[CP]
In archaeological and architectural usage this term relates to the period from about ad 750 through to ad 900, although the term itself stems from the reign of Charles the Great (Charlemagne) between ad 771 and ad 814 immediately following the period of the Franks empire. The Carolingian empire witnessed a cultural renaissance. The enormous wealth gained through decades of successful campaigning was partly used for massive ecclesiastical patronage, especially the building of new churches, the founding of monasteries, and the production of manuscripts. There were also ecclesiastical reforms, the revival of Latin learning, and a return to classical values in the arts.
