Charlemagne was the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He conquered much of Western and Central Europe during his reign between 768-814 AD. He converted many people in Europe to Christianity, helping to unite them under one religion. Charlemagne also reorganized the Holy Roman Empire into a more efficient political entity and helped restore economic prosperity through infrastructure projects. He established himself as emperor in 800 AD after being crowned by the pope on Christmas Day in Rome.

1. Charlemagne By Anthony

2. Why is he famous ? First emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Conquering lots of lands Converting most of Europe to Christianity Reformed the organisation of the Holy Roman Empire.

3. Early Life Charlemagne’s date of birth is unknown as there are no primary sources but secondary sources say that he was born in 742 or 747. He was the son of the King of the Franks, Pippin the short. At the death of his father, in 768 he and his brother both became Kings. His brother died in 771.

4. His reign He married the daughter of the king of the Lombards. Charlemagne repudiated his wife and she fled back to her father. The king of the Lombards decided to attack the Pope and the papal state but the Pope sent a request of help to Charlemagne. Charlemagne took the Pope’s side and besieged the Lombards forcing them to surrender.

5. Charlemagne’s army won the siege and Charlemagne made the Lombards pay homage to him. His next campaign in 773 was the Saxon Wars where he conquered the Saxon’s lands. The Saxons were divided into 4 regions and 1 by 1 he conquered them all and converted them to Christianity. His following campaigns were conducted all over Europe.

6. Becoming Emperor In 800 Pope Leo III was deposed but Charlemagne refused to recognise the deposition and travelled to Rome. Charlemagne managed to make Leo III Pope and on Christmas day while Charlemagne was praying he was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne died in 814 after crowning his only surviving son King.

7. Charlemagne being crowned

8. Why I think he is a historical figure He converted many people to Christianity and by doing so he united them under one religion. He reorganized the Holy Roman Empire into an efficient empire He managed to bring his empire back to the economic prosperity that there was during the Roman Empire by making roads and a new monetary system called the Livre.

9. Profile attribute Thinker He is mostly known for his wars but he was also a thinker who succeeded in reforming a whole empire. He also made scholars from all over Europe come to his court, the most famous being Alcuin of York. By doing so he ensured he had an educated court and advisors.

10. Great man of history theory I do not think there could have been another ruler as Charlemagne because without Charlemagne’s reorganisation of the Holy Roman Empire the Frankish Kindom would have fallen apart and there wouldnt have been the occasion for another Charlemagne to come