Question

Почему Карлу Великому понадобилось объявлять Франкское государство империей?Что ему это дало?

Answer 1

Титул императора весомее королевского - он стави л Карла в один ряд с императором Византии. Королей в Европе было много, императоров - с Карлом Великим - двое. Королевство и империя - не сопоставимы, как правило, и в размерах. Империя - больше по территории. 

Answer 2

Why did Charlemagne need to declare the Frankish state an empire? What did it give him?

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, declared the Frankish state an empire in order to solidify his authority and establish a centralized government. This decision had several motivations and benefits for Charlemagne.

1. Political Consolidation: By declaring the Frankish state an empire, Charlemagne aimed to consolidate his power and establish a strong central authority. This allowed him to exert control over the various regions and peoples within his realm.

2. Legitimacy and Prestige: The title of emperor carried significant prestige and legitimacy. By proclaiming himself Emperor of the Franks, Charlemagne sought to elevate his status and gain recognition as a ruler of equal standing to the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople. This enhanced his reputation and solidified his position as a powerful leader.

3. Religious Authority: Charlemagne's empire was closely tied to the Christian Church. By aligning himself with the Church and receiving the title of emperor from the Pope, Charlemagne gained religious legitimacy and support. This helped him maintain control over his subjects and establish a close relationship between the Church and the state.

4. Administrative and Legal Reforms: As emperor, Charlemagne implemented various administrative and legal reforms to strengthen his empire. He standardized laws, established a system of governance, and promoted education and culture through the Carolingian Renaissance. These reforms helped to centralize power and create a sense of unity within the empire.

5. Expansion and Security: The imperial title also provided Charlemagne with a justification for his military campaigns and territorial expansion. By presenting himself as the rightful ruler of a vast empire, he could justify his conquests and assert his authority over neighboring regions. This expansion helped to secure the borders of the empire and protect it from external threats.

In summary, Charlemagne declared the Frankish state an empire to consolidate his power, gain prestige and legitimacy, establish a strong central authority, align himself with the Church, implement administrative reforms, and justify his military campaigns and territorial expansion. These actions helped to strengthen his rule and create a unified empire.