Charlemagne, crowned King in 768 and Emperor in 800 by Pope Leo III, united Western Europe, forming the Holy Roman Empire. Born around 747 to King Pepin the Short and Queen Bertrada, he inherited a vast kingdom and expanded it through military campaigns, including against the Lombards and Saxons, spreading Christianity. His rule marked the start of a European transformation, emphasizing religious, educational, and cultural reforms. Charlemagne's reign laid the foundations for modern Europe, establishing a legacy as one of its greatest leaders.