Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774, and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire from 800 until his death in 814. He is famous for uniting most of Western and Central Europe after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, fostering political and social changes that shaped the Middle Ages, and initiating the Carolingian Renaissance—a cultural revival in Europe. As a formidable military leader, he expanded his territory through conquests, spreading Christianity often by force, and was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800, marking the revival of the Western Empire. Charlemagne's reign included extensive reforms in administration, law, education, and religion. His historic influence earned him the title "Father of Europe," and his legacy shaped the foundation of several European states and royal lineages.
