After the victory, Charlemagne had himself declared "rex Langobardorum", and from that time onwards he was to be called King of the Franks "and" Lombards. This was unique in the history of the Germanic kingdoms of the Dark Ages: a ruler taking the title of the conquered. Charles was forging what could truly be called an "empire". He was also allying himself very closely with the church as its protector. His recognition of temporal papal authority in central Italy laid the foundation for medieval Papal power.