empire · 5th–9th centuries AD
Frankish Empire
The Frankish Empire, brought to its height by Charlemagne, united much of Western Europe and revived the idea of a Roman empire in the West, laying foundations for France and Germany.
Key Takeaways
- The Frankish Empire united much of Western Europe under the Carolingians.
- Charlemagne was crowned Emperor by the Pope in 800 AD.
- It sparked the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of learning.
- Its division foreshadowed the later kingdoms of France and Germany.
- Type
- Empire / kingdom
- Greatest ruler
- Charlemagne
- Capital
- Aachen
Under the Carolingian dynasty and especially Charlemagne, the Franks built an empire across Western Europe, sparked a cultural revival, and saw their king crowned Emperor by the Pope in 800 AD.
The Frankish Empire revived the dream of Rome in the early Middle Ages. Under the Carolingian dynasty, and above all under Charlemagne, the Franks united much of Western Europe for the first time since antiquity.
Charlemagne’s coronation as Emperor by the Pope in 800 AD proclaimed a new Christian empire in the West, and his court at Aachen sparked the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of learning and scholarship. The empire’s later division foreshadowed the emergence of France and Germany.
Key Achievements
- United much of Western Europe for the first time since Rome.
- Revived learning in the Carolingian Renaissance.
Notable Figures of Frankish Empire
Charlemagne
89Charlemagne was the King of the Franks who united much of Western Europe and was crowned Emperor in 800 AD, reviving the idea of a Roman empire in the West and sparking a cultural revival.
Charlemagne
89Charlemagne was the King of the Franks who united much of Western Europe and was crowned Emperor in 800 AD, reviving the idea of a Roman empire in the West and sparking a cultural revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Frankish Empire?
The Frankish Empire was the realm of the Franks in Western Europe, brought to its height by Charlemagne, who was crowned Emperor in 800 AD and revived the idea of a Western Roman empire.