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Charlemagne was the third leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD 751 to 987. He was a Christian and did much to expand both his kingdom and Christianity. He promoted education, starting palace schools, and attempted to reestablish the Roman Empire, though without success.
Charlemagne was the third leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD 751 to 987. He was a Christian and did much to expand both his kingdom and Christianity. He promoted education, starting palace schools, and attempted to reestablish the Roman Empire, though without success. His name translates to, "Charles the Great."
He is depicted in the epic poem "[[Song of Roland]]" as being significantly above human height, and 200 years old. The exaggerations are obvious markers of the [[oral tradition]] common to the era. The poem begins with a description of the Emperor:
He is depicted in the epic poem "[[Song of Roland]]" as being significantly above human height, and 200 years old. The exaggerations are obvious markers of the [[oral tradition]] common to the era. The poem begins with a description of the Emperor:
:: He's won the highlands as far as the Main,
:: He's won the highlands as far as the Main,
:: City nor wall is left for him to break,
:: City nor wall is left for him to break,
:: Save Sargossa in its high mountain place.<ref>''Song of Roland,'' trans. Dorothy Sayers, available [http://www.amazon.com/Song-Roland-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140440755/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-6896887-5284101?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174767907&sr=8-1 here]</ref>.
:: Save Sargossa in its high mountain place.
:: Marsilion holds it, the King who hates God's name.
:: Mahoud he serves, and to Appolyon prays.
:: He'll not escape the ruin that awaits.<ref>''Song of Roland,'' trans. Dorothy Sayers, available [http://www.amazon.com/Song-Roland-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140440755/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-6896887-5284101?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174767907&sr=8-1 here]</ref>
The poem dramatizes Charlemagne's attempt at reconquering [[Spain]] from the [[Moors]], a process begun by his grandfather [[Charles Martel]].
Careful readers notice markers of typical medeival Christian anti-Muslim [[polemic]] - characterization of Muslims as worshiping [[Mohammed]] rather than [[God]], and praying to [[Apollo]]. The poem dramatizes Charlemagne's attempt at reconquering [[Spain]] from the [[Moors]], a process begun by his grandfather [[Charles Martel]], but attributed in the poem to Charlemagne.
== References ==
== References ==
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