Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was a powerful ruler and leader of medieval Europe from 768 to 814. He is remembered as the first recognized emperor who reigned over most of western and central Europe. During his reign, Charlemagne helped unite disparate lands under one rule while also protecting the papacy and combating enemies such as the Lombards in Italy and Saxons in Germany. Through his military conquests, religious reforms, and cultural advances he made during his time in power, Charlemagne earned himself the title "Father of Europe" for uniting vast swaths of territory like never before seen since Roman times. His legacy extends even after death with generations upon generations tracing their lineage back to him through several European royal houses including Capetian dynasty, Ottonian dynasty House Luxembourg House Ivrea House Habsburg . Today few historical figures have left behind such an extensive legacy as Charlemagne