Charlemagne or Charles the Great (742 – 814) was the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He was born in Achen (today Germany, but at that time part of the Frankish kingdom) as the son of King Pepin the Short and grandson of Charles Martel. He had four marriages with a large number of children.
Aachen, where he was born, was a crucial hub in Charlemagne’s empire. It was also his preferred place of residence and the location of his grand imperial palace.
Today, Charlemagne is known as one of the most significant figures in the entire history of Germany, and Aachen is known for the Aachen Dom (Cathedral), which has been declared a world heritage site.
The Carolingian throne, also known as Charlemagne’s throne chair, is kept in the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, Germany. The Palatine Chapel, an important building in the complex of the imperial palace of Charlemagne, was the place where successive emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned for the next 600 years (not all emperors were crowned in Aachen, sometimes the coronation was in Rome, depending on the political situation). The actual throne chair is made of marble and has elaborate carvings and decorations that capture the grandeur and authority of Charlemagne’s rule. It serves as a reminder of his influence and legacy.
On 25 December, 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as King of the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne ruled over a significant part of Western Europe at the time as the King of the Franks. Following a hiatus of several centuries, the coronation, which took place in Rome, marked the return of the title of Emperor to the West. The significance of this occasion lies in the fact that Charlemagne’s coronation represented the union of political and religious power through the Frankish kingdom and the Papacy. A complex relationship existed between the Emperor, the Pope, and various regional emperors during the Holy Roman Empire, which had its capital in Germany. It persisted until its dissolution in 1806 after more than a thousand years.
In 768 after the passing of his father, King Pepin the Short, Charlemagne ascended to the throne of the Franks. He was in charge of the Frankish territories, which included parts of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
In 774, Charlemagne extended his rule to the Italian peninsula by conquering the Lombard Kingdom in northern Italy.
The Pope conferred the honorific title of Roman Patrician on Charlemagne as a sign of the close ties that the Frankish kingdom and the Papacy shared. The title Charlemagne received was a reward for his defense of the Pope and the Church, particularly at a time when the Papacy was facing political and territorial challenges.
The Holy Roman Empire reached its height in terms of territory. At its height, the empire included modern-day France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, parts of Spain, and parts of Eastern Europe. It united various regions and peoples under a centralized authority. The empire’s exact size and boundaries changed over time as a result of conquests, territorial changes, and political shifts, but it was undeniably one of the largest and most powerful political entities of its time.
Charlemagne’s war path, or military campaigns, were a significant aspect of his reign as he sought to expand and consolidate his empire.
Conquest of Lombardy (773-774): Defeating King Desiderius, Lombardy Kingdom was incorporated into the Carolingian Empire.
Conquest of Saxony (772-804): In order to reassert Frankish control over the region, Charlemagne waged a series of wars against the Saxons in modern-day Germany
Campaign against the Avars (791-803): Campaign against the Avars (791-803): The Carolingian Empire faced a threat from the Avars, a nomadic people from Central Europe. Charlemagne led several campaigns against them, ultimately defeating and subjugating them.
Wars against the Moors in Spain (778): In Spain, Charlemagne launched a military campaign aimed primarily at the Muslim-ruled region of Catalonia. The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, associated with the heroic Roland, is immortalized in the epic poem “The Song of Roland.”
Wars against the Slavs (788-796): Charlemagne led expeditions against Slavic tribes in Eastern Europe in order to establish Frankish influence and control over the region.
Campaigns in Bavaria (787-788, 794): Charlemagne waged wars against the Bavarians in order to incorporate the region into his empire and assert his authority over the local rulers.
These military campaigns show Charlemagne’s desire to expand his empire, establish Frankish dominance, and spread Christianity. While his war path was marked by victories and territorial gains, it was also fraught with difficulties and necessitated ongoing efforts to maintain control over conquered territories.
Charlemagne was known for his beard, which became a symbol of kingship, power and greatness.
Charlemagne is described as having a long, well-groomed beard and a height of about 193 cm, which was an above-average height in the Middle Ages. He spoke Latin fluently, his native Old High German and partially Greek and was able to both read and write, although he had some difficulties with writing. It is often mentioned that he was illiterate, which is incorrect. He was educated in his youth and studied Latin, which enabled him to read and understand texts. However, his writing skills were less proficient compared to his reading abilities. He used the help of a scribe. His appreciation for books, learning, and intellectual pursuits remained significant throughout his life.
As far as is known, he had four wives: Desiderata of Langobard, Hildegard of Vinzgou, Fastrad, and Luitgard. Each marriage had an impact on political alliances, succession plans, and the expansion of the Empire. Charlemagne had many children, and the exact number is unknown due to weak historical records, the most commonly recognized number is around 18 children!
During the reign of Charlemagne, Aachen, also known as Aix-la-Chapelle, had a significant historical role. He spent a lot of time there, which served as his main residence and the political hub of Charlemagne’s empire. In addition, Charlemagne built his palace complex in Aachen, which included the Palatine Chapel, which served as the location of his imperial coronation in 800 AD. Charlemagne brought academics, architects, and craftspeople to his court, which helped the city flourish as a hub of learning, culture, and the arts. Carrying on Charlemagne’s legacy, Aachen remained a significant city throughout the Carolingian era and afterward.
The Charlemagne Chapel is part of the Aachen Cathedral, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The epic poem of Roland, a knight of Charlemagne, is a stirring tale of bravery and sacrifice. It recounts his valiant struggle against the Saracens in the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, emphasizing the virtues of honor, loyalty, and commitment to one’s cause. The story of Roland’s unwavering devotion to his emperor, even in the face of certain death, serves as an inspiration to all who seek to live a life of honor and purpose.
Language and culture were greatly impacted by Charlemagne’s rule. The development of German, the preservation of Latin, the thriving of the Carolingian Renaissance, and the development of European courtly culture are all results of his efforts to standardize language, advance education, and encourage intellectual pursuits.
Charlemagne assembled a group of academics, theologians, and scribes who fostered a culture that valued learning, literature, and the arts. The establishment of monastery scriptoriums during the Carolingian Empire helped spread and preserve knowledge. And the court of Charlemagne served as a model for European kings, influencing the development of court culture and administration and having a long-lasting effect on the traditions and customs of the hereditary European courts.
Charlemagne was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on European history. Military conquests, religious reforms, and the flourishing of culture and learning were hallmarks of his reign. His patronage of education, promotion of Christianity, and administrative reforms left a lasting legacy that shaped medieval Europe’s course. Charlemagne’s impact on European history is still celebrated, earning him the title “Father of Europe.”
The handwriting style known as Carolingian minuscule was created under Charlemagne to make it easier to read. It had standardized abbreviations, spaces between words, and consistently lowercase letters. It is still the foundation for contemporary Latin-based typography and influenced later scripts.
Until the appearance of the Gutenberg press in the mid-1440s, books were written, duplicated, and translated by hand.
