This was an
event the significance of which only later times could learn to
estimate. The Holy Roman Empire henceforth held a leading part in
the world's affairs, the influence of which is still active in the
survivals of its power among nations.
Charlemagne served the Church and fulfilled his own purposes
through the military subjugation of all whom he could overcome
among the barbarians and heathens of his time. And the powers which
he gained as conqueror he exercised with equal ability and
steadfastness of purpose in his capacity as foremost secular ruler
in the world. By the union of the Teutonic with the Roman
interests, and of northern vigor with the culture of the South, it
is considered by the historians of our own day that Charlemagne
proved himself the beginner of a new era--in fact, as Bryce
declares, of modern history itself.
Gibbon has said that of all the heroes to whom the title of "the
Great" has been given, Charlemagne alone has retained it as a
permanent addition to his name.
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