The earliest concept of Europe as a distinct cultural region (instead of simply a geographic area) appeared during the Carolingian Renaissance of the 9th century, and included the territories which practiced Western Christianity at the time.
tHE EarLieSt coNcept Of europe as a DIsTInct cUltURal rEgiOn (insTead of simPLY a GeOgrAphic arEA) appeareD DUriNG The caroliNGian RenaisSAnCe oF thE 9th cEntUrY, And inCLuded the tERRiTorieS which praCticed wesTern chrIstianiTy aT thE Time.