and
the exigencies of military service led to the growth of a system of
land-tenure which contained the germ of feudalism. The assemblies of the
people gradually changed their character under his rule. No longer did
the nation come together to direct and govern, but the emperor summoned
his people to assent to his acts. Taking a lively interest in commerce
and agriculture, Charles issued various regulations for the organization
of the one and the improvement of the other. He introduced a new system
of weights and measures, which he ordered should be used throughout his
kingdom, and took steps to reform the coinage. He was a voluminous
lawgiver. Without abolishing the customary law of the German tribes,
which is said to have been committed to writing by his orders, he added
to it by means of _capitularies_, and thus introduced certain Christian
principles and customs, and some degree of uniformity.

The extent and glamour of his empire exercised a potent spell on western
Europe. The aim of the greatest of his successors was to restore it to
its pristine position and influence, while many of the French rulers
made its re-establishment the goal of their policy. Otto the Great to a
considerable extent succeeded; Louis XIV. referred frequently to the
empire of Charlemagne; and Napoleon regarded him as his prototype and
predecessor. The empire of Charles, however, was not lasting. In spite
of his own wonderful genius the seeds of weakness were sown in his
lifetime. The church was too powerful, an incipient feudalism was
present, and there was no real bond of union between the different races
that acknowledged his authority. All the vigilance of the emperor could
not restrain the dishonesty and the cupidity of his servants, and no
sooner was the strong hand of their ruler removed than they began to
acquire territorial power for themselves.

AUTHORITIES.--The chief authorities for the life and times of
Charlemagne are Einhard's _Vita Karoli Magni_, the _Annales
Laurissenses majores_, the _Annales Fuldenses_, and other annals,
which are published in the _Monumenta Germaniae historica_.
_Scriptores_, Band i. and ii., edited by G.H. Pertz (Hanover and
Berlin, 1826-1892). For the capitularies see _Capitularia regum
Francorum_, edited by A. Boretius in the _Monumenta. Leges_. Many of
the songs of the period appear in the _Poetae Latini aevi Carolini_,
edited by E. Dummler (Berlin, 1881-1884). The _Bibliotheca reru