Carolingian Empire: The Influence and Expansion of the Franks during the Middle Ages

At its zenith, the Carolingian Empire stretched across a vast expanse, covering approximately 1,112,000 square kilometers (429,000 square miles) and supporting a population estimated between 10 to 20 million people. Charlemagne's reign was characterized by military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural revival, known as the Carolingian Renaissance, which fostered the preservation and promotion of learning and the arts.

However, the empire faced challenges after the death of Emperor Louis the Pious in 840. A civil war erupted among his heirs, leading to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which partitioned the empire into three distinct kingdoms. Although one monarch was still recognized as emperor, his authority was significantly limited, confining his power mainly to his own realm. This division undermined the unity that Charlemagne had worked hard to establish.