Final answer:
The Emperor in Constantinople was acknowledged as ruler by the Germanic kings after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, while Charlemagne was later crowned 'Emperor of the Romans,' playing a pivotal role in shaping the European power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the title of 'Emperor' in dark ages Europe remained influential. The new Germanic kings recognized the authority of the Emperor in Constantinople, who was the ruler of the Byzantine Empire. This recognition endured at least until the Byzantine Empire began to decline in the 7th century. The Frankish kings, such as Charlemagne, also played a significant role during this era. Charlemagne, in particular, was crowned 'Emperor of the Romans' by Pope Leo III in the year 800, bridging the divide between ancient Roman traditions and the evolving European landscape. His coronation set the groundwork for centuries of interaction and often confrontation between the Papacy and the political entities of Europe that sought to claim the mantle of the Roman legacy.