The Carolingians were Frankish rulers, which means their territory was in Western Europe.
The French kings who ruled for three hundred years after the Carolingians belonged to the Capetian dynasty, which began with Hugh Capet in 987 and continued until the end of the Valois line in 1589. Notable kings from this period include Philip II (Philip Augustus), Louis IX (Saint Louis), and Charles V. The Capetian dynasty is significant for establishing a more centralized monarchy in France and laying the foundation for the modern French state.
The Carolingians, particularly under Charlemagne, achieved significant territorial expansion, unifying much of Western Europe and fostering the Carolingian Renaissance, which revived art, culture, and learning. Their success stemmed from effective military organization, strategic alliances, and the support of the Church, which legitimized their rule and helped consolidate power. Additionally, they implemented administrative reforms that improved governance and infrastructure, facilitating trade and communication across their empire. This combination of military prowess, cultural revival, and administrative innovation solidified their influence in medieval Europe.
Pepin the Short, the founder of the Carolingian dynasty, became the ruler of the Kingdom of the Franks with the help of Pope Zachary, who dethroned the last Merovingian king. The next pope, Stephen II, asked Pepin for help against the Lombards whose army was advancing on Rome. Stephen re-consecrated Pepin as king and, in return, Pepin assumed the role of ordained protector of the Church. Pepin defeated the Lombards and donated territories in central Italy to the Papacy (the donation of Pepin). Pepin had had an ecclesiastical upbringing. Pepin's son, Charlemagne also assumed the role of ordained protector of the Church and was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III. The subsequent generations of the Carolingians were also supporters of the church. However, they were busy fighting each other.
The Carolingians were a dynasty of French kings that began their rule in the 751 AD. when Pepin the short was crowned king of the Franks. The last king belonging to the Carolingian family died in 987 AD, and Hugh Capet of the Capetian dynasty succeeded him. The bloodline became extinct with the death of the final male heir of the family, Odo the Count of Vermandois. His sister, the last remaining Carolingian, died in 1122.
The Merovingians were a dynasty of Frankish kings who ruled from the 5th to the 8th centuries, known for establishing one of the first major kingdoms in what is now France and parts of Germany. Their reign is marked by the emergence of the Frankish state and the spread of Christianity. The dynasty is often associated with King Clovis I, who united the Frankish tribes and converted to Christianity, solidifying the relationship between the church and the monarchy. The Merovingian period is characterized by a decline in centralized power, eventually leading to the rise of the Carolingians.
Carolingians
Supported the pope; pope crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the Roman people
The Merovingian and Carolingian families were most influential in the expansion of the Franks. The Merovingians were the first dynasty of Frankish kings, while the Carolingians, particularly under Charlemagne, expanded the Frankish Empire to its greatest extent.
Hubert Jenniges has written: 'Die Karolinger in Geschichte und Sage des oberen Ourtals' -- subject(s): Carolingians, History
Theodor Sickel has written: 'Acta regum et imperatorum Karolinorum digesta et enarrata' -- subject(s): Sources, History, Carolingians
Alain Dubreucq has written: 'Brioude aux temps Carolingiens' -- subject(s): History, Congresses, Medieval Civilization, Carolingians, Church history
Wolf-Dieter Steinmetz has written: 'Ostfalen im 8. Jahrhundert' -- subject(s): Antiquities, Carolingians, Excavations (Archaeology), Exhibitions, Merovingians
Paul Michel has written: 'Tiere als Symbol und Ornament' 'Unz in obanentig' -- subject(s): Carolingians, Civilization, Medieval, in literature, Influence
Rosamond McKitterick has written: 'The \\' 'History and memory in the Carolingian world' -- subject(s): History, Historiography, Philosophy, Carolingians 'History and its audiences' -- subject(s): Historiography, History, World history, Early works to 1800 'The Frankish church and the Carolingian reforms, 789-895' -- subject(s): Church history, Carolingians 'Atlas of the Medieval World' 'Perceptions of the Past in the Early Middle Ages (Conway Lectures in Medieval Studies)'
Johannes Schmitt has written: 'Untersuchungen zu den liberi homines der Karolingerzeit' -- subject(s): Carolingians, Politics and government, Social conditions, Social history
Rudolf Schieffer has written: 'Albertus Magnus' -- subject(s): Bishops, Catholic Church, Friars 'Die Karolinger' -- subject(s): Carolingians, History, Kings and rulers, Middle Ages
Pépin le Bref (English: Pepin the Short, or Pepin the Younger), first of the Carolingians kings, was the son of Charles Martel and helped the Pope against the Lombards.