Charlemagne

NAME Charlemagne (Latin: Carolus Magnus), also known as Charles the Great.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Charlemagne is famous for being the King of the Franks, the King of the Lombards, and the first Holy Roman Emperor. He united much of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages and laid the foundations for modern France and Germany.

BIRTH Charlemagne was born on April 2, 747 (traditionally believed to be in Aachen, modern-day Germany), though some sources suggest he may have been born in Herstal, modern-day Belgium.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Charlemagne was the son of Pepin the Short, King of the Franks, and Bertrada of Laon. His family, the Carolingians, were a Frankish noble family who came to prominence in the 7th century. 

Despite his father's diminutive stature (standing at approximately 4'6"), Pepin was a formidable warrior of German ancestry, wielding a 6-foot sword that struck fear into his enemies. 

Charlemagne's lineage included the legendary Roland as his nephew and Charles Martel, his grandfather, who earned the moniker "Charles the Hammer" for his decisive victory against Muslim invaders near Tours, forcing their retreat into Spain.

Charlemagne had a brother, Carloman, with whom he initially co-ruled the Frankish kingdom until Carloman’s death in 771.

CHILDHOOD Little is known about Charlemagne's early childhood. He grew up in a royal Frankish court, surrounded by the political and military culture of his time. His early years were marked by his father's campaigns to consolidate and expand the Frankish territories.

EDUCATION Charlemagne was a real brainbox for his time, a sultan of knowledge in the dark ages. His mom, Bertrada, gave him a head start by teaching him to read. He became a master of Latin and German and could even understand Greek. In fact, he spoke Latin almost as well as his native tongue.

In 782, Charlemagne's intellectual pursuits reached new heights with the arrival of Alcuin, an Anglo-Saxon scholar from Northumbria. This marked the beginning of the Carolingian Renaissance a cultural renaissance, with Charlemagne establishing an academy at his court in Aachen. This institution, possibly the first to offer classical education to laypeople, educated young nobles and gifted students from humble backgrounds alike.

Charlemagne's commitment to education extended beyond his court. In 789, he issued the Admonitio Generalis, decreeing that every monastery should establish a school to teach boys singing, arithmetic, and grammar. He also recruited numerous literate Christians from Britain and Ireland to staff schools across his empire.

Despite his intellectual pursuits, Charlemagne never mastered the art of writing. Though he could read, he struggled with penmanship and eventually abandoned his efforts to learn. As a result, he dictated his correspondence. In his later years, it's said he kept writing tablets under his pillow, attempting to practice during sleepless nights.

CAREER RECORD Charlemagne became King of the Franks on December 4, 768, following his father’s death. He expanded his kingdom through a series of military campaigns against the Lombards, Saxons, Avars, and Moors.

In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the Romans, marking the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire. His reign was marked by administrative reforms, the spread of Christianity, and cultural revival.

APPEARANCE Often exaggerated as a towering figure, Charlemagne stood at a more modest six feet tall, a considerable height for his era. His physical presence was marked by a prominent, straight nose, broad shoulders, and a thick neck. His light yellow hair and large, intelligent eyes, coupled with a drooping Frankish mustache, gave him a distinctive appearance. Despite his imposing stature and strong voice, he occasionally stuttered, adding an unexpected layer to his personality.

Mask reliquary of Charlemagne at Cathedral Treasury in Aachen. By Beckstet Wikipedia 

FASHION In keeping with Frankish tradition, Charlemagne eschewed foreign fashions. His attire consisted of simple linen garments, including shirts, drawers, and stockings. In colder months, he layered his clothing with a waistcoat made from otter skin. A cane cut from an apple tree, adorned with symmetrical knots, was a constant companion, and his sword was always within reach.

CHARACTER Beyond his physical attributes, Charlemagne possessed a magnetic personality. He was dignified, charismatic, and energetic, often described as "dominating, colorful, and accessible." While his temper could be quick, he was also deeply pious. His secretary, Eginhard, noted Charlemagne had a "face laughing and merry...his appearance was always stately dignified." Charlemagne's ability to express himself clearly and fluently contributed to his commanding presence.

SENSE OF HUMOUR He was known for his love of conversation, and it is believed he had a sharp wit, particularly in diplomatic and courtly settings.

