Who is considered the first Holy Roman Emperor by most experts?

Charlemagne is considered the first Holy Roman Emperor by most experts. The Holy Roman Emperor (historically Romanorum Imperator "Emperor of the Romans") was the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. From an autocracy in Carolingian times the title evolved into an elected monarchy chosen by the Prince electors. Until the Reformation, the Emperor elect (imperator electus) was required to be crowned by the Pope before assuming the imperial title. Charlemagne reached the height of his power in 800 when he was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day at Old St. Peter's Basilica.

When Charlemagne was crowned in 800, his was styled as "most serene Augustus, crowned by God, great and pacific emperor, governing the Roman Empire," thus constituting the elements of "Holy" and "Roman" in the imperial title.

Overall, Charlemagne or Charles the Great, was king of the Franks between 768 and 814, and emperor of Western Europe from 800 until 814. He founded the Holy Roman Empire, strengthened European economic and political life, and promoted the cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. Charlemagne's rule greatly influenced Europe's push to create a unique civilization different from that of Rome or other ancient empires.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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37 Comments

Gary S. Hughes

Historians say that Otto was actually the first to be named Holy Roman Emperor,-it is a technicality, but .none the less accurate.

Earl Maddalena Jr.

The term "Holy Roman Emperor" was first used for Otto I, not Charlemagne!

terry seale

E11-Hitman is wrong again. Do better research Otto I was the first recognized Holy Roman Emperor.

Jas Newman

FOUL! Per www.history.net, "Although Charlemagne was crowned Roman Emperor in the West in 800, the first use of the term “Holy Roman Emperor” was applied when Pope John XII crowned Otto, Duke of Saxony, Emperor Otto I on February 3, 962." If Otto I is included as a possible answer, then it should be accepted as correct. Had Otto I not been included, I would have selected Charlemagne.

Marianne Hays

But most of you answered correctly.

Marianne Hays

I missed it. I did not know that about Charlemagne.

Mark Linhorst

What do other historians say? Define most?

Alain Fougerit

The precise term "Holy Roman Empire" was not used until the 13th century.On 25 December 800, Pope Leo III crowned the Frankish king Charlemagne as Emperor.The title was revived in 962 when Otto I was crowned emperor, fashioning himself as the successor of Charlemagne and beginning a continuous existence of the empire for over eight centuries. Some historians refer to the coronation of Charlemagne as the origin of the empire, while others prefer the coronation of Otto I as its beginning.

Allan Howser

I am not the only one who picked Otto...

Annette Marie Busch

After reading the comments below I have to agree with the answer. I've always known Charlemagne's title as holy roman emperor.

Annette Marie Busch

Very informative. Knew the answer but enjoyed the rest of the information. I actually stood in a fireplace in the ruins of one of his castles.

Sharon Mead

I picked Otto.

Charles Fish

Although Charlemagne was crowned Roman Emperor in the West in 800, the first use of the term “Holy Roman Emperor” was applied when Pope John XII crowned Otto, Duke of Saxony, Emperor Otto I on February 3, 962 from historynet.com