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Charlemagne
In the year of 742 B.C. Charlemagne was born as the eldest sun of Pippin the Short and Bertrada. Twenty six years later (768 B.C) he inherited
the western part of his father’s kingdom; the other part was given to his
younger brother Carloman. Charlemagne used the following 46 years for
the realization of his personal life’s work: “to increase God’s realm on
earth”. He managed this very successfully, as half of Europe succumbed
to his command – more or less voluntarily. Charlemagne experienced the
pinnacle of his career when he was crowned “Imperator Romanorum” by
Pope Leo III in Rome on the 25th of December 800. Nobody had been
given this title for more than 300 years.
So much might and greatness encourage the assumption that Charlemagne was a rigorous and uncompromising sovereign. In addition his
size (1.90 m) and his upright, straight posture made him one of the most
imposing figures of his time. The description of his biographer Einhard,
on the one hand, characterized him as a lenient, generous and liberal
person, who, on the other hand, tended to impulsive and hasty action.
Besides his mother tongue (Frankish), Charlemagne also spoke Latin
and Greek. Moreover he developed Frankish grammar and together with
his adviser Alcuin he introduced elementary school education, which
made no difference between servants and freeborn people
In spite of his success, Charlemagne kept his feet on the ground. His
clothes were not very different from those worn by his people. He drank
alcohol moderately and avoided formal banquets whenever he could. He
much more preferred to organize so-called “Carolingian Hall Evenings“,
at which a lot of good food was eaten, music was made and discussions
were held in a laid back and enjoyable atmosphere. At such events his
dedication to his family became obvious, because his entourage included
the whole household with all servants and advisers.
Apropos family: from today’s understanding this chapter was special. He
survived four wives and had several unofficial wives, who were at that
Your contact:
aachen tourist service e.v.
Christina Crolla
Krefelder Straße 123
52070 Aachen
Tel.: +49 241 18029-41
Fax: +49 241 18029-30
[email protected]
time called “Friedelfrauen”. This way he produced eleven children from
his marriages and another eight from outside his marriages.
Charlemagne loved bathing in the hot springs. Daily he used to swim two
hours and since he enjoyed company so much, usually hundreds of other
people surrounded him taking a bath. Another preference was hunting in
extensive woodland.
Shortly before his death, when he was 72 years old, ruling of the empire
became difficult. Internally the empire was threatened by riots and rebellion and externally France and Denmark posed a threat. After a hunting
accident Charlemagne got ill with pleurisy, of which he died on the 28th of
January 814. He was buried on the same day in the Aachen palace
chapel (today’s cathedral).
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Your contact:
aachen tourist service e.v.
Christina Crolla
Krefelder Straße 123
52070 Aachen
Tel.: +49 241 18029-41
Fax: +49 241 18029-30
[email protected]