Charlemagne's full name was Carolus Magnus, Latin for “Charles the Great.” He is also known as Karl der Große in German.1)
Charlemagne was born on April 2, but the exact year is uncertain, either 747 or 748.2)
Charlemagne was the son of Pepin the Short, the first king of the Carolingian dynasty, and Bertrada of Laon.3)
Charlemagne became King of the Franks in 768, succeeding his father, Pepin the Short.4)
Charlemagne ruled for 46 years, from 768 until his death in 814.5)
Initially, Charlemagne co-ruled with his younger brother Carloman I, but Carloman's sudden death in 771 made Charlemagne the sole ruler.6)
Charlemagne greatly expanded the Frankish Empire, conquering much of Western and Central Europe, including parts of present-day France, Germany, Italy, and beyond.7)
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)
Charlemagne is often considered the first Holy Roman Emperor, even though the official Holy Roman Empire was established later.9)
His coronation marked the revival of the Roman Empire in the West, which had fallen nearly 300 years earlier.10)
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)
He invited the scholar Alcuin of York to his court, who became one of the leading figures in the Carolingian Renaissance.13)
Under Charlemagne's rule, the Carolingian minuscule, a standardized script, was developed. It became the basis for modern European handwriting.14)
Charlemagne divided his empire among his three sons, but only one, Louis the Pious, survived to inherit the entire empire.15)
He established the Missi Dominici, royal agents who traveled throughout the empire to ensure local officials were obeying royal orders.16)
Charlemagne reformed the Church, standardizing liturgical practices and strengthening the Church’s ties to the state.17)
He supported missionary efforts to convert pagan tribes, particularly in Saxony and the Slavic regions.18)
Charlemagne fought a series of brutal wars against the Saxons, eventually conquering and Christianizing them.19)
He issued legal decrees known as capitularies, which covered a wide range of topics, from religious to administrative matters.20)
Charlemagne was a patron of the arts and letters, commissioning many works of art and literature.21)
He built a grand palace and chapel at Aachen (modern-day Germany), which became the center of his empire.22)
Charlemagne is often referred to as the “Father of Europe” due to his role in shaping the continent's political and cultural landscape.23)
He formed a close alliance with the papacy, which solidified the relationship between the Frankish kingdom and the Catholic Church.24)
Charlemagne used marriage as a diplomatic tool, marrying several times and arranging marriages for his children to form alliances.25)
Contemporary accounts describe Charlemagne as tall (around 6 feet 3 inches), with a commanding presence, fair hair, and a full face.26)
Charlemagne was reportedly fluent in Latin and understood Greek, though he primarily spoke Old High German.27)
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)
He reformed the coinage system, introducing a silver-based currency that became a standard in Europe for centuries.30)
Charlemagne was buried in Aachen Cathedral, and his tomb became a major pilgrimage site.31)
Charlemagne was canonized by the antipope Paschal III in 1165, although his sainthood is not universally recognized by the Catholic Church.32)
His reign is often seen as a precursor to the idea of a unified Europe, influencing later European leaders.33)
The Charlemagne Prize, awarded annually in Aachen, honors individuals or institutions for their contributions to European unity.34)
Charlemagne implemented economic reforms, such as standardizing weights and measures, to promote trade and stability.35)
He reorganized the military, establishing a system of feudal obligations that became the basis for medieval European warfare.36)
Charlemagne is a central figure in “The Song of Roland,” an epic poem that glorifies his reign and military campaigns.37)
Charlemagne has been depicted in countless works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts.38)
His legal reforms influenced the development of European law, particularly in France and Germany.39)
His legendary sword, Joyeuse, is a symbol of his power and is part of the French coronation regalia.40)
The Annales Regni Francorum, or Annals of the Frankish Kings, provide a detailed account of his reign and accomplishments.41)
Numerous relics and myths have grown around Charlemagne, including claims that he will return to save Europe in its time of need.42)
Napoleon Bonaparte admired Charlemagne and saw himself as his successor, even being crowned Emperor in a similar ceremony.43)
Charlemagne encouraged the education of women, particularly in religious communities.44)
Charlemagne’s reign laid the groundwork for the feudal system that would dominate Europe for centuries.45)