Which dynasty is known for ruling the Frankish kingdom from the 8th century and including Charlemagne?

• A. Merovingians
• B. Capetians
• C. Carolingians
• D. Ottonians

Answer: (C)

The Carolingians. This dynasty came to power in the Frankish kingdom in the 8th century after Pepin the Short overthrew the previous Merovingian rulers, establishing a new line that would include Charlemagne. Charlemagne expanded the Frankish realm into a large empire and was crowned Emperor in 800, signaling the revival of a western imperial authority under Carolingian leadership. The Merovingians preceded them, and the Capetians would come later, after the Carolingians faded. The Ottonians are a later German dynasty that ruled as Holy Roman Emperors rather than as the ruling Frankish dynasty. So, the Carolingians best fit the description of ruling the Frankish kingdom from the 8th century and including Charlemagne.