Charlemagne

Reign: 800 – 814
Life: 748–814

He was known as the Carolingian Empire from 800. He united most of Western and Central Europe and was the first recognised emperor to rule from the west after the fall of the Western Roman Empire approximately three centuries earlier. Charlemagne's reign was marked by political and social changes that had lasting influence on Europe throughout the Middle Ages. Charlemagne continued his father's policy of protecting the papacy and became its chief defender, removing the Lombards from power in northern Italy in 774.

During Charlemagne's reign, Charlemagne ruled France, Pope Leo III ruled Papacy, and Sakanoue no Tamuramaro ruled Japan (Shogunate).

Want to learn more? Further reading

Charlemagne by Johannes Fried

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

Go deeper on Charlemagne

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Charlemagne

Johannes Fried

A magisterial modern biography of the emperor who forged medieval Europe.

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Two Lives of Charlemagne
Einhard & Notker the Stammerer
Contemporary accounts by Einhard and Notker, the nearest thing to a primary-source portrait.
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Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

Charlemagne

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Go deeper on Charlemagne

Charlemagne

Two Lives of Charlemagne