Episode notes
This episode explores the rise of the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, the warrior-king who sought to revive the legacy of Rome in Western Europe. Emerging from the Frankish Kingdom in the 8th century, Charlemagne expanded his realm through relentless campaigns against the Lombards, Saxons, Avars, and Moors, creating the largest empire in Western Europe since ancient Rome.
In 800 CE, Charlemagne was crowned "Emperor of the Romans" by Pope Leo III, symbolizing the powerful alliance between Church and State. His rule brought administrative reforms, including the division of the empire into counties, standardized laws, and the use of royal inspectors known as missi dominici.
Beyond warfare and governance, Charlemag ...