The Frankish kingdom grew substantially, along with the church, during the reign of Charlemagne. As new territories were conquered they were they were Christianized; some brutally, such as the Saxons, Muslims were driven beyond the Pyrenees, and the Avars were practically annihilated. The Church looked to Charlemagne for protection, such as from the Lombards. Charlemagne wanted a center of control, however his territories were about the size of the European Union of today. This made is difficult to control. He made “counts” giving them land and making them part of the aristocracy. In return their duties were to maintain a local army loyal to the king, collect tribute and dues, and administer justice. However, many used these positions
