The Holy Roman Empire is a multi-ethnic complex of territories in central Europe that developed during the Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806.

The core and largest territory of the empire is the Kingdom of Germany, though it includes at times the Kingdom of Italy, the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the Kingdom of Burgundy, as well as numerous other territories.

The empire had grown out of East Francia, a primary division of the Frankish Empire.

Pope Leo III had crowned Frankish king Charlemagne as emperor on Christmas Day 800, restoring the title in the West after more than three centuries.

After Charlemagne died, the title had passed in a desultory manner during the decline and fragmentation of the Carolingian dynasty, eventually falling into abeyance.

The title is revived in 962 when Otto I is crowned emperor, fashioning himself as the successor of Charlemagne and beginning a continuous existence of the empire for over eight centuries.

Some historians refer to the coronation of Charlemagne as the origin of the empire, while others prefer the coronation of Otto I as its beginning.

Scholars generally concur, however, in relating an evolution of the institutions and principles comprising the empire, describing a gradual assumption of the imperial title and role.

The precise term Holy Roman Empire is not used until the 13th century, but the doctrine of translatio imperii ("transfer of rule") is fundamental to the prestige of the emperor, the notion that he holds supreme power inherited from the emperors of Rome.

The office of Holy Roman Emperor is traditionally elective, although frequently controlled by dynasties.

The German prince-electors, the highest ranking noblemen of the empire, usually elect one of their peers as "King of the Romans", and he is later to be crowned emperor by the Pope; the tradition of papal coronations is discontinued in the 16th century.

The empire never achieves the extent of political unification formed in France, evolving instead into a decentralized, limited elective monarchy composed of hundreds of sub-units, principalities, duchies, counties, Free Imperial Cities, and other domains.

The power of the emperor is limited, and while the various princes, lords, and kings of the empire are vassals and subjects who owe the emperor their allegiance, they also possess an extent of privileges that give them de facto sovereignty within their territories.

Emperor Francis II dissolves the empire in August 1806 after its defeat by Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz.