Carolingian Empire (800–888) is a historiographical term for the realm of the Franks under the Carolingian dynasty in the Early Middle Ages. This dynasty is seen as the predecessor of modern day France, Austria and Germany. Its beginning date is based on the crowning of Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, and ends with the death of his descendant Charles the Fat. This Empire can be seen as the later history of the Frankish Realm or the early history of France and of the Holy Roman Empire.