The Franks were a group of Germanic tribes that played a significant role in the history of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages. They emerged around the 3rd century and eventually established a powerful kingdom that laid the foundation for modern-day France and Germany. The most notable leader of the Franks was Charlemagne, who expanded the kingdom and was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD. The Frankish Kingdom was characterized by its feudal system and the spread of Christianity, largely due to the influence of the Catholic Church. The division of the kingdom after Charlemagne's death led to the formation of separate territories, which eventually contributed to the rise of the Holy Roman Empire and the development of European nations.