Final answer:
Charlemagne influenced medieval Europe by contributing to the spread of Christianity and unifying the region under a single empire. He also presided over the 'Carolingian Renaissance', which revitalized learning and reformed the Church.
Therefore, the correct options are:
- He contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout western Europe.
- He united much of western Europe under a single empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, played a pivotal role in shaping medieval Europe.
Two statements that explain Charlemagne's influence on medieval Europe include his contribution to the spread of Christianity throughout western Europe, and his unification of most of the region under a single empire.
The king engaged in numerous military campaigns aimed at conquering lands and converting people to Catholic Christianity. His empire, extending from modern France to Germany, northern Italy, and portions of Spain, marked the reunification of western Europe since the Roman Empire's fall.
In terms of religious and intellectual influence, Charlemagne led a revival of learning, known as the 'Carolingian Renaissance', and reorganized the Church to ensure the spread of Christian teachings and values.
His court became a center for education, and he enforced a strict hierarchy in the Church to streamline its governance. Libraries were created, ancient texts were revived, and the education of priests was taken seriously under his reign.