Charlemagne's reign marked a significant turning point in European history. He successfully expanded his kingdom to encompass vast territories, becoming the first ruler to unite much of Western and Central Europe since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. His conquests included regions that are part of modern-day France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, forming a powerful empire. Charlemagne's rule fostered a period of cultural and intellectual revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. He encouraged literacy, education, and learning by establishing schools, promoting scholarship, and preserving ancient manuscripts. His efforts to standardize laws, establish efficient administration, and promote Christianity left a lasting impact on European governance and institutions.