Charlemagne

By Crusader1307

Born in 742 A.D. He was King of The Franks and later the “first” Holy Roman Emperor. Probably the single most important and influential figure of the Early Middle Ages (and after), his Dynasty (The Carolingian), was named after him. His reign was known for his almost unending military campaigning. Charlemagne unified most of Western Europe under his control.

He conquered The Saxons and Lombards – and made further territorial gains by assimilating The Slavs, Avars, Byzantines and Spanish Muslims under his control. In his lifetime he double his Empire. A devout Christian, he suppressed Paganism and promoted reforms within The Church. He furthered an interest in religious learning known as The Carolingian Renaissance.

An active Legislator, he created standardized Laws throughout his Empire (and had fair enforcement of same). Corruption happened, but very infrequently. Made Holy Roman Emperor in 800 A.D. - Charlemagne possible had plans to “resurrect” The old Roman Empire. He succeeded in some areas. His biggest issue were with The Norsemen (Viking). It was during his reign that the first Viking raid was recorded in Francia around 799 A.D.

Charlemagne created many Coastal Defensive systems, Coastguards and Fleets – all with the aim of suppressing The Viking incursions. Other than a 810 A.D. That destroyed Frisia – his defenses were effective. With Charlemagne came a period of “light” from the darkness of the collapse of Old Rome. The collapse would develop again with his death in 814 A.D.

His once strong sense of order was not so carried down with his successors. His son, Louis The Pious, had little of his father's organization zeal. By Frankish custom, Louis and his other 2 brothers split The Empire into three parts. With this and The Vikings, the ensuing civil wars for his Empire would eventually end The Carolingian Dynasty – with Charles The Fat in 887 A.D.