Charlemagne, also known as "Charles the Great" was a powerful Frankish warrior King who unified Western Europe through military power, a system of legislation and the support of the church. His belief in the need for education among the Frankish people was to bring about religious, political, and educational reform that would create a positive impact on the history of Europe.
Charlemagne used his army and own skillful planning to more than double the size of the Frankish kingdom. With each conquest the Frankish kingdom grew and Charlemagne demanded that the defeated leaders convert to Christianity. Those who refused to convert were put to death. This was a brutal technique, however very effective in expanding his kingdom throughout Western Europe. In order to control his expanding kingdom, Charlemagne appointed trusted nobleman of military background to oversee newly acquired territories known as Marches (historymedren.about.com/Charlemagne). Charlemagne also appointed governors, whose duties it was to govern the different regions of the kingdom.
Charlemagne Pope Adrian
English: "Charlemagne and the Pope". The Frankish ...
The Coronation of Charlemagne, by assistants of Ra...These governors took the ancient Roman title of duke. The dukes were either members of Charlemagnes' own family, or close friends. These titles remained in effect long after Charlmeanges reign; examples include the Duke of Windsor, the Duke of York, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Charlemagne had a number of innovations and significant developments concerning law. He created an imperial law that has served as an important source for our knowledge of his manner of governing. He set standards for administering justice, codified marriage and divorce law, and gave rights to men who believed in the word of God. Charlemagne also had the conquered peoples customs set down in writing. He sent scholars to interview those who knew the law, including shamans, tribal elders and recorded their answers. He then had the laws published and enforced. Because of Charlemagnes'...