Overview
This lecture covers Einhard's account of the life and reign of Charlemagne, focusing on his military campaigns, domestic reforms, personal life, and legacy as the most influential Frankish king and Holy Roman Emperor.
Early Frankish Kingdom and Charlemagne’s Rise
- The Merovingian kings lost power to the Mayor of the Palace, ending with Childeric III’s deposition.
- Charles Martel, Charlemagne’s grandfather, defeated the Saracens at Poitiers.
- Pepin, Charlemagne’s father, became king, ending Merovingian rule and beginning Carolingian dynasty.
- After Pepin's death, the kingdom split between Charlemagne and his brother Carloman; Charlemagne became sole king after Carloman's death.
Major Military Campaigns
- Charlemagne completed the Aquitanian War, subdued Aquitania and Gascony.
- Conquered Lombards in Italy, expelling King Desiderius and placing his son Pepin as King of Italy.
- Fought the Saxon Wars for 33 years, forcibly converting Saxons to Christianity.
- Led campaigns in Spain (defeat at Roncevalles), against the Bretons, Beneventans, Bavarians, Slavs, Huns (Avars), Bohemians, and Danes (Northmen).
- Expanded the Frankish kingdom to double its size, extending authority across much of Western and Central Europe.
Administration, Foreign Relations, and Reforms
- Built notable public works: basilica at Aix-la-Chapelle and bridge over the Rhine.
- Maintained friendly relations with rulers of Spain, Scotland, the Persians (Harun al-Rashid), and Byzantium.
- Made legal reforms, codified laws, and promoted use of the Frankish language for months and winds.
- Was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800, founding the Holy Roman Empire.
Private Life and Personality
- Had several wives, many children, valued education for both sons and daughters.
- Fostered strong family ties and friendships, but kept his daughters unmarried.
- Survived two major conspiracies against him, showing justice and mercy.
- Generous to the poor and especially supportive of the Roman Church.
Character, Habits, and Education
- Described as tall and strong, dignified, with fair hair and animated eyes.
- Wore traditional Frankish dress, avoided luxury except on special occasions.
- Practiced moderation in food and drink, enjoyed reading and music at meals.
- Mastered Latin, understood Greek, valued the liberal arts, and attempted writing in old age.
- Deeply pious, attended church frequently, enriched and protected churches.
Death and Legacy
- Appointed his son Louis as co-Emperor before dying in 814 at age 72.
- Buried in his basilica at Aix-la-Chapelle.
- Divided his treasures among churches, heirs, the poor, and palace servants in his will.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Merovingians — The dynasty that ruled the Franks before the Carolingians.
- Mayor of the Palace — Chief official who held real political power in late Merovingian times.
- Saxon Wars — Prolonged campaigns by Charlemagne to conquer and Christianize the Saxons.
- Holy Roman Empire — Empire established by Charlemagne after his imperial coronation in 800.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Einhard’s full text for deeper examples of Charlemagne's reforms and administration.
- Study the map of Charlemagne’s empire to visualize territorial expansion.
- Prepare notes on differences between Merovingian and Carolingian rule.