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Why is Charlemagne considered one of the great leaders in history?

Charlemagne (742–814; also called Charles the Great) is considered one of the great leaders in history because he made significant contributions to Western civilization. He was the son of Pepin III (714?–768; also called Pepin the Short), ruler of the kingdom of the Franks. After Pepin's death, Charlemagne and Pepin's brother Carloman (c. 751–771) jointly ruled the kingdom until Carloman suddenly died three years later. As king Charlemagne extended his empire, conquering much of western Europe (presentday France and southern Germany) and northern Italy. He sometimes used brutal tactics to bring people and regions under control. For example, he ordered mass relocations and executions to put down rebellions in Saxony (present-day northwestern Germany). On December 25, 800, Pope Leo III (c. 750–816) crowned Charlemagne emperor of the...

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