Discuss the political organization of the empire created by Charlemagne. How did he rule?

Charlemagne, also called Charles the Great, was King of the Franks and unified much of modern Europe under one Carolingian Empire. Though Charlemagne ruled from 768 after his father's death, he was not coronated as Holy Roman Emperor until Christmas Day in the year 800. The crowning of Charlemagne by Pope Leo III, and the establishment of a Holy Roman Empire, formed a union between the "two swords" of European power. This metaphor represents the...

Charlemagne, also called Charles the Great, was King of the Franks and unified much of modern Europe under one Carolingian Empire. Though Charlemagne ruled from 768 after his father's death, he was not coronated as Holy Roman Emperor until Christmas Day in the year 800. The crowning of Charlemagne by Pope Leo III, and the establishment of a Holy Roman Empire, formed a union between the "two swords" of European power. This metaphor represents the Holy Roman Catholic Church, who wielded religious power, and the King or Emperor, who wields secular power. Both served to legitimate and support each other.

Charlemagne is known for instigating a number of social, religious, and governmental reforms. The Carolingian Empire was organized around him and his supreme (secular) rule and included these reforms. Though Charlemagne was the utmost authority on all matters in his territories, he employed a number of administrators who were dispatched the various territories and reported on the status there once a year. The various counties were watched over by a Count (or Comes), who was responsible for local law and order and the maintenance of toll roads. The Missi Dominici made rounds in their appointed territories to keep the various localities up to date with changes in secular law and any new religious capitularies- sort of statements of intent to reform.

Further down the line were Vassi Dominici, vassals to the King who held benefices of land, which was worked by peasants. The Vassi Dominici oversaw the general maintenance of their lands and also offered military service to the king.

In general, Charlemagne was the supreme ruler of the Carolingian Empire, and he had the utmost authority on all matters. But because so much land and so many people made up the Empire, he employed a variety of administrative economic, governmental, judicial, and religious assistants to perform more day-to-day tasks on his behalf. His progeny went on to rule the Empire for many generations, and his administrative system laid the foundation for several modern European nations.