Holy Roman Empire
Syllabification: (Ho·ly Ro·man Em·pire)
Definition of Holy Roman Empire
- the empire set up in western Europe following the coronation of Charlemagne as emperor in the year 800. It was created by the medieval papacy in an attempt to unite Christendom under one rule. At times the territory of the empire was extensive and included Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Italy and the Netherlands.