Carolingian Empire
Jinty Nelson
Abstract The Frankish kingdom under the Merovingian dynasty, c.500–751, inherited from Roman Empire Christianity, Latinity, aspects of law, and government. It was weakened by intra‐dynastic conflicts linked to elite opposition. Eighth‐century geopolitical shifts created opportunities. A new Carolingian dynasty seized power in 751 Empire. Charlemagne (768–814) focused sights elites on conquest – Italy (774), Bavaria (788), Catalonia (801), Saxony, finally (804) Christianizing pagan neighbors, internalizing a service ethic, shaping Christian culture shared diverse peoples provinces. size had doubled 800, when crowned emperor. Devolution, enlistment ecclesiastical lay serving maintained empire. Rivalries within threatened it. empire, divided, continued field able rulers who generated loyalty. Lack legitimate male heirs caused empire's end 888. Its cultural impacts were lasting.
The Encyclopedia of Empire