The Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire lasted for about 1,000 years in Europe. It started in the year 800 when Charlemagne was crowned. The empire covered parts of what is now Germany, Austria, and other lands. It had one emperor but many smaller kingdoms inside it. It ended in the year 1806.

Many Lands, One Empire

The Holy Roman Empire was not just one country. It was made up of lots of small places ruled by dukes, kings, and bishops. They all answered to the emperor. But sometimes they fought with each other. The emperor had to work hard to keep them together.

An old map showing the many lands of the Holy Roman Empire.
An old map showing the many lands of the Holy Roman Empire. (Nicolaes Visscher II / Wikimedia Commons)

The End of the Empire

The empire lost power over time. Wars and new ideas made it weaker. A French leader named Napoleon finally made it end. The last emperor gave up his crown in 1806. After that, the empire was no more.

Fun Facts

  • A writer joked that it was 'neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire.'
  • Charlemagne was its first emperor and he could not read well.
  • The crown of the empire is covered in gold and jewels.

Did You Know?

The Holy Roman Empire is not the same as the old Roman Empire from ancient times.