Charlemagne
the
“Father of Europe”
Charlemagne (Karl der Grosse) died in 814 at Aachen having ruled for some
48 years over territories that comprise the hub of the EC today, both France
and Germany. The silver coins of the Carolingians were the pre-cursors of
the Euro. The concept of “Carolingian Renaissance” (coined by historians)
can be seen as a formative step in the evolution of the Western civilisation
towards what would become centuries later the Renaissance. The devastation caused by the Barbaric invasions plunged the remains of the Roman empire in the “dark ages” of the centuries preceding the empire. The relation
of Charlemagne with the pope is also crucial to understand the role of Christianity as a foundation of the moral authority of his empire. The rivalry between the secular and the religious order partly explains why the Carolingian
empire failed to achieve a sustainable political entity. History can be dominated by nationalist interpretations, or by post-imperial voices, so it is interesting to look at an imperial leader from the epoch when much of Europe
consisted of warring tribes. Both France and Germany claim a legacy from
the Frankish King, Charlemagne.
www.lllkzn.net [email protected] 073 7257381
Join Prof Jacqueline Machabeis as she presents an interesting
2 hour visual presentation on the fascinating history of
Charlemagne
Wednesday
23 April 2014
18:00 - 20:00
Howard College, MTB West Wing
1st Floor, German French Italian
Programmes - Media Room F251
Please book via www.lllkzn.net
R100 with R75 early bird discount
if paid by EFT before the event
Students free
(plse book attendance via the website)