The latter part of the eighth century AD through the beginning of the ninth century AD was dominated by the reign of Emperor Charles the Great, also known as Charlemagne. His reign marked a medieval period of social improvement and imperial conquest. Motivated by previous Roman achievements, at the end of his life he had developed what would be commonly known as the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne's desire to create a kingdom similar to ancient Rome produced two of the best known religious and secular institutions of the century, which would greatly influence medieval life, his palace school and chapel at Aachen.

Charlemagne had succeeded his father Pepin the Short as papal protector in Italy. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day, 800 AD. Before gaining this prestigious title, Charlemagne had already begun to continue his father's policy of territorial conquest. This policy...