Both Charlemagne and Pope Leo III shared the opinion that a Germanic king should be crowned as successor of the Roman Emperors. The main reason for this was consolidation of power. The Germanic people became the dominant force after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, dominating most of Western and Central Europe, and up to the Baltic. The interest of the Pope was that in this manner the Church will get the best protector it can get in Europe. The interest of Charlemagne was that by gaining the title he will rule much more easily as he will be seen as both protector of the faith as well as emperor.