History of Europe

How did Charlemagne organize his empire?

Charlemagne divided his empire into smaller administrative units called counties, each governed by a count. The count was responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and administering justice. Charlemagne also established a system of royal missi dominici, or "messengers of the lord," who traveled throughout the empire to ensure that the counts were fulfilling their duties and to hear grievances from the people.

In addition, Charlemagne divided his empire into two main regions, Austrasia and Neustria. Austrasia was the eastern part of the empire and Neustria was the western part. Each region was governed by a king, who was responsible for the administration of his own region. Charlemagne also established a system of royal councils to advise him on matters of state. These councils were made up of the leading nobles, bishops, and abbots of the empire.

Charlemagne's empire was also divided into a number of ecclesiastical provinces, each governed by an archbishop. The archbishops were responsible for the spiritual welfare of their provinces and for ensuring that the clergy were fulfilling their duties. Charlemagne also established a system of royal chaplains to provide him with spiritual guidance and to advise him on matters of religion.

Charlemagne's empire was a complex and highly organized political entity. His administrative system was designed to ensure that the empire was governed efficiently and that the people were protected from injustice.