Table of Contents

Charlemagne

Full Name

Charlemagne's full name was Carolus Magnus, Latin for “Charles the Great.” He is also known as Karl der Große in German.1)

Born in 747 or 748

Charlemagne was born on April 2, but the exact year is uncertain, either 747 or 748.2)

Son of Pepin the Short

Charlemagne was the son of Pepin the Short, the first king of the Carolingian dynasty, and Bertrada of Laon.3)

Became King in 768

Charlemagne became King of the Franks in 768, succeeding his father, Pepin the Short.4)

Ruled for Over 40 Years

Charlemagne ruled for 46 years, from 768 until his death in 814.5)

Co-Ruled with His Brother

Initially, Charlemagne co-ruled with his younger brother Carloman I, but Carloman's sudden death in 771 made Charlemagne the sole ruler.6)

Expanded the Frankish Empire

Charlemagne greatly expanded the Frankish Empire, conquering much of Western and Central Europe, including parts of present-day France, Germany, Italy, and beyond.7)

Crowned Emperor in 800

On Christmas Day in the year 800, Charlemagne was crowned “Emperor of the Romans” by Pope Leo III, reviving the title in Western Europe.8)

First Holy Roman Emperor

Charlemagne is often considered the first Holy Roman Emperor, even though the official Holy Roman Empire was established later.9)

Revived the Roman Empire

His coronation marked the revival of the Roman Empire in the West, which had fallen nearly 300 years earlier.10)

Carolingian Renaissance

Charlemagne initiated the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, culture, and learning based on classical models.11)

Charlemagne promoted education and literacy, founding schools and encouraging the study of Latin, grammar, rhetoric, and logic.12)

Alcuin of York

He invited the scholar Alcuin of York to his court, who became one of the leading figures in the Carolingian Renaissance.13)

Established a Standardized Script

Under Charlemagne's rule, the Carolingian minuscule, a standardized script, was developed. It became the basis for modern European handwriting.14)

Divided the Empire

Charlemagne divided his empire among his three sons, but only one, Louis the Pious, survived to inherit the entire empire.15)

Missi Dominici

He established the Missi Dominici, royal agents who traveled throughout the empire to ensure local officials were obeying royal orders.16)

Religious Reforms

Charlemagne reformed the Church, standardizing liturgical practices and strengthening the Church’s ties to the state.17)

Supported Missionary Work

He supported missionary efforts to convert pagan tribes, particularly in Saxony and the Slavic regions.18)

Saxon Wars

Charlemagne fought a series of brutal wars against the Saxons, eventually conquering and Christianizing them.19)

Capitularies

He issued legal decrees known as capitularies, which covered a wide range of topics, from religious to administrative matters.20)

Cultural Patronage

Charlemagne was a patron of the arts and letters, commissioning many works of art and literature.21)

Palace at Aachen

He built a grand palace and chapel at Aachen (modern-day Germany), which became the center of his empire.22)

Pater Europae

Charlemagne is often referred to as the “Father of Europe” due to his role in shaping the continent's political and cultural landscape.23)

Alliance with the Papacy

He formed a close alliance with the papacy, which solidified the relationship between the Frankish kingdom and the Catholic Church.24)

Marriage Diplomacy

Charlemagne used marriage as a diplomatic tool, marrying several times and arranging marriages for his children to form alliances.25)

Personal Appearance

Contemporary accounts describe Charlemagne as tall (around 6 feet 3 inches), with a commanding presence, fair hair, and a full face.26)

Polyglot

Charlemagne was reportedly fluent in Latin and understood Greek, though he primarily spoke Old High German.27)

Interest in Learning

Despite being illiterate in his early years, Charlemagne learned to read later in life and took a keen interest in scholarly pursuits.28)

Charlemagne reformed the legal system, integrating Roman law with Germanic traditions and issuing numerous legal codes.29)

Coinage Reform

He reformed the coinage system, introducing a silver-based currency that became a standard in Europe for centuries.30)

Burial at Aachen

Charlemagne was buried in Aachen Cathedral, and his tomb became a major pilgrimage site.31)

Canonization

Charlemagne was canonized by the antipope Paschal III in 1165, although his sainthood is not universally recognized by the Catholic Church.32)

Legacy of Unity

His reign is often seen as a precursor to the idea of a unified Europe, influencing later European leaders.33)

Charlemagne Prize

The Charlemagne Prize, awarded annually in Aachen, honors individuals or institutions for their contributions to European unity.34)

Economic Policies

Charlemagne implemented economic reforms, such as standardizing weights and measures, to promote trade and stability.35)

Military Reforms

He reorganized the military, establishing a system of feudal obligations that became the basis for medieval European warfare.36)

The Song of Roland

Charlemagne is a central figure in “The Song of Roland,” an epic poem that glorifies his reign and military campaigns.37)

Depictions in Art

Charlemagne has been depicted in countless works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts.38)

Influence on Law

His legal reforms influenced the development of European law, particularly in France and Germany.39)

Charlemagne's Sword

His legendary sword, Joyeuse, is a symbol of his power and is part of the French coronation regalia.40)

Annals of the Frankish Kings

The Annales Regni Francorum, or Annals of the Frankish Kings, provide a detailed account of his reign and accomplishments.41)

Relics and Myth

Numerous relics and myths have grown around Charlemagne, including claims that he will return to save Europe in its time of need.42)

Admired by Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte admired Charlemagne and saw himself as his successor, even being crowned Emperor in a similar ceremony.43)

Education for Women

Charlemagne encouraged the education of women, particularly in religious communities.44)

Influence on Feudalism

Charlemagne’s reign laid the groundwork for the feudal system that would dominate Europe for centuries.45)