Carolingian Empire

The Carolingian Empire was a powerful realm in medieval Europe, primarily during the late 8th and early 9th centuries. It was founded by the Frankish leader Charlemagne, who united much of Western Europe under his rule. Charlemagne expanded the empire through military conquests and promoted education, culture, and Christianity, leading to a renaissance known as the Carolingian Renaissance. After Charlemagne's death in 814, the empire fragmented, eventually splitting into smaller kingdoms. The Carolingian Empire laid the groundwork for modern European nations and influenced the development of medieval society and governance.