The term Carolingian Empire is sometimes used to refer to the realm of the Franks under the dynasty of the Carolingians.
When used, the term emphasizes on the coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor in 800, although this did not actually constitute a new empire because both Charles as well as his ancestors had been rules of the Frankish realm earlier. Because of this, most historians prefer to use the term "Frankish kingdoms" or "Frankish realm" to refer to the area covering parts of today's Germany and France from the 5th to the 9th century.
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