Middle Ages
Carolingian Empire
751 AD – 888 AD · peak 800 AD
The Carolingian Empire was a Frankish-dominated state in Western and Central Europe that reached its apogee under Charlemagne, who was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD. Based in Aachen, the dynasty introduced administrative reforms, Carolingian minuscule script, and the silver denarius during a period known as the Carolingian Renaissance. The empire was partitioned among the heirs of Louis the Pious by the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD, laying the foundations for modern France and Germany.
Capital: Aachen
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Silk Road (130 BC – 1450 AD)
- Trans-Saharan Gold Route (700 AD – 1500 AD)
- Route from the Varangians to the Greeks (800 AD – 1100 AD)
- Indian Ocean Spice Route (800 AD – 1500 AD)