RELATIONSHIPS Charlemagne was a man of company, loathing solitude. His marital history was marked by a series of four marriages, each of which he dissolved after a relatively short period, 

His most significant union was with Desiderata, the daughter of the Lombard king, Desiderius. This alliance, forged in 770, was short-lived, ending in divorce a year later. He also married Hildegard of Alemmani and Fastrada, both of whom died prematurely. His final marriage was to Luitgard, who passed away in 800.

Despite his frequent marital changes, Charlemagne was known for his devotion to his wives during the course of each marriage. However, his personal life extended beyond his official unions. In the spirit of the age, he had several mistresses, resulting in numerous children. 

As a father, Charlemagne was strict, and two of his three sons tragically died in 811. His surviving son, Louis the Pious, inherited the throne and embarked on a series of reforms, including the dissolution of his father's mistresses, the banishment of his immoral sisters, and the revitalization of the church. Louis's reign was marked by a deep piety, and his death in 811, hastened by a solar eclipse, was seen as a divine intervention.

Charlemagne's relationship with his daughters remains a subject of speculation. None of them entered into sacramental marriages, a practice that may have been intended to limit potential alliances. After his death, the surviving daughters were forced to enter monasteries. However, at least one of them, Bertha, had a recognized relationship, if not a marriage, with Angilbert, a member of Charlemagne's court.

He was also known for his alliances with other rulers, both within and outside of Europe.

MONEY AND FAME Charlemagne was one of the wealthiest and most powerful rulers of his time, thanks to his vast territories and conquests. His fame spread throughout Europe, both as a formidable military leader and as a champion of Christianity.

Charlemagne's reign was marked by significant economic reforms. His coinage, featuring his profile in the style of a Roman emperor, was a tangible symbol of his authority. In 779, he issued the "Capitulary of Herstal," a decree aimed at enforcing the payment of tithes to the Church by every male subject.

Building upon his father's reforms, Charlemagne abandoned the gold sou-based monetary system and adopted the system established by Pepin. He introduced a new standard, the livre, which served as both a monetary unit and a unit of weight. Equivalent to 20 sous or 240 deniers, the livre was a significant departure from the existing system. While the livre and the sou were primarily accounting units, the denier remained the primary coin of the realm.

Charlemagne's reforms had a profound impact on the European continent, with many regions adopting his system. Similarly, King Offa of Mercia voluntarily adopted the English equivalent of Charlemagne's standard. However, after Charlemagne's death, the quality of continental coinage began to deteriorate, leading many parts of Europe to rely on the high-quality English coins until around the 1100s.

FOOD AND DRINK Charlemagne had a relatively simple diet, favoring roasted meats, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and a moderate amount of wine. He preferred plain food and was cautious about his health.

His personal tastes leaned toward chickpeas and cheese, particularly brie, which he considered a culinary delight. Each Christmas, Charlemagne demanded two mule loads of Roquefort cheese be delivered to his palace.

Charlemagne was known for his inclusive nature, inviting people of all ranks to his dinner table. During meals, he preferred the company of public readers over jesters, demonstrating his intellectual inclination. 

A moderate drinker, he abhorred drunkenness and rarely consumed more than three cups of wine during a meal. His wife's influence led him to cultivate white wine grapes to avoid the staining effects of red wine on his beard.

Charlemagne's economic policies extended to agriculture. He mandated that regulated farms maintain beehives and contribute a portion of their honey and beeswax to the royal treasury. 

Despite his appreciation for certain foods, Charlemagne had a strained relationship with physicians. Their insistence on replacing his beloved roast beef with boiled meat met with his strong resistance. 

To promote healthier eating habits, he ordered that all his farms establish fish ponds, encouraging the consumption of fish during religious fast days.

Charlemagne's contributions extended beyond governance and cuisine. He played a pivotal role in the development of herbal cultivation. Under his leadership, the first systematic plantings of temperate condimental plants were established throughout his realm. In 812, he directed the imperial farms in Germany to cultivate a variety of useful plants, including anise, fennel, fenugreek, and flax.

