Carloman I, the younger brother of Charlemagne, ruled over Austrasia and had shared the Frankish throne with him since 768. Their reign together was marked by political tension and differing ambitions, with Carloman focusing on maintaining his territory and Charlemagne pursuing broader conquests. The death of Carloman in 771 ended this joint monarchy, placing Charlemagne in a position of unmatched power. With Carloman's passing, Charlemagne was no longer hindered by potential disputes over royal authority and could enact his vision for the Frankish kingdom.Charlemagne, often referred to as Charles the Great, wasted no time in consolidating his power following his brother’s death. He implemented reforms aimed at strengthening the kingdom, including administrative reorganizations and military expansions. He sought to unite the various tribes under his rule and began campaigns into Lombard Italy, and later into Saxon territories. This strategic initiative further established his dominance and laid the groundwork for what would become the Carolingian Empire, a precursor to modern European states.As Charlemagne's reign progressed, he became known not only for his military conquests but also for cultural and educational reforms, which promoted literacy and the arts across his empire. The Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the sponsorship of Charlemagne, was a direct result of his centralized power. His ascendancy after Carloman's death thus became a crucial turning point, yielding a lasting legacy on European history and shaping the medieval landscape.