Charlemagne (Charles the Great), King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

742–814

Frankish king and emperor

One of history’s great military leaders, Charlemagne conquered western Europe and restored the learning, morality, and order that had decayed during the Dark Ages.

At age 26, he inherited the Frankish Empire. A devout Christian, he quickly expanded its frontiers with the aim of creating a Christian empire. The key to his success was his brilliance as a military strategist. He sent out more than 50 military expeditions, leading at least half himself. By the end of the century, Charlemagne (Charles the Great), King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire dominated most of western and central Europe. In 800, he was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III, thus founding the Holy Roman Empire.

By establishing a centralized government, Charlemagne (Charles the Great), King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire restored much of the unity of the old Roman Empire. He reformed the Church and introduced jury courts. He revised coinage and weights and measures, and promoted agriculture, industry, and trade. Although he was illiterate, he founded schools and encouraged literature and the arts. His effect on the cultural life of western Europe was so all-pervasive that his reign is remembered as a period of renaissance.

APRIL 2, 742 (The exact birthdate and birthplace are disputed widely by historians) Born Charles, eldest son of Pepin the Short, first Carolingian king of the Franks.

768 Inherits the northern part of his father’s kingdom; his brother, Carloman, inherits the southern part.

770 Marries the daughter of the king of the Lombards.

771 Seizes southern territories upon the death of Carloman. Divorces his wife.

772- 74 At the request of Pope Hadrian, invades Italy and defeats the Lombards.

772 – 804 Engages in a series of campaigns against the Saxons in order to conquer and Christianize them.

778 Crosses Pyrenees to forestall invasion by Cordoba. Pamplona surrenders; sends forces to Barcelona. Repulsed at Zaragoza and retreats to Gascony.

781 The English scholar Alcuin of York enters his service, initiating the Carolingian Renaissance.

DECEMBER 25, 800 Crowned emperor by Pope Leo III during a special service in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

813 Names his third son, Louis, as his successor.

JANUARY 28, 814 Dies in Aachen, where he is buried.

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