MUSIC AND ARTS Charlemagne was a great patron of the arts, particularly music. He promoted church music, especially Gregorian chant, and was instrumental in establishing a standardized form of liturgical music across his empire.

Charlemagne's lavish feasts were enlivened by the talents of mime artists and musicians. 

A passionate lover of music, he took particular pride in his boys' choir. 

He collected ancient Frankish ballads and was deeply impressed by the exquisite Gregorian chants of Rome. 

To revitalize church music, Charlemagne dispatched monks from Rome to train his Frankish singers.

LITERATURE Charlemagne was a great supporter of literature and learning. He encouraged the copying and preservation of classical texts and supported the creation of new works. Although he himself was not highly literate, he promoted literacy and education among his court and clergy.

Charlemagne held St. Augustine's City of God in the highest esteem. 

He established Latin as the official language of his empire. 

Charlemagne's distinctive signature, known as an autograph, consisted of four letters: "k," "r," "l," and "s," representing his name in Latin. These letters were arranged at the ends of four branches of a cross, extending from a central diamond symbolizing the "o" in his name.

NATURE Charlemagne enjoyed hunting and had a strong affinity for the outdoors. He often hunted in the forests of his realm, particularly around his capital in Aachen.

According to legend, an abandoned horse once appeared at Charlemagne's palace, seeking justice. The emperor tracked down the horse's owner and punished him for neglecting his loyal companion.

PETS As a medieval king, he likely kept hunting dogs and horses, which were common among the nobility.

After the year 802, Charlemagne was accompanied on his royal tours by an elephant, a gift from Caliph Harun al-Rashid. His menagerie also included other exotic animals, such as a bear and a lion.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charlemagne was an avid hunter and enjoyed physical activities such as horseback riding and swimming. He frequently hunted in the forests near Aachen and swam in the hot springs of Aachen, and in his magnificent marble pool at his Aachen palace  Even in his old age, could outpace young men in swimming races

He was also known to enjoy playing chess and other board games.

Renowned for his exceptional strength, legend has it that he could bend three horseshoes at once with his bare hands.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Charlemagne encouraged the study of the liberal arts, including arithmetic, astronomy, and other sciences, as part of the Carolingian Renaissance. He invited scholars to his court to promote learning and research.

Charlemagne owned a fascinating water clock that marked the hours by dropping bronze balls into a bowl as mechanical knights emerged from small doors. 

He had a keen interest in mathematics and astronomy, studying the movements of the stars.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Charlemagne was a devout Christian deeply interested in Christian theology and philosophy. He engaged in theological debates, promoted church reforms, and worked closely with the Pope to strengthen the Catholic Church's authority. 

Charlemagne held the Church of Rome in great reverence, bestowing numerous gifts upon the Popes. Despite his deep respect, he made only four pilgrimages to Rome during his lifetime.

Charlemagne's coronation as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day, though he feigned surprise, was likely a carefully planned event. The intention was to establish a harmonious relationship between the state and the Church, working together for the glory of God and the well-being of mankind. This union was envisioned as the foundation of a Christian commonwealth, a realization of Augustine's City of God and the beginning of the Millennium. Charlemagne coined the term "Christendom" to describe this Christian kingdom under the Emperor.

Pope Leo III crowning Charlemagne. From Chroniques de France ou de Saint Denis, volume 1

Concerned about creating an educated clergy with a true understanding of Christianity, Charlemagne believed he was divinely inspired in battle and that his military conquests were intended to Christianize the pagan Saxons. However, the Saxons in Germany harbored resentment towards the Christian Franks and frequently raided, slaughtering priests and burning monasteries. Charlemagne's attempt to convert the Saxons by force only exacerbated the situation, leading to the beheading of 4,500 Saxons in a single day. Eventually, in 803, peace was established, and missionaries were able to convert the Saxons more peacefully and effectively.

Following his conquest of the pagan Saxons, Charlemagne enacted anti-pagan laws, such as punishing those who ate meat during Lent or pretended to be baptized with death. He also decreed that every household should have a leek on their roof to ward off evil spirits.

