Charlemagne (c. 742–814) is one of the most famous rulers of the Middle Ages. King of the Franks and later Emperor of the West in 800, crowned by Pope Leo III, he extended his empire over much of Western Europe. He strengthened royal power, organized administration, and promoted the arts, education, and religion. He encouraged the cultural and religious revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. A champion of Christianity, he worked closely with the Pope. His reign laid the foundations of medieval Europe.
