Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Roman Empire, under the leadership of dozens of Caesars who answered to a democratically elected Senate back in Rome, colonized and occupied Europe, North Africa, and the Near East from about 200 BCE to the end of the 5th century CE. They were ruthless when it came to transforming the lands they conquered. #2 The Carolingian Renaissance, which began in the late 8th century, was a period of political and cultural consolidation under the Holy Roman Empire. The Catholic Church became the central power in Europe, and monarchs pledged their sword and a portion of their taxes to the pope.