The Holy Roman Empire, also referred to as the Carolingian Empire, began in eastern Europe at the end of the kingdom era. The Frankish Dukes were just beginning to take their regional power, Charles Martel being the most successful. The Carolingian Dynasty was thus created as a result of Martel's Frankish military kingship, influence and heirs. Pepin III, Martel's son, solidified the empire with the alliance of the papacy and became King of the Franks in 751 AD. Pepin's son, Charlemagne, then created a political structure that acted as the foundation for future European medieval government. He conquered Italy in 774 and became king of the Lombards.  The Empire didn't survive Charlemagne's grandsons, however, for it fell after Saxony was subjugated and after the death of Charles in 888 AD. After he died, the nobles of the western kingdom elected Count Odo of Paris as king and the empire was split once again, signaling the end of the western Carolingian line.