Through out history rulers and those in power have often sought greater control and attempted to secure more authority. During the Middle Ages power was usually obtained by either being victorious in battle, inheritance, or by entering in some sort of contract. One of the most powerful of all rulers during the Middle Ages was Charlemagne other wise know as "Charles the Great". With the start of Charlemagne's rule he was constantly engaged in military campaigns creating a vast empire and rapidly becoming one of the most powerful men of his time. However it is not his military rise to power that historians question rather it is acceptance of secular coronation and taking on the role of "Roman Emperor". The fundamental question of "Did Charlemagne desire to be crowned by Pope Leo III?" or "Was he merely caught by surprise as he would like history to believe?" arises. If one were to believe what Einhard reported Charlemagne as saying "That he would not have come into the church had he known the Pope's plan" then the answer to the earlier question would be "No". After further research of the question one can see that Charlemagne had much to gain from this new title and the benefits vastly outweighed any ill sentiments in his Carolingian kingdom. He was too powerful of a leader not to have known Pope Leo III plans a head of time an too intelligent not to have seen the benefits of this act. His acceptance of the crown and title "Roman Emperor" was significant in strengthening his leadership on two major points. First the coronation solidified Charlemagne as the most powerful leader of Western Europe and second it united the Roman Catholic Church with Charlemagne's Carolingian empire.
             Charlemagne had accomplished more that any other one person in Western Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire. Charlemagne came from a long line of powerful leaders; ...