Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, had a profound impact on medieval Europe through several key actions:
-
Expansion and Conquest: Charlemagne expanded his kingdom significantly, conquering large parts of modern-day France, Germany, Italy, and the Low Countries. This consolidation of territory helped to lay the foundations for modern European states.
-
Alliance with the Church: His alignment with Pope Leo III helped to solidify the relationship between the Frankish state and the Roman Catholic Church. In 800 AD, he was crowned Emperor of the Romans, which symbolized the merging of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements, further legitimizing his rule and the authority of the papacy.
-
Cultural and Religious Influence: Charlemagne promoted the spread of Christianity and supported the establishment of monasteries and schools across his empire, which became centers of learning and culture during the Carolingian Renaissance. This initiative helped preserve classical knowledge and fostered the development of medieval European culture.
-
Legal Reforms and Administration: He implemented various legal reforms, standardized weights and measures, and established a more organized administrative system through local counts and noble vassals to help govern his vast empire effectively.
Thus, while it is true that Charlemagne conquered parts of Italy, Spain, and Germany, and aligned himself with Pope Leo III, it is important to note that he did not conquer the Magyars or the territory of the Vandals, as indicated in your options. His reign was marked by significant military conquests, cultural revival, and church-state alliances that shaped the future of Europe.
The closest option that summarizes his impact well would be: He conquered parts of Italy, Spain, and Germany and aligned himself with Pope Leo III.