what helped unite charlemagne's empire?
Viking attacks
A strong, efficient government helped to unite Charlemagne's empire.
That was one reason. Read this for more.
http://www.mrdowling.com/703-charlemagne.html
To determine what helped unite Charlemagne's empire, we need to understand the historical context. Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was the King of the Franks from 768 and the Emperor of the Carolingian Empire from 800 until his death in 814.
While Viking attacks did occur during Charlemagne's reign, they were not the primary factor that helped unite his empire. In fact, Viking invasions were more prevalent after Charlemagne's death and into the Viking Age.
The factors that contributed to the unity of Charlemagne's empire are as follows:
1. Administrative Reforms: Charlemagne implemented major administrative and legal reforms within his empire, including the establishment of a standardized legal code called the "Capitulary of Aquisgranum" and the organization of his territories into administrative units known as counties, which were ruled by local officials called counts. These reforms helped centralize power and maintain control over his vast empire.
2. Carolingian Renaissance: Charlemagne actively promoted education and learning, which became known as the "Carolingian Renaissance." He established schools, encouraged the study of Latin and other subjects, and fostered a revival of arts and culture. This intellectual revival helped create a shared cultural and intellectual heritage within the empire.
3. Military Campaigns: Charlemagne conducted numerous military campaigns to expand and defend his empire. Through conquest and diplomacy, Charlemagne successfully brought various regions and peoples under his control, including parts of modern-day France, Germany, Italy, and beyond. These conquests helped establish a sense of unity and under Charlemagne's rule.
4. Strategic Marriages: Charlemagne arranged strategic marriages for his family members to build alliances with neighboring regions and rulers. These marriages helped create political and familial ties that strengthened the empire and increased the loyalty of local rulers.
5. Imperial Coronation: In the year 800, Charlemagne was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III. This coronation legitimized Charlemagne's authority and provided a religious and symbolic unifying force for his empire, emphasizing the connection between the Catholic Church and the empire.
While Viking attacks were not the primary factor that helped unite Charlemagne's empire, they did pose a threat and necessitated military campaigns to defend his territories. Overall, it was through administrative reforms, the Carolingian Renaissance, military conquests, strategic marriages, and the imperial coronation that Charlemagne was able to unite his empire.