Discuss the reign of Charlemagne. What were some of the major characteristics of his rule, and how did he work to revive the traditions of the ancient Roman state? Explain the political development of Western Europe in the 9th and 10th centuries following Charlemagne's death.

As emperor, Charlemagne stood out for his many reforms-monetary, governmental, military, cultural, and ecclesiastical. He was the main initiator and proponent of the "Carolingian Renaissance," the first of three medieval renaissances. It was a period of cultural activity in the Carolingian Empire occurring from the late-8th century to the 9th century, taking inspiration from the Christian Roman Empire of the 4th century. During this period there was an expansion of literature, writing, the arts, architecture, jurisprudence, liturgical reforms, and scriptural studies.