Accessible to all, Charlemagne invited anyone seeking justice to ring a bell at the gate of his palace. He viewed his rule as divinely sanctioned and strived to educate his clergy in the Word of God. A man of strong principles, he imposed the death penalty for breaking fasts during Lent, eating meat on a Friday, or refusing baptism. He forbade clergy from marrying, a significant contribution to the Church's celibate priesthood, and prohibited them from having concubines, visiting taverns, or going hunting.

Under Charlemagne's patronage, Christian activities flourished, and the great centers of learning he established were modeled after newly founded mission compounds in German territory, the work of British missionaries from places like Iona and Lindisfarne. With his support, a wide range of social, theological, and political issues were rigorously re-examined in the light of the Bible and early Christian writings.

POLITICS Charlemagne was a master politician, consolidating power through military conquest, strategic marriages, and alliances. He reformed the administration of his empire, establishing a network of counts and bishops to govern and promote justice.

SCANDAL There were few recorded scandals directly involving Charlemagne, though his numerous marriages and relationships were often subject to gossip. His ruthless treatment of the Saxons during his military campaigns, including the Massacre of Verden in 782, was highly controversial.

Charlemagne alienated the clergy by confiscating church lands and distributing them to his secular followers. In 794, he expelled one-third of all Saxon householders.

Following Charlemagne's death, his successor, Louis the Pious, was forced to banish Charlemagne's mistresses from the court. These women were the mothers of several illegitimate children fathered by the king, who claimed divine sanction for his actions.

MILITARY RECORD Charlemagne had a long and successful military career, expanding his empire significantly. He defeated the Lombards in Italy, subdued the Saxons in a brutal 30-year war, and campaigned against the Avars and Moors. His military prowess helped unify much of Western Europe under his rule.

Charlemagne led approximately 53 military campaigns, including at least 10 offensives against Saxony, a kingdom located to the northeast. Beginning in 755, he accompanied his father on numerous military expeditions. 

In 773, Pope Hadrian I sought Charlemagne's assistance after the Lombard King seized portions of the Papal States. Charlemagne responded by conquering Lombardy and declaring himself King of the Lombards. He laid siege to the city of Pavia to solidify his control over the Lombard kingdom.

In 778, Charlemagne's trusted nephew and general, Roland, was tragically killed in an ambush by the Basques.

After being driven from Rome by an uprising, Pope Leo III fled to Charlemagne's court. Charlemagne's armies successfully reclaimed Rome and restored Leo to the papal throne. In a significant declaration, Charlemagne stated, "Our task is, with the aid of divine piety, to defend the Holy Church of Christ with arms; your task, most Holy Father, is to lift up your hands to God, like Moses, so as to aid the troops."   

Charlemagne possessed a renowned sword called Flamberge or Floberge (The Flame Cutter), adorned with precious stones mounted in gold.

At the time of his death, Charlemagne's kingdom extended from France to Hungary.

Charlemagne's additions to the Frankish Kingdom

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charlemagne was known for his physical strength and robust health. He maintained his fitness through outdoor activities such as hunting, riding, and swimming. 

At Centula St. Riquier, a dedicated community of 300 monks and 100 clerks engaged in ceaseless prayer for Charlemagne's health and salvation, working in three shifts day and night.

After his midday meal, Charlemagne had a customary rest period of two or three hours. During the night, his sleep was so light that he would awaken four or five times, rising to wander about briefly. 

His health was generally excellent, except for the four years preceding his death, when he suffered from frequent fevers and gout.

HOMES Charlemagne was a patron of grand architecture, both ecclesiastical and secular. In 796, he constructed a palace church at Aachen, modeled after Justinian's San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. This structure eventually became Aachen Cathedral, renowned for its baths and marble columns. Today, only the chapel remains.

Unlike his predecessors, Charlemagne did not maintain a permanent palace. Instead, he traveled throughout his kingdom, residing in royal properties known as Pfalz. His favorite Pfalz was located at Aachen, which served as his primary residence and the political center of his empire. 

TRAVEL Charlemagne traveled extensively throughout his empire, visiting different regions to maintain control, oversee his governors, and administer justice. His travels took him across present-day France, Germany, Italy, and other parts of Western Europe.

DEATH Charlemagne died on January 28, 814, in Aachen, at the age of 66. Charlemagne's final words were "Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." After his death, he was embalmed, dressed in his royal robes, crowned, and seated upright on his marble throne. 

