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Charlemagne (/ ˈʃɑːrləmeɪn, ˌʃɑːrləˈmeɪn / SHAR-lə-mayn, -MAYN; 2 April 748 [a] – 28 January 814) was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774, and Emperor of what is now known as the Carolingian Empire from 800, holding these titles until his death in 814.
- Charlemagne's Early Years
- Charlemagne Expands His Christian Empire
- Charlemagne’s Family
- Holy Roman Emperor
- Carolingian Empire
- Charlemagne’s Death and Succession
- Charlemagne’s Skull
- Sword of Charlemagne
- Sources
Charlemagne—sometimes referred to as Charles the Great—was born around 742, the son of Bertrada of Laon (d.783) and Pepin the Short (d.768), who became king of the Franks in 751. Charlemagne’s exact birthplace is unknown, although historians have suggested Liege in present-day Belgium and Aachen in modern-day Germany as possible locations. Similarl...
Once in power, Charlemagne sought to unite all the Germanic peoples into one kingdom, and convert his subjects to Christianity. In order to carry out this mission, he spent the majority of his reign engaged in military campaigns. Soon after becoming king, he conquered the Lombards (in present-day northern Italy), the Avars (in modern-day Austria an...
In his personal life, Charlemagne had multiple wives and mistresses and perhaps as many as 18 children. He was reportedly a devoted father, who encouraged his children’s education. He allegedly loved his daughters so much that he prohibited them from marrying while he was alive. Einhard, a Frankish scholar and contemporary of Charlemagne, wrote a b...
In his role as a zealous defender of Christianity, Charlemagne gave money and land to the Christian church and protected the popes. As a way to acknowledge Charlemagne’s power and reinforce his relationship with the church, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor of the Romans and first ruler of the vast Holy Roman Empire on December 25, 800, at S...
Charlemagne ruled from a number of cities and palaces throughout the Carolingian Empire, but spent significant time in Aachen. His palace there included a school, for which he recruited the best teachers in the land. In addition to learning, Charlemagne was interested in athletic pursuits. Known to be highly energetic, he enjoyed hunting, horseback...
Einhard wrote that Charlemagne was in good health until the final four years of his life, when he often suffered from fevers and acquired a limp. However, as the biographer notes, “Even at this time…he followed his own counsel rather than the advice of the doctors, whom he very nearly hated, because they advised him to give up roasted meat, which h...
Years after his burial in Aachen, authorities believe that pieces of Charlemagne’s skull and some of his bones were exhumed for placement in church reliquaries throughout Europe. Most of his skeleton, however, is believed to have stayed at his cathedral in Aachen. In 2014, researchers determined that Charlemagne’s skull and other bones in Aachen we...
Another remnant from Charlemagne’s reign has achieved near-mythic status: La Joyeuse, or “the Joyous,” a medieval sword, is believed by some authorities to be the sword Charlemagne carried into battle. Armory experts debate whether the sword — a 38-inch weapon with a gold hilt — is actually the sword of Charlemagne, or a later creation that was use...
Charlemagne lived on. Route Charlemagne Aachen. Charlemagne in Aachen 2014. Medieval Histories. Charlemagne's Bones Are Likely Authentic, Scientists Say. LiveScience.com. The Sword of Charlemagne. MyArmoury.com.
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Sep 16, 2024 · Quick Facts. Also called: Charles I. Byname: Charles the Great. Born: April 2, 747? Died: January 28, 814, Aachen, Austrasia [now in Germany] Title / Office: emperor (800-814), Holy Roman Empire. House / Dynasty: Carolingian dynasty. Notable Family Members: father Pippin III. son Louis I. Top Questions. Why is Charlemagne famous?
- Allison C Meier
- His father wasn’t born a king. Charlemagne’s father, Pepin III—often called Pepin the Short—was mayor of the palace (administrator of the royal court) before he was named the first king of the Franks.
- Charlemagne’s brother died soon after becoming co-king. After Pepin III died, Charlemagne shared power with his younger brother Carloman, with the two acting as joint kings.
- He’s considered the father of Europe. As the king of the Franks, Charlemagne set out on an ambitious and bloody campaign to expand his territory. By the time of his death in 814, this kingdom included the majority of what is now considered Western, and some of Central, Europe.
- Being crowned emperor may have been a surprise to Charlemagne. Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor at Christmas mass in 800. Charlemagne had arrived in Rome a few weeks earlier at the request of the pope, but by many accounts, including that of his court scholar Einhard, he was not expecting his new role, and only realized what was happening when the pope put the imperial crown on his head.
Mar 25, 2019 · Charlemagne, King of the Franks from 768 to 814, is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Europe" for his role in unifying Western Europe, implementing educational and ecclesiastical reforms, and laying the foundations for modern European nations.
- Joshua J. Mark
Oct 11, 2020 · The Franks’ greatest warrior-king Charlemagne died in 814 and was succeeded to the throne by his son Louis the Pious. The article below contains everything you need to know about the birth story, family, reign, and accomplishments of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.
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Charlemagne © Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was king of the Franks and Christian emperor of the West. He did much to define the shape and character of medieval Europe and presided over the...
