The period when the Christian Church highly influenced culture and political affairs in Europe was the Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages. During this time, the Church dominated European politics, culture, and education. The Pope and the Church held significant power, influencing kings, emperors, and other political leaders. The Church not only ruled spiritual matters but also owned land and had political authority, such as in the Papal States. The crowning of Charlemagne as Emperor by the Pope in 800 AD exemplifies the Church's strong influence on political affairs. This period also saw the Church leading events such as the Crusades, which were religious and military campaigns with major political implications.