The Carolingian Dynasty was a prominent royal family in Western Europe during the early Middle Ages, primarily from the 8th to the 10th centuries. It is best known for its most famous ruler, Charlemagne, who expanded the Frankish empire and was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD. The dynasty played a crucial role in the cultural and political revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. The dynasty originated from the Pippinid family, with Pippin the Short being the first king of the Franks from this line. After Charlemagne's death, the empire was divided among his grandsons, leading to the eventual decline of the Carolingian influence and the rise of new powers in Europe.