The Holy Roman Empire was a political entity in Europe that is traditionally believed to have been established either by Charlemagne, who was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III in 800 CE, or by German King Otto I, who was crowned emperor in 962 CE. Its name reflects Charlemagne's claim that it was the successor to the Roman Empire and that he was God's vicar in the temporal realm. The empire was formally dissolved when Francis II renounced the title of Holy Roman Emperor after his defeat by whom? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst17908_Holy-Roman-Empire-Formally-Dissolved--1806-.aspx)
Source: The Free Dictionary Encyclopedia.