Rome had fallen. Western civilization began an arduous journey from the Early Middle Ages to the ascension of modern European states. The shifting sands of society were persistent in progressing. During these eras several key events occurred that influenced the path of the modern world. Each of these eras contributed valuable ideas to modern society. Furthermore, several extraordinary human beings have shaped the course of Western history. There were three heirs to the legacy of Rome that appeared after its fall. These heirs included Latin Christianity, Byzantium, and Islam. Latin Christendom lagged behind the other two, but eventually caught up. Modern Western societies trace their origins to Latin Christianity. During the Early Middle Ages, Christianity continued to spread throughout Europe. Furthermore, the Merovingian king Clovis I was the first Germanic ruler to convert to the Christian faith. Furthermore, the Early Middle Ages saw the rise of Charlemagne as ruler of the Franks. Charlemagne left a lasting legacy and was instrumental in starting the Carolingian Renaissance. The Carolingian Renaissance was an attempt to raise the level of learning. Furthermore, the Franks had an alliance with the Papacy. During this era a significant growth in papal power occurred. Consequently, as the Christian church increased in power, so did its influence on society. Another religion emerged in the Middle East that influenced Latin Christianity. The emergence of the new Islamic faith eventually caused tensions with Latin Christendom that culminated in the Crusades. The Muslim invasion of France was repelled at the Battle of Tours by Charles Martel. The Muslims had even invaded some parts of Byzantium. Issues s...... middle of paper ......c economic system. Furthermore, political changes occurred during this era. The concept of the state combined with the idea of ​​sovereignty has further favored the growth of modern states. These economic and political contributions determined the rise of modern European states. After the fall of Rome, a variety of people, ideas, and events influenced the history of Western civilization. Whether it was Machiavellian political notions, the religious movements of the Protestant Reformation, or the Renaissance, each of these ideas provides particular foundational aspects of modern society. Charlemagne's Carolingian Renaissance improved learning. The concept of state sovereignty is another development that has contributed to the modern West. Even though Western civilization has progressed so much, the West had a formidable journey ahead of it.