Which event led most directly to the rise of Charlemagne?

The defeat of Muslim forces at Tours in 732 is a significant event that contributed to the rise of Charlemagne and his eventual power. This battle, fought in present-day France, marked a crucial turning point in halting the Muslim expansion into Western Europe. The victory not only solidified the Frankish position in the region but also positioned Charlemagne's grandfather, Charles Martel, as a prominent leader. This victory helped establish a sense of stability and security within the Frankish realm, which paved the way for Charlemagne's subsequent rise to power.

Charlemagne inherited a kingdom that had been fortified by his family's military successes, allowing him to expand and consolidate power further, eventually leading to his coronation as Emperor of the Romans in 800. His reign is often considered a definitive moment in the formation of medieval Europe, as it helped lay the foundation for the Carolingian Empire.

The other options, while historically significant, do not directly connect to Charlemagne's rise in the same way. The fall of the Western Roman Empire created the backdrop for a power vacuum that his family filled but does not pinpoint the specific actions or events leading to his ascending to the throne. The emergence of the Holy Roman Empire is a later development during Charlemagne's