Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Welcome

Par II ── Ancient Roman Empire: Charlemagne

King Charlemagne was king of the Franks and emperor of Western Europe. Out of the turmoil of the Early Middle Ages, he united the bulk of Western and Central Europe. He laid the groundwork for our modern Europe. He was a fierce conqueror who fought to impose his rule upon the Saxons. He faced both defeats and victories. He died in 814, and in his dream of a mighty united kingdom crumbled. The stability and peace of Charlemagne's reign did not endure beyond his lifetime. Louis' reign, marked by strife, was subsequently divided by the Treaty of Verdun.