The Battle of Ronsivote Pass

Charlemagne would extend the Frankish Empire to directly rule over the western half of Central Europe. His ability to subdue enemies of the papal states led to Pope Leo III declaring Charlemagne as the first western Roman Emperor, a position later known as the Holy Roman Emperor. Just two years later, the West Francian capital city of Paris was attacked by Viking raiders travelling up the Sen River. When Louis the Pius, Charlemagne's son, died, the lands were split between his three surviving sons in 843. The lands can be referred to as West Francia, Middle Francia and East Francia.