In the year 1000 AD, Emperor Otto III opened Charlemagne's tomb in Aachen Cathedral. To the astonishment of those present, Charlemagne's remains were revealed, seated upon a tomb as if alive. A crown adorned his skull, a globe rested in one hand, a scepter in the other, and the imperial mantle draped his shoulders. After offering prayers to Charlemagne, Otto III closed the tomb.

His tomb in Aachen Cathedral can still be visited today.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charlemagne has been depicted in numerous historical novels, films, and television series. He is often portrayed as a heroic figure who played a crucial role in shaping European history. They include:

1) During the Middle Ages, many legends and stories were written about Charlemagne and his deeds, reflecting his status as a larger-than-life figure in European history. The most famous of these is the "Song of Roland," a 12th-century epic poem that transforms a defeat of Charlemagne's forces by Pyrenean mountaineers at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 into a heroic stand against Muslim invaders. The poem details Charlemagne's invasion of Spain at the request of two Muslim princes, his occupation of Pamplona, and his failure to capture Zaragoza. Despite the ambush and death of his rearguard commander, Roland, the poem exalts Christianity over Islam and presents Charlemagne as a divine instrument for spreading the Christian faith.

2) Charlemagne is also a central figure in "Orlando Furioso," a celebrated epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto, first published in 1516. This Renaissance masterpiece builds on earlier Carolingian legends, narrating the adventures of Orlando (Roland) and his love for the princess Angelica, set against the backdrop of Charlemagne's wars against the Saracens. It is one of the most influential poems of the Renaissance, known for its complex narrative structure, imaginative plot, and exploration of themes like love, honor, and chivalry.

3) Charlemagne appears as a character in the 1972 musical Pippin, created by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson. The show centers on Charlemagne's son, Pippin, who embarks on a quest for meaning and fulfillment. Throughout the musical, Pippin explores various avenues, including war, religion, and sex, to find his own path, but ultimately struggles to discover his true purpose. Charlemagne is portrayed as a commanding and somewhat distant father figure whose expectations and authority influence Pippin's search for identity.

4) Charlemagne is celebrated in the national anthem of Andorra, titled "El Gran Carlemany" ("The Great Charlemagne"). The anthem, written in 1914, pays tribute to Charlemagne as the liberator of Andorra from the Saracens (Muslim invaders). It reflects the enduring legend of Charlemagne as a protector and a Christian ruler who fought against non-Christian forces in Europe.

5) The Vita Karoli Magni ("Life of Charlemagne") is a famous 9th-century biography written by Einhard, a Frankish nobleman and a close associate of Charlemagne. This biography is considered one of the most important contemporary sources on Charlemagne's life and reign, providing a detailed account of his achievements, personality, administration, military campaigns, and courtly life. Einhard's work greatly contributed to the formation of Charlemagne's legendary status in medieval and later European history.

6) Veteran actor Christopher Lee released two heavy metal concept albums inspired by the life of Charlemagne: 

Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross (2010) This was Christopher Lee’s first heavy metal album, presented as a symphonic rock opera. It combines elements of symphonic metal, classical music, and heavy metal to tell the story of Charlemagne, from his rise to power as King of the Franks to his crowning as Holy Roman Emperor. The album features Lee performing in an operatic style, with orchestral arrangements and choral vocals, capturing the grandeur and drama of Charlemagne's life. It received praise for its ambitious fusion of metal and classical elements.

Charlemagne: The Omens of Death (2013) The second album, released on Lee’s 91st birthday, takes a heavier, more traditional metal approach, featuring prominent electric guitars, fast-paced drumming, and intense vocals. It continues Charlemagne's story, focusing on the darker and more tumultuous periods of his reign, including themes of war, betrayal, and conflict.

ACHIEVEMENTS Charlemagne's achievements were vast and varied. He unified much of Western Europe under his rule, reformed the administration of his empire, and patronized the arts and sciences. His legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Sources Food For Thought by Ed Pearce,  Harraps Book of Scientific Anecdotes, The Faber Book of Anecdotes The. Penguin Book of Middle Ages by Morris Bishop, Discoveries CD Rom