Charlemagne

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was a pivotal figure in European history and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne's reign marked a transformative era for Western Europe as he united much of the continent under his rule, laying the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire. Through a series of military campaigns, he expanded his kingdom to encompass modern-day France, Germany, northern Italy, and parts of Central Europe.

His conquests were not solely for territorial expansion but also for spreading Christianity, often converting conquered peoples by the sword or diplomacy. In 800 AD, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome, an event that symbolized the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic traditions and solidified his status as the protector of Christendom.