A-Z: General definitions: Holy Roman Empire

Definition

Established in Western Europe with the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 CE this political alliance linked the countries of Western Christendom to protect the interests of the Catholic Church. The Empire was centred on Germany and at the height of its power in the twelfth century, included Poland, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy and the Netherlands.

From the fifteenth century, the Empire came under the control of the powerful Austrian Hapsburg dynasty.

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