Pious in 840. A civil war erupted among his heirs, leading to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which partitioned the empire into three distinct kingdoms. Although one monarch was still recognized as emperor, his authority was significantly limited, confining his power mainly to his own realm. This division undermined the unity that Charlemagne had worked hard to establish.